Islamabad: Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has revealed that the ongoing protests by the opposition are causing daily economic losses of PKR 190 billion to the national economy. Speaking to a private news channel, the minister highlighted disruptions in tax collection, impediments to business activities, and a significant decline in exports due to the protests and lockdowns.
He noted that maintaining law and order during the unrest has added to the government’s financial burden through increased security expenditures. The protests have also adversely affected the IT and telecom sectors, with service disruptions causing broader social and economic challenges.
According to a report prepared by the Ministry of Finance, Pakistan’s GDP is suffering daily losses of PKR 149 billion, while export shortfalls are costing the economy PKR 26 billion per day. Additionally, the decline in foreign direct investment amid the protests is resulting in daily losses of PKR 3 billion.
The minister also shed light on the impact on provincial economies, with the agricultural sector losing PKR 26 billion daily and the industrial sector facing losses exceeding PKR 20 billion per day.
He urged opposition parties to adopt a more responsible approach to prevent further damage to the economy, emphasizing the need for political stability to safeguard the country’s financial well-being.
