The great divide
The rich-poor divide is increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan as evident from a number of informative – though highly disturbing – studies conducted by the World Bank and…
Local bodies
It is an established fact that education and participation of citizens in the processes of governance are fundamental to democracy. This participation can be exercised during elections for local to…
Flawed interpretation
Dar has been particularly insistent in proclaiming that his skills on the negotiating table with particular reference to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) got Pakistan a particularly favourable deal with…
Beggars cannot be choosers
Since Ayub's era our rulers have developed addiction for large intakes of foreign loans, especially IMF bailouts - many call it death-blows. With every loan comes a host of conditions.…
The Swiss accounts
While the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is being continuously targeted for not taking action against tax evaders, it must be mentioned that some officers have been trying their best…
PML-N’s economic manifesto, its Implementation
The PML-N economic manifesto is essentially right wing: allow the private sector to become the engine of growth by providing a level playing field and an environment conducive to its…
‘Qarz burhao, mulk bigarho
In 1997 the slogan of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) was 'Qarz Utaro, Mulk Sanwaro' [retire debt, adorn country], which is reversed in 2013 as all efforts are underway to increase…
Rethinking local government
Thanks to the Supreme Court, the provinces have been forced to introduce local governments under Article 140-A. Punjab introduced its Local Government Bill on July 26, 2013. The purpose of…
An elitist Pakistan
The sufferings of Pakistani poor and less privileged classes will not end unless elitist structures are dismantled and the society is restructured on the principles of equity, fairness and justice…
Subsidies and IMF
The staff level agreement reached between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar contained the standard normal IMF condition: "untargeted subsidies that disproportionately benefit the well-off will…
