PTI protests resulted in 'huge damage'

ISLAMABAD:

PTI's string of protests, which have often teetered on the edge of chaos, have left a lasting impact – both in human toll and financial devastation.

From May 2023 to November 2024, the former ruling party's demonstrations – often subjected to crackdown from authorities – spiralled into full-blown violence, tearing through public infrastructure and putting countless lives in harm's way.

On May 9, 2023, PTI protests erupted into chaos, leading to unprecedented violence.

According to the Punjab police report, 169 police officers were injured while attempting to restore order, and four civilians lost their lives during the unrest.

Protesters targeted public infrastructure, damaging nine police buildings at an estimated cost of Rs1.8 billion. In addition, 97 police vehicles were destroyed, causing a financial loss of Rs112.5 million.

The momentum continued into 2024, with major incidents reported in September, October and November. On September 28, 28 police personnel sustained injuries, and 21 police vehicles were vandalized, incurring damages amounting to Rs2.29 million.

A few days later, on October 4, 37 police officers were injured, and 18 vehicles were damaged, adding another Rs1.98 million to the tally of destruction.

The violence peaked on November 26 last year, when one police officer was martyred, 267 others were injured, and six vehicles were damaged, costing an additional Rs1.17 million.

Over this period, one police officer was martyred, 501 were injured, and four civilians lost their lives.

Nine police buildings suffered severe damage, with repair costs exceeding Rs1.8 billion, while 142 police vehicles were destroyed, resulting in a loss of Rs117.94 million.