Integrity management in tax administration
Similar to the socio-political culture of most public sector institutions in Pakistan, FBR is also in the 'integrity crises'. Given that the widespread publicity on this issue drives public opinion,…
Provincial finances
There are some commonly held perceptions about Provincial governments in Pakistan. First, that the operations of the Four Provincial governments combined are small in relation to the Federal government. Second,…
Do perceptions matter?
Exercise of unquestioned power by the parliament is a philosophy propagated by self-serving democrats - the lot that rules Pakistan. And there is a reason there for; given immunity, democrats…
Hindering development
Pakistan's budget is never clear on where we should be going and what strategies should be employed for that purpose. Have look at the current budget and one will see…
IMF and FBR
International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its Third Review under the 1Extended Arrangement for Pakistan, has noted significant shortfall in revenue measures from the original programme objectives. The IMF2 says that…
The start – stop adjuster and the IMF vicious cycle
For the past three decades, nearly every alternate year has witnessed the beginning of a new IMF program in Pakistan - from Stand by Agreements, to Extended Fund Facilities to…
The illusions of Imran Khan
Indeed, all politicians crave power. But power, as the Quran says, is a sacred trust and entails responsibility: “Verily, We did offer the trust (of reason and volition) to the…
Visiting the IMF approach
The transition from a standby arrangement to an EFF by the IMF in the beginning of FY14 for Pakistan has been puzzling because the structural contents of the economic programme…
The past’s dark shadows
Much has been written about the country’s longest serving ruler, General Ziaul Haq, whose death anniversary passed almost unnoticed a couple of weeks ago. But the comment that has appeared…
In defence of the provinces
In recent months, the provinces have become the favourite punching bags of Islamabad, donors and commentators alike. They are being chastised for failing to generate adequate resources to fund their…
