The IMF whitewash
On July 7 the IMF released its staff report on the economy of Pakistan, which served as a basis for the successful completion of the third quarterly review under the…
Our infatuation with non-issues
In Pakistan the most feasible strategy for social control is the creation of a red-herring to divert public attention from issues of real importance. These red-herrings keep public attention diverted…
Lost civilian space
It is now all about Aug 14 it seems. But is it? Isn’t everything about the 14th a tactical distraction from the real strategic concern that neither our political masters…
The monetary policy ritual
Every month the State Bank of Pakistan announces, with a certain amount of fanfare, what it calls its Monetary Policy Statement (MPS). Maintaining that ritual, it released on July 19,…
Social contract
There are many theories about the origin of the state and its role in the life of its citizens. One view is that the state is inherently an oppressive institution,…
Informal trap
A Growing proportion of economic activities in Pakistan are now taking place in what is called the informal sector. This has three major consequences that possibly present a threat to…
Defaulting state
There seems to be no respite from the country’s power crisis that has been ongoing for eight years now. Experts and the general public alike continue to discuss load-shedding and…
Property slowdown hits Korean home lease system
A lengthy property market slump and low interest rates are threatening the future of a uniquely South Korean home lease system that traces its roots back to the 19th century.…
Tensions in joint venture Relationships
Joint venture is a legal entity in the nature of a partnership engaged in the joint understanding of a particular transaction for mutual profit. It is basically an association of…
New York’s pension ‘smoothing’ may short-change retirement
New Yorkers who rely on the state pension fund for their retirement may be short-changed about $735 million over the next 10 years as a result of Governor Andrew Cuomo's…
