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 […]
India’s Cosmetic Economic Ascent on May 1, 2024“It is a shining facade with human development lagging behind.” India’s economic story is often painted in vibrant hues. For decades, the nation has enjoyed impressive GDP growth, consistently ranking among the fastest-growing economies globally. India’s average growth rate over the last decade has been about 7 percent while China’s growth in comparison has been […]
The Silent Economy on April 20, 2024Gold has long been a cornerstone of global economics, with its value deeply intertwined with historical events, geopolitics, and economic factors. The fluctuation of gold prices throughout history has been closely tied to significant global events, providing a barometer for the state of world economies. From the pre-war days to modern times, the value of […]
Towards Equitable Development on April 8, 2024Pakistan’s monetary discussion will always remain incomplete without taking into account its fiscal federalism landscape. And within this realm, Pakistan’s National Finance Commission (NFC) Awards stand as a pivotal mechanism for distributing financial resources among the federal and provincial governments. Yet, as the country grapples with persistent fiscal disparities and inefficiencies, there arises a pressing […]
Economic Doomsday on March 26, 2024Ever wondered what an economic doomsday might be like? Some might say Pakistan is at its brink and others might shrug it off as a far-fetched idea or may a thing of fiction. However, I believe if Pakistan’s leaders or think tanks continue to follow this path they are on – it is nearer than […]
Exporting Talent for Remittance on March 11, 2024“Global Declining Population Offers Opportunity for Pakistan to Export Skilled Labor for Higher Remittances – myth or a reality”. In recent years, the world has been witnessing a demographic shift characterized by declining population growth rates in various regions. According to studies, the global population growth rate has been gradually declining over the past few […]
From Dispute to Duress on March 1, 2024It seems that the recent news regarding the completion of the Shahpur Kandi barrage and the complete stoppage of water from River Ravi has fallen on deaf ears in Pakistan. There is a haunting silence over the matter except for a few hours of media coverage and a few newspaper stories highlighting the public outcry. […]
A Road Less Travelled on February 24, 2024The post-election political situation is bleak for Pakistan, and this is one of the main reasons cited for future economic challenges. The general elections of 2024 marked a significant turning point for Pakistan’s political and economic landscape. With a new government taking its place in the federal and provincial houses, the country stands on the […]