Privatisation or predation?
King Richard (aka the Lionheart) once declared, “I would have sold London if I could find a buyer”. London was spared; instead bishoprics were sold, gold and silver treasures of…
Invitation diplomacy
Shahbaz’s Sharif’s meeting with Manmohan Singh in the Indian capital last Thursday was the second by a leading Pakistani official with the Indian prime minister in the three months that…
Politics of revenge
Bangladesh’s moment of truth has arrived: should it strive for political stability, unity and national reconciliation or pursue a policy of vendetta? Capital and other forms of punishment awarded by…
The fourth transition
With Tassaduq Hussain Jillani’s elevation to chief justice of Pakistan, the country has completed a third transition this year. A historic political transition saw power transferred from one elected government…
Too soon to celebrate Irish bailout exit, warn economists
Ireland's bailout exit this weekend is not only of huge importance to the country itself, but also to the rest of the eurozone - the Emerald Isle has been held…
Viewpoint: Hagel’s threat
During his meetings with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and COAS General Raheel Sharif the visiting US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel is reported to have conveyed his government's displeasure over Pakistan…
Prices on the rise as LPG supplies at risk
The Supreme Court order of December 4, 2013, has put at risk continuity of LPG supplies from the JJVL plant, which accounts for about 20 percent of local LPG production.…
Quaid’s political disposition
Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is the most powerful national symbol in Pakistan and he is viewed as the embodiment of the spirit of Pakistan. His birthday is celebrated with much…
SMEs a neglected lot.
National financial integration can best be evaluated through the progress of two principal processes: the share of the SME sector (the dominant national business employer) in national credit, and the…
Pakistan and Iran: new goalposts
Pakistan is fortunate to have Iran as a strong and considerate neighbour. Although at times the relationship becomes tense mainly due to events that are mostly related to factors that…
