Stories by Ishrat Husain

The growth-jobs paradox

The growth-jobs paradox

Rapid GDP growth by itself cannot ensure enough jobs or social stability. Updated 06 Aug, 2026 08:48am
Rethinking trade policy

Rethinking trade policy

The new policy should begin with an honest assessment of the previous two STPs. Updated 21 Jul, 2026 07:44am
Post-budget chores

Post-budget chores

The budget shouldn’t be seen as an annual, stand-alone affair. Updated 25 Jun, 2026 07:47am
Regulation and deregulation

Regulation and deregulation

The challenge is to regulate intelligently, promote competition and enforce rules impartially. Updated 11 Jun, 2026 09:06am
Three Islamic republics

Three Islamic republics

Ultimately, an Islamic republic’s legitimacy do­­e­­s­­n’t rest merely on constitutional titles or religi­o­­us slogans. Updated 30 May, 2026 08:11am
Economic security buffers

Economic security buffers

Four key pillars can help strengthen Pakistan’s economic security in these troubling times. Updated 03 Apr, 2026 09:44am
Budget 2026-27 as a bridge

Budget 2026-27 as a bridge

The next budget should signal that Pakistan is preparing to graduate from stabilisation under IMF supervision to self-sustaining growth. Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:28am
Software for growth

Software for growth

At the core of its software failure is Pakistan’s poor stock of human capital. Published 05 Feb, 2026 07:05am
SOEs: an eclectic approach

SOEs: an eclectic approach

Decisions regarding state-owned enterprises should be guided by pragmatic considerations. Updated 22 Jan, 2026 09:06am
Reshaping economic ties

Reshaping economic ties

A benign geopolitical environment, coupled with renewed international respect, should compel us to rethink our economic strategy decisively. Updated 25 Oct, 2025 08:12am
Industrial policy redefined

Industrial policy redefined

Industrialisation must be central to growth strategy — not just to boost exports, but to dri­­ve innovation, create jobs and develop skilled workforce. Updated 27 Sep, 2025 08:28am
Revamping the ecosystem

Revamping the ecosystem

Key to high-quality performance of public sector institutions lies in attracting, retaining and motivating civil servants of high calibre throughout the system. Updated 19 Jul, 2025 08:55am