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,…
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…
Lessons in democracy
At that bizarre Punch and Judy show in Islamabad, where men pop periodically out of boxes to make their proclamations, one debate that was re-generated echoed old myths and dangerous…
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…
