Stories by Sajid Amin Javed

Population growth at 2.55 per cent is shaping Pakistan’s future

Population growth, when unaccompanied by strong human development, traps an economy in a cycle of low productivity and low investment.

Published 29 Nov, 2025 11:30am

Rewarding size, not effort, has hurt Pakistan’s fiscal health. Can the 11th NFC Award rewrite the script?

The NFC should evolve beyond a tool of political consensus into a mechanism that promotes fiscal discipline and incentivises provinces to collect and spend resources efficiently.

Published 17 Nov, 2025 11:58am

Monetary policy at a crossroads: Can the SBP sustain its credibility?

Having earned credibility through caution, the SBP’s real test lies in keeping it amid rising pressures.

Updated 31 Oct, 2025 06:22pm

‘A stitch in time saves nine’: Pakistan’s economy needs an immediate governance overhaul

Bold economic plans are meaningless without a governance model that can execute them. And right now, that model simply doesn’t exist.

Published 11 Apr, 2025 10:52am

Pakistan’s economy needs a boost in 2025. Here’s what we must do to achieve it

The country's future hinges on seizing a rare opportunity for inclusive and sustainable growth while avoiding the economic pitfalls of the past.

Published 08 Jan, 2025 12:03pm

25th time the charm? How Pakistan can bid adieu to the IMF once and for all

Saying goodbye to the Fund would require political commitment and a well-executed agenda of bold economic reforms.

Published 03 Oct, 2024 10:44am

The unending slide of the rupee: An explainer

Market is now left wondering if substantial backing of the IMF cannot bolster the rupee, who or what can.

Published 04 Sep, 2023 06:06pm

Budget: With or without IMF?

The programme ends on June 30, but it must end on a good note.

Published 07 Jun, 2023 11:48am

Note to SBP: Keep the communication clear and consistent

Good communication is essential for central banks as they run on credibility.

Published 03 Feb, 2023 12:47pm

'Rupee's guardian angel': Will the new finance minister be able to fulfil all expectations tied to him?

The new finance minister has a much better environment than his predecessor did.

Updated 03 Oct, 2022 04:46pm

Five 'band-aids' the new government must immediately apply to revive the bleeding economy

The Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition govt must prioritise the provision of relief to the people of Pakistan.

Published 11 Apr, 2022 05:32pm

Petro-politics: Making sense of PM Imran's 'gift' to the people

The relief package marks a clear shift from the fiscal reforms agenda, which may not only irk the IMF but also hurt the economy.

Updated 07 Mar, 2022 04:35pm

Can tax amnesty scheme broaden tax base?

The amnesty offers historically low income taxes, doubles minimum taxable limit and charges noticeably lower.

Published 16 Apr, 2018 09:36am

Can tax amnesty broaden tax base?

The government must take steps to convince opposition parties that the current scheme is well designed and helpful for

Updated 07 Apr, 2019 08:06am

Economic fallout of being on grey list

More than compliance, it is the demonstration of compliance that will decide how long we stay on the FATF watchlist.

Updated 05 Mar, 2018 09:19am

Small slice for poor in Pakistan's growing economic pie

Welfare policy, or whatever is left of it, has failed to bring significant improvement for the marginalised.

Updated 21 Oct, 2017 08:55am

Govt must rethink social design

Economic growth, with all its booms and busts, has occupied a central place in Pakistan’s public policy while...

Published 10 Jul, 2017 08:19am

Poverty defined as pauperism

The SDGs put a special emphasis on ending poverty and inequality across and within countries.

Published 25 Jan, 2016 06:38am