ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that protests and prolonged sit-ins could cause an estimated economic loss of around Rs120 billion per day, as political parties prepare for planned marches towards Islamabad.
Aurangzeb said the estimate was based on consultations and research conducted with the economic wing of the Planning Commission. His warning comes ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) planned nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27.
The government has said it will take measures to prevent the march, while PTI has maintained that its protest is aimed at demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan and calling for the supremacy of the Constitution.
In this regard, the services sector could suffer the largest portion of the estimated loss, with financial services, communications, retail, transportation, wholesale and hospitality collectively facing an estimated loss of Rs86 billion.
The industrial sector could incur another Rs25bn in losses, including potential disruptions to construction, finished goods, raw materials and supply chains.
The agriculture sector, meanwhile, was estimated to face losses of around Rs9bn.
Aurangzeb also estimated an additional revenue loss of Rs17bn if the proposed protests and sit-ins proceed.
The finance minister linked his warning to wider economic pressures arising from tensions in the Middle East. He said disruptions to supply chains, along with higher freight and insurance costs, were already creating challenges for businesses and the economy.
He also referred to the recent Kohat bombing and the security challenges facing the country.
Aurangzeb mentioned the government’s export-led growth strategy, saying the current fiscal year’s export target stood at $35.9 billion, with a six per cent increase expected.
He said exports had remained on track during the first two months of the fiscal year but warned that major disruptions could affect this trajectory.
The minister also pointed to the Information Technology sector. According to his figures, IT exports reached $811 million during July and August, averaging around $13m per day.
He warned that previous internet connectivity problems associated with civil-disobedience activities had affected IT exports significantly, saying the sector had experienced an 80 per cent impact during earlier disruptions.
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The PTI protest is not the only planned political mobilisation around the capital. Jamaat-i-Islami has also launched a march towards Islamabad, with the party demanding an end to the fuel levy. Other groups have also announced protest activity during the period.
Aurangzeb recalled previous instances of disruption, including a strike in December 2025, saying it took about one and a half months for the economy to recover from the resulting losses.
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He warned that further disruptions could affect economic growth at a time when Pakistan is already dealing with external pressures, supply-chain challenges and regional tensions.
