The surprisingly dismal performance of Pakistan’s Islamist parties in the recently held elections has prompted introspection among the likes of JUI-F and JI regarding their political future.
A blend of politics and entertainment, "politainment" might appear innocuous, but one of its consequences is the dumbing down of complex political issues.
Having spent over a decade in prison and consistently mired in controversy, how has the PPP leader gone from being a pariah in Pakistani politics to becoming its undisputed kingmaker?
The JUI-F’s brand of conservative politics might have given the party a foothold in northern Sindh, but it is unlikely to challenge PPP’s supremacy in the province.
Plans to establish coal to gas and liquid conversion plants for energy and urea production are on hold despite private sector interest due to federal inertia.
The PPP-backed PML-N government largely represent the feudal/big business class so it may be tempted to tax the retailers without first taxing agricultural incomes and the real estate sector.