THE recent protests in Islamabad and the government’s response once again caused colossal economic losses worth billions. These losses did not include the substantial expenditure made while mobilising law-enforcement personnel to Islamabad, and other resources deployed to suppress the protests. Among the hardest-hit sectors during the recent unrest was the export industry, particularly textile exporters. The protests disrupted supply chains as shipping containers in large numbers were seized to block roads. Informing foreign buyers that their orders faced indefinite delays due to political instability raises serious questions about Pakistan’s reliability as a trading partner. Such incidents risk alienating international clients, who may hesitate to place future orders with a country marred by unpredictability. Political parties and the government appear oblivious to these pressing realities, with their actions often undermining national economic objectives. Everyone must realise that no agenda can supersede the national interest.