Miracles as state policy
Dire situations bring desperate responses. Charlatans roaming India have marshalled armies of boon-seekers. Blind faith is a virtue of poverty, or fear of it. Which means the rich and the…
The balance of payments outlook
In response to questions by journalists about the costs and benefits of entering into a new loan arrangement with the IMF, the finance minister rightly pointed out that the country…
The balance of payments outlook
In response to questions by journalists about the costs and benefits of entering into a new loan arrangement with the IMF, the finance minister rightly pointed out that the country…
‘Qarz burhao, mulk bigarho
In 1997 the slogan of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) was 'Qarz Utaro, Mulk Sanwaro' [retire debt, adorn country], which is reversed in 2013 as all efforts are underway to increase…
Power tariffs: role of competition and transparency – II
Solar PV generation tariff: We should have an appetite for solar PV of around 100 MW at the prevailing PV prices, which compares with a corresponding figure of 1000 MW…
Not your garden-variety FX wobble
King Dollar’s crown has weathered countless storms – but the recent market whirlwind has people asking if this time is different. Over the past few weeks, global investors have witnessed…
Oil price drop turns up heat on emerging market crude exporters
A steep drop in crude oil prices largely due to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs will squeeze budgets of emerging market oil exporters, analysts said, while the potential economic slowdown…
Nation-building
During the Eid holidays this year, I got some time from my socio-political activities to watch a movie titled ‘12th Fail’. The story revolves around Manoj, who along with his…
State of economy
THE government cannot stop congratulating itself for stabilising the economy over the past year, while the people don’t know whether to laugh or cry given their ongoing economic hardship. Have…
Pakistan in dire need of reforms
The economic situation in Pakistan remains complex, with fluctuating growth rates, high prices of commodities, and economic disparities shaping the financial framework. The persistent fiscal deficit, compounded by heavy reliance…
