Pakistan Loses Rs. 190 Billion Daily Due to Govt’s Panic-Induced Lockdowns
- Sara Habib
- November 25, 2024
- 12:06 pm
- 23
- Current Affairs
Last Saturday, Pakistan came to a standstill. The federal government shut down major transport routes 48 hours before a planned protest. Roads were empty, markets closed, and people were stranded. What seemed like repair work caused massive economic losses.
The Finance Ministry reported that Rs. 190 billion was lost daily. This includes GDP, export, and tax revenue losses. The lockdowns are costing Pakistan heavily. Businesses and families feel the pressure every day.
How Lockdowns Impact the Economy
The numbers are alarming. The daily GDP loss is Rs. 144 billion. Export revenue drops by Rs. 16 billion. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) loses Rs. 26 billion. Foreign direct investment inflows shrink by Rs. 3 billion. These figures show the wide impact of lockdowns.
Supply chains are disrupted nationwide. Factories cannot operate smoothly. Farmers face delays in getting their produce to markets. Food prices rise due to transport challenges. The economic effects are hard to ignore.
The Finance Ministry calculated GDP at Rs. 198 billion daily. This is much lower than the projected Rs. 342 billion. The ongoing political turmoil makes things worse. It scares off foreign investors and slows business growth.
A Call for Change
The frequent lockdowns are harming Pakistan’s economy. Industries cannot function properly. Trade faces delays, affecting international deals. Workers lose their daily earnings. Businesses struggle to survive under these conditions.
Experts warn about worsening fiscal deficits. Political risks are deterring growth and investments. This has long-term effects on the country’s economic health. Pakistan must prioritize stability to regain investor trust.
The government needs to plan better. Lockdowns should only be used in emergencies. Alternative solutions must be considered to ensure economic activities continue. Pakistan cannot afford to lose Rs. 190 billion every day.
Moving Forward
Pakistan’s economic challenges need urgent attention. Citizens and businesses are demanding stability. Addressing these issues will require cooperation between the government, industries, and communities. Ending unnecessary lockdowns is the first step. A stable economy benefits everyone.
For Pakistan, every day counts. With better planning and decisions, the nation can recover. The future depends on today’s actions. The time for change is now.
