2026-06-09-12-31

The missing budget debate: Pakistan’s savings collapse

In 1992, Pakistan saved 17.4 percent of its GDP. By 2024, it had fallen to only 6.4 percent. Over three decades,... Updated 09 Jun, 2026 05:39am

2026-06-09-12-47

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The attack and the counter-attack

“It was an interesting development to say the least.” “I think the development merits, shall we say, the use of the... Published 09 Jun, 2026 04:58am

2026-06-08-12-21

Pakistan’s energy insecurity

Global debate is naturally fuelled in the immediate aftermath of supply disruptions of a critical product (natural... Published 08 Jun, 2026 02:29am

2026-06-08-12-21

Another budget of stabilisation without growth

There is little hope among industrialists, banks, the salaried class, and the broader public that the upcoming... Published 08 Jun, 2026 02:29am

2026-06-08-12-21

The fixed tax scheme: structural reform or another false start?

Pakistan’s retail sector presents one of the most stubborn structural anomalies in the national economy. With over... Published 08 Jun, 2026 02:29am

2026-06-08-12-21

Budget FY27: structural challenges

Pakistan is grappling with significant structural issues that require immediate attention. It is crucial to find a... Published 08 Jun, 2026 02:29am

2026-06-08-12-22

Pakistan cannot reform power tariffs without breaking up the DISCOs

Uniform national tariffs hide failure, destroy incentives, and make privatisation harder. But tariff reform will... Published 08 Jun, 2026 02:29am

2026-06-07-12-52

IMF programmes’ progress report: some reflections—II

At the same time, the ‘IMF Country Report No. 26/101’ should have included disaggregated data with regard to urban... Updated 07 Jun, 2026 06:14am

2026-06-06-12-32

CPEC 2.0: ambition meets economic reality

As geopolitical considerations increasingly dominated the Pakistan-China partnership, the economic narrative... Published 06 Jun, 2026 06:09am

2026-06-06-12-32

Mangoes are here

The long wait is over and the fruit which is considered the king of all fruits has finally arrived. Yes, the mangoes... Updated 06 Jun, 2026 07:05am

2026-06-06-12-32

Economic governance crisis—II

The creation of parallel structures may temporarily accelerate certain approvals, but they cannot substitute for... Updated 06 Jun, 2026 08:08am

2026-06-06-12-28

Pakistan’s irrigation system dying

For 65 years, the Indus Waters Treaty was the one thing that worked between Pakistan and India. Last April, India... Updated 06 Jun, 2026 08:11am

2026-06-06-12-28

PARTLY FACETIOUS: A tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury

“Ooopsy daisy.” “What happened?” “Did you hear of talks on consolidation of the four provincial police service into... Published 06 Jun, 2026 06:09am

2026-06-05-12-42

Overcoming fiscal deficit

On June 10, 2026, the federal government will unveil budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026-27 amidst familiar warnings... Published 05 Jun, 2026 05:48am

2026-06-07-12-45

Politics, perseverance and public service: the leadership journey of Maryam Nawaz

Politics is fundamentally a journey of struggle, perseverance, and public service. Unfortunately, a particular... Updated 07 Jun, 2026 06:16am

2026-06-05-12-42

IMF programmes’ progress report: some reflections—I

In May, International Monetary Fund (IMF) released ‘IMF Country Report No. 26/101’ at the successful completion of... Published 05 Jun, 2026 05:48am

2026-06-05-12-42

Advocating for the creation of a new ‘Growth Commission’

Pakistan’s economy continues to grapple with deep structural challenges, from stagnant productivity and ballooning... Published 05 Jun, 2026 05:48am

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