Growing economic disparities
The state has become a hostage to the perceptions of interest groups on how our political, bureaucratic and economic...
Shahid Kardar
External account challenges
The amplification of inequalities has been the result of the nature and composition of our economic growth.
Is IMF avoidable?
The fiscally irresponsible budget for 2018-19 is expected to worsen both the external and domestic imbalances.
Analysis: Implications of tax reforms package
The question is why the path of ordinances has been chosen rather than including the tax reforms in the Finance Bill.
Analysis: IMF paints a sombre picture of economy
An IMF report says the CPEC should be slowed down so that buildup of external liabilities remains more manageable.
Weak employment generation
A skewed distribution of wealth and incomes cannot sustain the growth momentum.
If we knock on IMF’s doors
As we tiptoe into the IMF’s parlour, will we get a frosty reception?
Managing without the IMF
The present crisis is deeper and likely to be a more protracted one.
Balance of payments emergency
If strong actions are not taken immediately, reserves could fall significantly below safe levels.
Stock market & the economy
By no stretch of the imagination is the KSE index a measure of the economy as a whole.
Potential drivers of growth
A major part of the solution to our problems lies in reducing the footprint of the state in the economy.
Understanding CPEC
The concessions showered on the Chinese have surely set a benchmark other investors could demand.
Amplified policy distortions
A deformed tax structure has spawned many beneficiaries who will resist any attempt to recalibrate it.
Pakistan’s political economy
The state has little available for investments to enhance the quality of the nation’s human capital.
Piling up more debt
It is difficult to discern the economic and financial justification for the new $500m bond issue.
Wasting energy on FTAs
Trade with China has benefited us but genuine concerns remain.
Non-filer blues
Arbitrary taxes on energy, internet, school fees, cars, bank transactions, plane tickets — the list grows by the hour
Blame the provinces, get waivers
The IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank are abettors of the government’s window-dressing scheme.
Widening perception gaps
People are contesting the data on the basis of which deceleration in the rate of inflation is being claimed.
Making trade a priority
There is a need to change the way we think about trade and traditional export destinations.