Pakistan losses Rs300 bn in protests after Bhutto's death

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has suffered losses of Rs 300 billion in the violent protests that erupted across the country following the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto.
    
A cabinet meeting was informed that of the total losses, banks alone suffered an estimated loss of Rs 100 billion.
    
Angry people set afire nearly 200 bank branches during the protests, which also saw government offices and property being targeted.
    
The railways suffered losses of about Rs 12.38 billion, the Daily Times reported.
    
Around 22 locomotives and 140 coaches were completely gutted and railway telecommunications and signalling systems were also damaged by rioters.
    
Manufacturing, revenue, exports have all suffered badly, the cabinet was told by officials.
    
The meeting was also told that the supply of fuel and food to all parts of the country had been hit by the two days of protests following Bhutto's killing on December 27.
    
Life has returned to normal in most parts of the country except the southern Sindh province, a stronghold of Bhutto's party.