A recent protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Islamabad has resulted in damages estimated at Rs240 million to both public and private property. According to a report submitted by the Islamabad Inspector General’s office to the chief commissioner, the protests have had a significant impact on the city over the weekend.
The protests, which focused on the “independence of the judiciary” and the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, disrupted life in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. While the demonstrations have not been officially called off, supporters have not taken to the streets this week.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised to manage the situation, stating that he will not allow PTI to replicate the disruptive tactics used during their 2014 sit-in.
The report highlights severe damages during the protests, including the destruction of 441 safe city cameras worth Rs140 million, damage to 10 police vehicles, 31 motorcycles, and 51 gas masks. Protesters also damaged three private vehicles and a crane. Tragically, one policeman was killed, and 31 others were injured.
In addition to the physical damage, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the economic losses due to halted activities from the protests are estimated at a staggering Rs190 billion.