According to Aurangzeb, previous internet connectivity disruptions had affected IT exports significantly.

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that protests and sit-ins could cause economic losses of around Rs120 billion per day, citing estimates prepared by the Planning Commission.

Aurangzeb issued the warning in a televised recorded message on Sunday, days before the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is scheduled to hold a nationwide protest on September 27. The PTI has said it plans to march towards Islamabad and is demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan.

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) also began its march towards Islamabad on Sunday as part of its campaign against the petroleum levy.

Aurangzeb described possible prolonged protests and sit-ins as a potential economic setback, particularly amid disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

According to the finance minister, the Planning Commission’s estimate puts the daily loss at Rs120 billion. He said the services sector could suffer the largest impact, with an estimated loss of Rs86 billion per day.

The industrial sector was estimated to face losses of around Rs25 billion, while the agriculture sector could lose approximately Rs9 billion, Aurangzeb said.

He also estimated that the government could face an additional Rs17 billion in revenue losses if the protests go ahead.

The finance minister said protests could also create additional costs for the government through the deployment of security personnel, transportation, fuel and other logistical arrangements.

Concerns Over Exports and IT Sector

Aurangzeb also highlighted the potential impact on Pakistan’s exports, saying the country’s export target for the current fiscal year was $35.9 billion, with six per cent growth expected.

He said previous disruptions had taken time to recover from and warned that further protests could affect the country’s economic growth trajectory.

The minister also pointed to the IT sector, saying Pakistan’s IT exports reached $811 million during July and August, with daily exports estimated at around $13 million.

According to Aurangzeb, previous internet connectivity disruptions had affected IT exports significantly.

The finance minister linked the potential economic impact of protests to wider challenges facing Pakistan, including higher freight and insurance costs and supply-chain disruptions arising from tensions in the Middle East.

The government’s warning comes as political parties prepare for separate demonstrations in Islamabad, with the JI’s campaign focused on the petroleum levy and the PTI planning its September 27 protest.