Devolution Clock, Ticking but not Tocking on June 5, 2024The 18th Constitutional Amendment, accompanied by the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, enacted in 2010, marked a significant departure in Pakistan’s federal structure. Its core objective was to bolster provincial governments by augmenting their share of federal revenue to 57.5%. This substantial increase in financial resources was envisaged to trickle down to the grassroots […]
How grassroots democracy can save rural Pakistan on May 28, 2024As I dialled my village across the Sutlej River, southwest of Bahawalpur, and inquired about their well-being, a profound response echoed back: “Brother, we’ve turned savage!” This stark description captures the dire state of Pakistan’s rural areas today, revealing not only the current turmoil caused by high input costs for agriculture and low returns but […]
Groping for a Growth Narrative on April 27, 2024Despite numerous shortcomings and failures of the coalition government, which Shahbaz Sharif headed for a brief period of one and a half years, there was widespread belief at the Pak Secretariat that following the general elections, the gentleman would resume his position as Prime Minister, with Ahsan Iqbal returning as Planning Minister. Despite significant delays, […]
Can Regional Trade Nudge Terrorism? on March 28, 2024Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has hinted at a thorough reassessment of the trade situation with India, echoing the concerns raised by the business community. Speaking at a press conference in London, Dar recalled a pre-budget meeting with the business community where a common plea surfaced: to streamline imports, currently channelled through Dubai or Singapore, to […]
Will dynasts deliver, this time? on March 9, 2024The dynasts have truly showcased their political prowess by orchestrating the general elections, which have been dubbed as the most contentious in Pakistan’s electoral history. Despite facing criticism for their lacklustre performance over sixteen months and the Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI)’s relentless narrative of victimization, they managed to manipulate the electoral process to their advantage. This strategic […]
Breaking Free from Poisonous Polarisation on February 11, 2024The dust has settled on Pakistan’s February 8th general elections, but there is an air still thick with controversy. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), entrusted with upholding the very foundations of democracy with fair and transparent elections, stands accused of failing its first and foremost constitutional duty. The harped-about Election Management System (EMS) sputtered […]
Charting a Sustainable Future for Cholistan on February 7, 2024In the expansive canvas of Cholistan, adorned with seventeen historical forts and boasting a significant camel and houbara population, a clash between agricultural expansion and the imperative of ecological preservation is unfolding. Punjab has ambitious plans to turn this arid region into a green and agriculturally productive landscape, setting the stage for a delicate balance […]
How Indus Basin Aquifers Offer Hope on February 1, 2024The government is currently contemplating the exploration of Indus Basin aquifers as a strategic initiative to attract foreign investment and enhance exports, with a primary focus on corporate farming. In addition to boosting foreign exchange reserves and ensuring food security, the Indus Basin aquifers hold the promise of meeting the increasing drinking water needs of […]
Intersecting Lives in Kashmir and Palestine on January 12, 2024The traditional analysis of global flashpoints often tends to focus solely on geopolitical dimensions, frequently overlooking the complex interplay of ecological factors, power dynamics, and environmental justice. Rabia Aamir’s voluminous book-Environmental Ethics: Life Narratives from Kashmir & Palestine – challenges this conventional approach, urging a broader perspective. Her unique contribution lies in the adoption of […]
Fear of failure on April 25, 2021The suspension of trade with India was unilaterally decided by Pakistan as a tit-for-tat response to the Modi government’s ending the special status of Kashmir in August 2019 Some time ago, our top leadership was singing loudly the song of geo-economics, but when the time came when the idea could be transformed into a reality, […]