Political instability has become a regular feature of Pakistan’s political landscape. While general elections are typically a source of political stability and socio-economic growth in most democratic countries, in Pakistan, they often lead to instability, protests and marches. The 2024 general election has sparked a new wave of political unrest, with protests becoming common in cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
These frequent demonstrations, also highlight the fragility of Pakistan’s political system. Recently, Pakistan was downgraded in the 2024 Global Democracy Index, falling from a “Hybrid Regime” to an “Authoritarian Regime,” reflecting the negative impact of continuous political turmoil.
Political instability in Pakistan has severe economic consequences. Protests and disruptions have been linked to deteriorating economic growth, lower exports and declining equity values. In particular, the twin cities have seen widespread disruptions due to political demonstrations, with roads sealed off by containers and other barriers.
This severely hampers daily economic activities. For daily wage workers, the sealing of roads means a loss of income, adding to the hardships already faced in Pakistan’s challenging economic climate.In response to protests, the government has adopted tactics such as blocking mobile signals and internet disruptions. This has additional costs, as internet shutdowns have a direct economic impact. A study by PIDE Islamabad estimates that one day of internet closure costs the country PKR 1.3 billion, which is 0.57% of Pakistan’s daily GDP.
Beyond economic losses, political unrest also disrupts the educational sector. During protests, educational institutions are frequently closed and academic schedules are postponed, causing mental stress for students. For students preparing for exams, like CA and CSS aspirants, the closure of libraries and blocked roads further hinders their studies.
With a limited number of public libraries, accessibility becomes a significant challenge.
The financial costs of political unrest are also evident in the government’s use of containers to block protest routes. The government spends millions on renting containers to manage these disruptions. For instance, during the protest wave of September 6-9, the government rented 470 containers in Islamabad and Rawalpindi at a cost of PKR 16.45 million. The daily rent for a 40-foot container is around PKR 40,000, while a 20-foot container costs PKR 30,000. These costs are exacerbated by reports that some containers were seized by force, creating financial difficulties for container owners and drivers, who also face stress from the added pressure of forced rentals.
Political parties in Pakistan must recognize the economic and mental toll these protests take on the public. While protests and demonstrations are regular feature in a democracy, in Pakistan, they often serve the interests of political elites rather than the general public. Political parties must prioritise national stability and engage in dialogue to foster economic growth.
If political instability persists, non-political actors will continue to gain influence, further complicating Pakistan’s political future.
The writer is a Researcher at PIDE Islamabad
