The National Assembly recently disclosed that over Rs 1.35 billion has been spent in the past five years on managing and preventing protests in Islamabad’s Red Zone. This revelation came during a question-hour session where the Ministry of Interior provided a breakdown of expenses incurred annually.

Rising Costs Over the Years

According to the report:

• 2019-20: Rs 157 million
• 2020-21: Rs 96 million
• 2021-22: Rs 277 million
• 2022-23: Rs 724 million (highest)
• 2023-24: Rs 100 million allocated

The drastic surge in 2022-23, when over Rs 724 million was spent, indicates the escalating cost of maintaining law and order in the high-security Red Zone, home to key government buildings, embassies, and the Supreme Court.

A Burden on National Resources?

The revelation raises concerns about the financial burden on the national exchequer, as repeated protests demand extensive security measures, including police deployment, barriers, and surveillance. Some experts argue that investing in dialogue-based conflict resolution could reduce such expenses while ensuring peaceful demonstrations.

With public interest in government expenditures growing, this report prompts a larger debate: Should there be alternative, cost-effective ways to handle protests without excessive spending?