Pakistan protests could cost economy Rs120b a day, finance minister warns

According to Gulf News, the Pakistani finance ministry has issued a stark warning regarding the economic toll of ongoing civil unrest across the country. Officials estimate that the daily cost of the protests to the national economy could reach Rs120 billion, citing disruptions to supply chains, commerce, and general business activity.

The warning comes as various groups continue to stage demonstrations, leading to significant logistical challenges in major urban centers. The government has expressed concern that if the current level of instability persists, the cumulative impact on the national GDP could be substantial, potentially hindering ongoing efforts to stabilize the country's fiscal position.

While the protests have been driven by a variety of political and social grievances, the finance ministry's statement emphasizes the immediate financial consequences for the private sector and the broader economy. Authorities have urged for a return to normalcy to prevent further erosion of economic growth and to ensure that essential services remain uninterrupted. There has been no immediate response from protest organizers regarding these specific economic figures.