Doomed labour
Labour relations, or industrial relations, refer to a system of governance of interaction between employers, workers and the state. Based on the concepts that set the ground rules for governance…
Clash of the titans
Much has been written about the media crisis that has gripped Pakistan in recent weeks. It should not take anyone by surprise considering the environment we live in. These are…
Contrary provisions
Normally, sizing up an employee is supposed to entail an objective assessment of the individual’s ability to perform satisfactorily at the workplace. The exercise takes into account factors such as…
Budget 2014-15: Essential tax reforms – I
"If we want lower taxes for growth, then spending must be curtailed so that governments won't need so much money. The next time you hear a politician promise another tax…
The goal of eliminating inequality
As the 2015 deadline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches, deliberations on the post-2015 development framework have gained momentum. What should replace the MDGs? This is the key question…
Fractured conservatism
Pakistan has become increasingly conservative in recent decades. Conservatives dominate Pakistani politics, and have forced liberal parties to become centrist. However, when political coalitions become too dominating, they often become…
Confronting violent extremists
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announced the long-awaited national security policy yesterday, focusing on the operational aspects of governmental response to the threat of violent extremism. Much of what…
New peaks in short-termism
Last week, the Finance Minister admitted that in 2013-14, revenue collection could fall short by Rs 130 billion and, as expected, federal government's development budget has been cut by Rs…
Rationality in Islam
There is a wrong perception in the west that Islam creates hatred, wars, discrimination, violence (especially against women), etc. Yet nothing is further from the truth. This judgement is based…
Aam Aadmi’s missteps
A month after it stormed to power in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party has tarnished its image by taking three false steps. First, its law minister Somnath Bharti and women…
