Budget deficit for 2014-15
Questions are being raised in Pakistan about the true health of the economy in general and fiscal health in particular in print and electronic media. Independent economists with strong credentials,…
An elusive nuclear deal
The negotiations over the Iranian nuclear deal in Vienna seem to be struggling through last minute hiccups, with both sides trying to manoeuvre maximum advantage. The final deadline of June…
Chinese whispers
Numbers can be obscure and complicated, but sometimes they tell a tale of their own. So, with fair warning, chew on these figures a minute: $5.4 billion, $3.7bn, $2.1bn, $1.6bn,…
National interest & sentiment
Nations, like individuals, can often be swayed by emotion in defining their self-interest. Soon after independence, Pakistan’s leaders determined that the country’s military and economic needs would be better served…
The bazaar and mosque
A Persistent puzzle for political scientists and sociologists working on Pakistan has been the lack of working class representation and mobilisation in formal politics over the past four decades. Apart…
Blaming the uncles
Most Pakistanis following the stuttering, shambolic progress of our cricket team in the World Cup probably have the familiar sinking feeling I do. And when we compare it with the…
Anti-competitive practices
Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), the choosiest supplier of raw material to many companies in steel re-rolling and related businesses, has been accused of flouting the competitive practices by using its…
A Chinese template
Two years ago, President Xi Jinping had first proposed the “One Belt, One Road”, essentially a breakout economic vision for China. In an editorial this month, Hong Kong’s South China…
A welcome pact
IRAN’S accord on April 2 with the P5+1 on the nuclear question is a first step towards “constructive engagement with the world”. President Hassan Rouhani’s comment accurately reflects objectives which…
Afghanistan: is hope real?
AS evident during the recent visit of President Ghani to the US, accompanied by Chief Executive Abdullah, the dominant sentiment that surrounds Afghanistan today is hope. Hope that, after four…
