Power sector—hope on the horizon
Over the past year, power tariffs in Pakistan have come down considerably and, contingent on key reforms being implemented over the next five years, are on their way to becoming…
The murky world of federal subsidies
Federal subsidies in Pakistan, particularly those directed towards the power sector, have raised significant concerns regarding transparency, effectiveness, and their impact on poverty alleviation. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the…
Flawed IMF programme design
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) analysis and prescriptions in the second and final review document under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) dated this month are to carry forward to the next…
Flawed IMF programme design
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) analysis and prescriptions in the second and final review document under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) dated this month are to carry forward to the next…
Rising energy tariffs, sinking economy
Unless power tariffs for industrial consumers are rationalized immediately, economic catastrophe is imminent. Pakistan faces a situation akin to the “boiling frog” metaphor, where the gradual increase in energy tariffs…
Pakistan’s plastic paradox
“Only we humans make waste that nature can't digest,” says American oceanographer Charles Moore, who is famous for bringing the world’s attention to the Great Garbage Patch – a vast…
Privatising Discos: tread with caution
On 13th July 2023, IMF’s Executive Board while approving US$3 billion Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan emphasised adherence to fiscal discipline, progress in energy sector’s structural reforms and better SOEs’…
Effective use of mobile in social media
Why is social media so important? More people are using social media through their mobile phones, computers, and tablets than talking, calling, emailing and texting. Do you find this surprising?…
