Government Spends Over Rs500 Million to Control PTI Protest
The federal government incurred over Rs500 million in expenses to manage the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, sources revealed to Express News.
The protest, launched by PTI from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, aimed to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan, and the resignation of the current government. The demonstration culminated on Tuesday night following a crackdown by security forces in Islamabad.
Senior PTI leaders reportedly fled from D-Chowk during the operation. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur later appeared in Mansehra, declaring the sit-in a continuous “movement” until further instructions from Imran Khan.
Breakdown of Expenditures
Islamabad’s police spent Rs332.8 million on security measures, including renting containers and procuring 35,000 tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and guns. Around 12,000 security personnel from federal, Punjab, Sindh, and Frontier Constabulary forces were deployed across the city between November 23 and 26.
Rs170 million was allocated for the personnel’s meals, vehicle fuel, and other logistical needs. Sources disclosed that 800 containers were placed at 24 strategic locations, including D-Chowk, Jinnah Avenue, Zero Point, and Srinagar Highway, with rentals costing Rs72.8 million as of November 28.
These substantial expenditures highlight the significant financial burden of maintaining order during the politically charged protest.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE