Islamabad Protest Delay: Security Costs Surge Past Rs 1 Billion

The postponement of the planned long march has reportedly increased the financial burden of security arrangements in Islamabad, with total costs expected to exceed Rs 1 billion.

According to a report published by UrduPoint on September 26, Islamabad Police had initially requested Rs 820 million for one week of security arrangements for the protest scheduled for September 27. Following the postponement, the security operation is expected to continue for another week, potentially doubling the overall expenditure.

Around 1,550 containers were reportedly placed across Islamabad to restrict movement. The reported rental cost is Rs 30,000 per container per day, resulting in an estimated daily expense of Rs 46.5 million. This would amount to approximately Rs 325.5 million for one week and Rs 651 million for two weeks.

Additional police personnel were also requested from Punjab and Sindh. The report states that around 2,000 personnel were sought from Sindh and 16,000 from Punjab. Accommodation and food have added further costs, with food expenses for the additional personnel reportedly reaching Rs 1.2 million per day. Around 175 hotel rooms for officers reportedly cost more than Rs 754,000 per day.

The security operation has also involved the hiring of buses, coasters and double-cabin vehicles, adding further expenses to the overall arrangements.

At the same time, the All Pakistan Goods Alliance alleged that around 2,700 goods vehicles had been taken into police custody in Punjab and Islamabad. According to the alliance, approximately 400 vehicles and their staff remain unaccounted for, while others are being held at different police stations.

The alliance further claimed that more than 450 of the detained vehicles were carrying essential or sensitive goods, including medicines, food and chemicals. The reported detention has raised concerns about delays in the movement and supply of essential commodities.

The figures and allegations in the report highlight the financial and logistical impact of extending security arrangements after the protest was postponed. The final cost will depend on how long the restrictions, deployments and vehicle detentions remain in place.