2024 in review: Pakistan’s economy hit hard by protests

As 2024 comes to a close, Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, has witnessed a tumultuous year marked by repeated shutdowns and road blockages, earning the city the nickname "Container City."

These disruptions, primarily caused by political events and protests, created significant challenges for residents and businesses alike. Major roads were frequently blocked with containers, disrupting daily life and making it difficult for citizens to go about their regular activities.

The capital's repeated closures were often in response to protests organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the opposition political party, and other political forces.

Islamabad shutdowns in 2024

November 24-27: Islamabad faced a partial shutdown due to PTI's long march led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

 

 

 

 

 

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This protest led to the closure of 24 key locations around the city, with heavy police deployment and road blockages. The capital remained partially shut for almost four days, with the Islamabad police spending over Rs 330mn managing the situation.

October 15: PTI had initially planned a protest in Islamabad as the country prepared to host the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.

However, the protest call was later withdrawn. Despite this, authorities took extreme precautions, including the deployment of the military, suspension of internet services in some cities, and the closure of key routes into the city.

From October 14 to 17, the Pakistan Army took control of security, and public transport, including metro services, was halted.

October 4: PTI called for another protest, targeting constitutional amendments. Once again, Islamabad’s key internal and external roads were blocked by containers.

The protest, led by Ali Amin Gandapur, continued even as Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was visiting Pakistan. The protest caused damage amounting to approximately 24 crore rupees. Islamabad police reported one officer killed and 31 injured during the clashes.

September 28: PTI’s protest took place in Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh, but as protests escalated, routes connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad were shut off with containers.

Protests caused Rs190bn daily losses

Violent clashes between police and protesters continued throughout the day, with the police using tear gas and shelling. The protest was eventually called off when Ali Amin Gandapur announced that the protesters would return to Peshawar.

In total, Islamabad was effectively shut down four times in 2024 due to these protests. While the capital was not closed during the PTI's post-election protests, traffic disruptions were still noticeable, but no further complete shutdowns were enforced.

Impact on daily life and economy

The shutdowns caused significant disruptions to residents’ daily routines, with citizens facing difficulties in commuting to work or taking children to school.

The economic impact was also substantial, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb estimating daily losses of over Rs190bn due to the protests and lockdowns. Reduced tax collections further contributed to the country’s economic slowdown.