Gwadar: A Zero-Sum Game on November 12, 2024Pakistan’s inability to maintain a sound relationship with its neighbours is a real cause for concern. Our leadership has always prided themselves in being one of the closest allies of China. However, amidst the current wave of terror attacks and continuous IMF interference, Pakistan is falling from China’s grace. One major indication of it was […]
FM Aurangzeb Misleads Wilson Center on November 1, 2024In a recent address at the Wilson Center, Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb painted an optimistic picture of the country’s economic outlook, highlighting progress in various indicators. However, a closer examination of the data reveals significant discrepancies and raises concerns about the actual state of Pakistan’s economy. The rhetoric of stability and growth may be […]
The Economic Coup on October 10, 2024Pakistan has long faced economic challenges marked by fiscal mismanagement, political instability, and an ongoing balance of payments crisis. Over the years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has repeatedly stepped in to offer bailouts to prevent Pakistan from defaulting on its debt obligations. In recent times, the negotiations between Pakistan and the IMF have taken […]
Pakistan’s Loss is Africa’s Gain on September 14, 2024China’s economic engagement with Africa has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy in recent decades. Through significant investments, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic initiatives, China has emerged as a dominant player in the continent’s economic landscape. The China-Africa Forum (CAF), established in 2000, has served as a crucial platform for fostering bilateral cooperation and strengthening […]
Privatization Redux May Backfire on August 25, 2024In a shocking turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the nation, the Pakistani government has announced plans to privatize electricity distribution companies across the country. This move, ostensibly aimed at improving efficiency and reducing losses, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and allegations of corruption. This move echoes the contentious sale of electricity […]
Economic Conservatism on August 9, 2024Pakistan has been grappling with economic challenges for decades. Inflation hovering at 12.6 percenet, unemployment – with 4.5 million individuals falling under the category, current account deficit at a of $464m and a burgeoning debt crisis have become synonymous with the country’s economic landscape. While various economic policies have been implemented over the years, many […]
Petrodollar Vs De-Dollarizatio on June 25, 2024The US dollar has reigned supreme as the world’s reserve currency for decades, a power fuelled by the petrodollar system. The petrodollar system refers to the arrangement where oil is primarily traded in US dollars. This seemingly simple concept has had a profound impact on the global economy and political landscape for decades. But whispers […]
The Budget Season(Part 1) – IMF vs FM on June 4, 2024The IMF staff report shares interesting numbers and projections for the financial year 2024-25 such as the expected growth rate of 3.5%, a sharp decline in the monthly inflation from 24.8% to around 12% and the CAD to reach 4.6 billion dollars by the end of the year. Heading into the Budget season this is […]
The Budget Season – II on June 4, 2024The discussion on the budget would remain incomplete without a focus on taxation. Pakistan’s budget for fiscal year 2024-25 walks a tightrope between the need for increased tax revenue and the challenge of fostering economic growth in a fragile environment. With a projected deficit of Rs 9,600 billion and a stagnant economy, tax reform is […]
Interest Rate Hike Cripples Pakistan on May 22, 2024In a startling turn of events, Pakistan finds itself in the grips of an economic crisis exacerbated by the highest interest rates in the world, maintained by its central bank, the State Bank. With an interest rate pegged at a staggering 22%, influenced by the IMF, the country’s economy is hurtling towards collapse, raising concerns […]