The haze of talks
It is heartening to know that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has told the National Assembly on September 19 that there won’t be any change “in the government’s position…
Vibrant Chengdu
Chairman Mao Zedong looks down benignly at the crowds from his perch in Tianfu Square in Chengdu, one arm raised in friendly salutation, an avuncular smile on his face. I…
MPS: introspection, at last
The period beginning September 5 has been significant because, first, the World Economic Forum released its Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2013-14 showing Pakistan's slide from 124th place in global ranking…
The new peace offensive
The hate syndrome, deliberately whipped up by successive governments and hawkish elements both in India and Pakistan, has almost become visceral and whenever somebody tries to advocate a break from…
Moment of opportunity
In setting his priorities at the outset of his tenure Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the economy and energy crisis would receive his urgent attention, as would the removal…
The IMF programme
The Executive Board of the IMF has approved a 36-month programme under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for US$ 6.68 billion on September 4, 2013. After the board approval, the…
Dangerous ground
Universities have long been celebrated as platforms for the free exchange of ideas, innovation and social progress. But Pakistanis should be concerned about the kinds of ideas that are being…
Inviting catastrophe
It is now official. By offering talks to the ‘Pakistani Taliban’, the government-sponsored All-Parties Conference (APC) has formally handed over a strategic and morale-boosting advantage to the Al-Qaeda inspired and…
Sell-off of PSM
Pakistan Steel Mills, known to be the country's largest industrial unit incorporated in 1968 at a total cost of Rs 24.7 billion, with an annual designed production capacity of 1.1…
Beggars cannot be choosers
Since Ayub's era our rulers have developed addiction for large intakes of foreign loans, especially IMF bailouts - many call it death-blows. With every loan comes a host of conditions.…
