Civil Service Reform — learning from the pastA new Government has taken office in Pakistan — and as expected — announced its intention to reform the civil service. While many would be willing to talk about what needs to be done, it will be pragm...
Elites, perks and tax breaksIn a country where an indomitable state oligarchy enjoys unprecedented tax-free perquisites and perks at the expense of taxpayers, what one can expect is fiscal chaos and double talk about loyalty to...
Of Felipe Gonzalez, Spanish bullrings and BrexitWe were mesmerised. Above all by the spectacle of Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez. Nonchalantly lighting up a cigarette. What an absolute rock star. Or so we thought. Perhaps for no other reason than n...
Addressing the PM againIt was very heartening for me to note that we, as Pakistanis, are trying to regain some of our lost dignity. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, came on his brief visit and left, unnoticed by the publ...
The International Criminal Court on trialAs I said goodbye to my colleagues at the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) in 2005,after completing my stint at the President’s Office, I left with guarded optimism about the court’s future...
Economic policy of beggarySir: Pakistan is facing a lot of problems. We are running out of water soon, our economy is in the doldrums, religious extremism and cases of bigotry are on the rise, and the promise of a new governme...
How financial swindlers operate?Sir: Prosecution was aghast when defence lawyer asked whether opening a fake account constitutes a criminal charge. The Zardari-Faryal-Talpur case is being investigated since 2003. Yet, prosecution is...
Social scienceSir, I want to catch the attention of our policy makers towards the paramount importance of social sciences and arts. In our academic institutions, the subjects related to social science or arts have...
PM’s address to bureaucratsSir: During his address to bureaucrats, our prime minister has assured them of protection against political pressure. A few questions _ what happened to the bureaucrat who attracted railway-minister’s...