2026-06-05-12-42

Economic governance crisis—I

Pakistan’s economic crisis is no longer confined to isolated indicators or temporary shocks. It is becoming... Published 05 Jun, 2026 05:48am

2026-06-05-12-42

The quiet repair of Pakistan’s power sector

For most of the past decade, the energy sector has been the wound that Pakistani policymakers reopened every summer.... Published 05 Jun, 2026 05:48am

2026-06-05-01-11

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Samdhi ji still angry at being kicked out of the PM’s House

“Haven’t seen the HA for a while.” “HA as in, wait let me guess — Heave-to Albania?” “Excuse me?” “Albania is a... Published 05 Jun, 2026 06:20am

2026-06-04-12-35

The yen warning

The yen’s slide back to 160 against the dollar may look like a Japanese problem. Tokyo certainly thinks it is.... Updated 04 Jun, 2026 06:49am

2026-06-04-12-35

From crisis management to real reform

Pakistan has once again reached a moment of macroeconomic respite. Programme targets have been met, reserves are... Updated 04 Jun, 2026 06:52am

2026-06-04-12-35

Broaden the base or burden the few

Pakistan’s economy is at a turning point. Stabilisation efforts are underway, investor sentiment is cautiously... Updated 04 Jun, 2026 07:01am

2026-06-04-12-35

Pakistan’s ADR push and economic justice

Reform beyond economics Pakistan’s economic reform discourse is increasingly moving beyond taxation and fiscal... Updated 04 Jun, 2026 07:08am

2026-06-04-12-35

The promise that keeps slipping away

In early 2026, Pakistan seemed to have turned a corner, but this was only a short-lived encouraging moment. By April... Updated 04 Jun, 2026 08:08am

2026-06-04-01-05

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Has the ‘third party’ been taken on board?

“Why in the world did you kick the poor guy out?” “I assume the poor guy you are referring to is Nawaz Sharif, now... Published 04 Jun, 2026 05:22am

2026-06-03-12-28

The D factor — from dreams to destiny

Why do some people make it while others don’t? What is that X factor that successful people have? Are they born to... Published 03 Jun, 2026 02:34am

2026-06-03-12-28

A beguiling game of optics and briefings

Perhaps the substance of any meeting gets diluted if the associated ‘optics’ are not kept in full alignment with the... Published 03 Jun, 2026 02:34am

2026-06-03-12-33

EPBD think tank’s ‘shadow budget’

The formal presentation of the first-ever “Shadow Policy Documents” by the Economic Policy and Business Development... Published 03 Jun, 2026 02:34am

2026-06-03-12-33

How to tell if this is a people’s budget

Everyone now speaks for the poor. International lenders, economists, and ministers all agree that vulnerable... Published 03 Jun, 2026 02:34am

2026-06-03-12-25

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Tangible progress on human rights

“So the top diplomat of the European Union (EU) thought it advisable to ask us to show tangible progress on human... Published 03 Jun, 2026 02:34am

2026-06-02-12-42

Features of taxation system of Pakistan

The objective of this article is to highlight the key features of the taxation system of Pakistan, such that... Published 02 Jun, 2026 04:58am

2026-06-02-12-42

Trump’s constant goalpost shifting

Every day, the news from Washington about the Iran war is wearingly the same. President Donald Trump seems to be in... Updated 02 Jun, 2026 05:49am

2026-06-02-12-42

Taxing dividends twice

Imagine a business group that has built profitable companies, paid corporate tax, listed a subsidiary and generated... Updated 02 Jun, 2026 05:57am

2026-06-02-12-27

SOE reform: own less, govern better

This is the third article in a five-part series on Pakistan’s SOE reform. The first, SOE Reform: Strengths and... Updated 02 Jun, 2026 05:53am

2026-06-02-12-27

Why Pakistan needs enforcement before another cigarette tax hike

Every year before the federal budget, Pakistan hears the same prescription from tobacco-control campaigners: raise... Updated 02 Jun, 2026 05:59am

2026-06-02-12-36

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Kallas has also angered our Chinese friends

“I reckon we are now the negotiators par excellence.” “Yes we remain the main go-between with respect to US and... Published 02 Jun, 2026 04:58am

2026-06-01-12-25

FY2026-27 budget: expectations

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly approved the Pakistan budget for next fiscal year during a... Updated 01 Jun, 2026 05:48am

2026-06-01-12-25

Policymakers must stop treating textile as yesterday’s industry

Pakistan’s textile industry has changed dramatically over the last decade. Yet much of the policy discourse remains... Updated 01 Jun, 2026 05:52am

2026-06-01-12-25

To Christopher Columbus

It is a tale of two trajectories. It was 2001. The United States declared the War on Terror. It was 2001. China... Updated 01 Jun, 2026 05:56am

2026-06-01-12-25

‘Mirage’ of PSX: Why a rising index does not equal recovery?

Pakistan loves a good headline, and few headlines are more seductive than a stock market touching new highs. A... Updated 01 Jun, 2026 06:02am

2026-06-01-12-25

Persistent inflation could diminish consumer purchasing power

The global market continues to hold out hope for a ceasefire in the Middle East, yet the environment remains... Updated 01 Jun, 2026 06:03am

2026-05-31-12-21

Beyond the asphalt

When Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari inaugurated the 39-kilometre Shahrah-i-Bhutto this past... Published 31 May, 2026 02:34am

2026-05-30-12-30

Strait of Hormuz — a case of legitimacy, sovereignty

The central dispute between Iran and the United States has gradually evolved beyond the nuclear issue toward a more... Published 30 May, 2026 05:48am

2026-05-30-12-30

High price for sacrifice

It have always suspected that if there is no price control on sacrificial animals their prices will reach the sky... Updated 30 May, 2026 07:31am