Mirza and the lost republic
In Pakistan’s political folklore, Iskander Ali Mirza carries a reputation forged by repetition rather than examination. He is cast as the man who ‘invited the army into politics’, the civilian…
Neoliberal assault and the role of public sector
Under the neoliberal assault of the last four decades, or so, the role of the public sector has diminished, and with it its capacity – especially as it outsourced more…
The problem lies in the system
Our many political experiments have all failed because no one addressed rule of law and good governance. These are the very foundation of stability, investment and growth. Pakistan’s crisis of…
Flip the system
VERY recently, yet another prime minister stressed the need for reform of the civil service in Pakistan. As in the case of all such assertions by his predecessors, it is…
Breastfeeding is public health
When a mother breastfeeds, she nourishes more than just her child. She nurtures a healthier society, a more equitable economy and a stronger nation. It must therefore be seen and…
Public debt without a plan
Redirecting borrowing toward productive investment, private sector credit continues to be displaced by public borrowing. Pakistan's debt portfolio remains sizable and poses significant liquidity risks, with a substantial portion of…
M&As: Private capital is ready, public policy is not
Lately, sentiment among major business groups in Pakistan has been improving, as evidenced by their keen interest in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of businesses available for sale. The financial system…
PMDC partners with US-based council to develop regulatory system
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) is developing a continuing professional development (CPD) regulatory system that will meet…
A fiscal system in denial
As of May 2025, Pakistan’s tax collection crisis has deepened. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has fallen short of its revised annual target by Rs1.03 trillion – a staggering…
A public health milestone
The Punjab government’s recent decision to ban all e-cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches across the province marks a major step in protecting public health. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led…
