PTI’s protest postponement to double security cost in Islamabad

The government will bear a daily expense of Rs46.5 million to accommodate 1,550 containers set up to counter the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, sources in the police reported. Following the postponement of the protest rally by the political party for a week, the total cost is projected to exceed Rs1 billion.

The PTI had initially planned a nationwide protest commencing on September 27, leading to the capital police's preparations involving security personnel from Punjab and Sindh. The police had requested Rs820 million to cover container rents, accommodation, and meals for the personnel expected to arrive from the two provinces. All Pakistan Goods Alliance Chairman Nisar Hussain Jaffri had initially demanded Rs40,000 daily rent for 40-foot containers and Rs20,000 for 20-foot containers, later revised to Rs30,000 for both sizes.

The police have not yet decided whether to release or retain the containers in their custody. The daily rental for these 1,550 containers amounts to Rs46.5 million, with a weekly cost of Rs325.5 million and Rs651 million for two weeks. The police also sought 16,000 personnel from Punjab Police and 2,000 from Sindh Police, with the latter's contingent already present in Islamabad.

Three meals per day were being provided to the Sindh Police personnel at a cost of Rs600 per person, totaling Rs8.4 million for one week. The Punjab Police contingent, scheduled to arrive by September 25, has not yet reached the capital. Additional costs include the rent of 70 coasters, 30 double-cabin vehicles, and 175 hotel rooms for 246 inspectors and police officers.