Migration crisis tears at EU’s cohesion and tarnishes its image
Deep divisions over how to cope with a flood of migrants from the Middle East, Africa and Asia pose a threat to the European Union's values and global standing and…
Tax-to-GDP ratio: flawed debate
There has been persistent pressure on successive Pakistani Governments by policymakers, especially those affiliated with multilateral donor agencies, to increase the Percentage Tax-to-GDP ratio. It is true, that the fiscal…
Water wounds in the federation
Water scarcity and environmental degradation are existential concerns for the people of Sindh. Until 1960, the Indus consistently claimed land from the sea as the outflow was an average of…
Ramazan and revenue
Ramazan, a month of profound spiritual reflection and devotion, also emerges as a period of significant economic activity in Pakistan. For Muslims worldwide, Ramazan offers a chance to strengthen their…
Planning for power
Integrated economic planning for Pakistan’s power sector requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by the sector today. At its core, this planning should aim to synchronise…
Is privatisation the missing link?
In a notable development, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has issued 20-year supplier licenses to seven state-owned power utility companies, collectively known as distribution companies (DISCOs). This decision…
IMF and provincial governments
Three provincial chief ministers from three competing political parties – Punjab (PML-N), Sindh (PPP) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PTI) — are vying with each other to deliver more to their people…
PIA sell-off challenge: crash-landing was long in the making
Six months ago, the buzz in Islamabad was that foreign airline giants were lining up to acquire a seemingly beleaguered Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The authorities, concerned at potential fallout,…
Each one to teach one
Education is a right, not a privilege, for every citizen of Pakistan. The country faces significant challenges in achieving universal literacy and numeracy, with approximately 70 million illiterate individuals. With…
Climate-smart NFC awards
AT the heart of the controversies surrounding Census 2023 is the National Finance Commission award that determines the basis of financial flows from the federation to the provinces. The current…
