State of the textile industry
Pakistan's premier industry, textiles, appears to be in trouble. The APTMA has threatened to go on a strike if corrective measures are not taken by the government by the 31st…
Analysing government’s claim
Reality gap about Pakistan's economic performance continues to widen. In my last article (August 4), I estimated budget deficit for 2014-15 to be 8.6 percent of GDP which was consistent…
What did Shuja Khanzada die for?
As the dust settles down in Shadi Khan Village and the entire country mourns the martyrdom of another brave son, Pakistan seems to be coming back to the new normal.…
Is PSM listening
Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) has been constantly defaulting on its payments to SSGC. PSM's failure to settle its dues has made it difficult for the gas utility to finance its…
The economics of industrialisation
As I hear anchors on State television going gaga on the screen regarding investment in the country one wonders whether I am living in Pakistan or in an alien country.…
Approaching or landed in deflation?
I wrote an article in this newspaper on February 17, 2015, stating clearly that Pakistan's economy is heading towards deflation. Some economists thought that it was too early to pass…
VIEWPOINT: Now or never
Glowing tributes are being paid to the slain Punjab Home Minister Shuja Khanzada for the ultimate sacrifice he made in the fight terrorism. Presiding over a special meeting of his…
Devaluation and the ego
There is a sense amongst many prominent policymakers in Pakistan, particularly the finance minister, that Pakistan’s currency, in particular its exchange rate, is a sign of one’s ego. Official statements…
Competent cabinet
During the past three months, Pakistan's minor rating/perception upgrades by Moody's, S&P, and Bloomberg were repeatedly cited by the finance minister as signs of Pakistan's progress. Now the Forbes magazine…
China’s devaluation fires cannon in global currency war
The global currency war entered a new and critical phase on Tuesday as China's surprise devaluation threatened to unleash a wave of competitive devaluations and keep monetary policy around the…
