The Vicious Circular Debt on April 8, 2023Is Pakistan’s power and energy sector on the verge of collapse? I was asked. “The fact that we have electricity and gas; if not in most then parts of the country is nothing less than a miracle,” I responded. I could feel a subtle quietness in the room, “Well everything is in god’s hand in […]
What a Sad Dar! on March 20, 2023The four-time Minister of Finance, respected Mr Ishaq Dar, who is considered a financial wizard by the PML-N supporters seems to have lost his magic with numbers. A few analysts believe that it is only due to the deteriorated economic conditions that were truly out of anyone’s control so Mr Dar is no exception. I, […]
Economic Lessons from Regional Actors on February 25, 2023When it comes to the regional discussion, South Asia remains incomplete without the mention of Pakistan. However, Pakistan has been in discussion for its crumbling economy, poor negotiations with the IMF, consistent political turmoil and a looming default threat especially in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s Economic Default. There have been many solutions presented by […]
The Political Mavericks and The Neo-Economists on February 15, 2023The Muddling 90s as rightly titled by Dr Ishrat Hussain dragged Pakistan through four interim- appointments, four elected and a military coup that would change the country. The era is a stark reminder of the ongoing economic turbulence. Even though the economic challenges were no less different or difficult than in the muddling 90s compared […]
Oil Diplomacy: a Test of Nerves on January 20, 2023With the rising pressure on Pakistan’s economy and multiple major economic indicators predicting a grim situation. The newspapers continue to report the grim energy situation in the country. As the oil, gas and electricity challenges increase – both for the masses and the government; the decision-makers need to have a serious discussion about how they […]
Economic Case for a Technocratic Government on January 12, 2023The discussion of a technocratic government has been making headlines lately in Pakistan’s political arena. Nothing gets me more excited than the idea of technocracy at least being part of the political circle and being introduced to the masses. Even though I am a huge supporter of a meritocratic setup and a believer in its […]
The Last Economic Stride on December 14, 2022The year 2023 is upon us. As we look back at 2022, a plethora of problems stare us back in the face with no solution in sight. Further, we are hit by news headlines highlighting the economic challenges left by the floods, the horrid effects of overpopulation, the rising employment, stalled economic projects and more. […]
Islamic Financial System: Fiction or Possibility on November 28, 2022Recently, there has been much commotion about the rapid expansion of the Islamic Banking system and the introduction of Islamic Financial tools in Pakistan. Islamic financial system is not at the heart of the banking system in Pakistan despite its popularity and many still argue about its legitimacy. However, what has never been explored is […]
Political Instability and the Economy on November 11, 2022Political rallies, protests and, recently, the phenomenon of long marches have become a constant feature of politics across the globe. Similarly, the past decade has seen a rise in high-profile social protests that captured the attention of the entire globe, such as the Arab Spring and Black Lives Matter. Global experts, social activists and political […]
The Economy of Oil on October 25, 2022The simple-sounding OPEC is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of some of the world’s largest oil-producing nations. Launched in 1961 by the Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, OPEC has been instrumental in playing its role in the global supply of oil and gas. However, the world does not see OPEC in the […]