Goals and challenges for FBR
Internationally accepted, the primary role of tax authorities is to ensure compliance with tax laws; its effectiveness, however, depends on a variety of external factors including the state of the…
Democratic dangers
The political landscape of India witnessed a historical about-turn when the Bharatiya Janata Party decisively ended the decade-long political monopoly of the Indian National Congress. At times it seems hard…
Five causes of the crisis
Never have the unfortunate people of Pakistan been so full of apprehension about their future on Independence Day as they are today. What gives their anxiety sharper focus is the…
A free pass for global militants
TODAY’S global terrorist knows how to disguise himself well. It is thus often difficult to spot him while he is moving from one country to another. He may be masquerading…
Visiting the IMF approach
The transition from a standby arrangement to an EFF by the IMF in the beginning of FY14 for Pakistan has been puzzling because the structural contents of the economic programme…
Rise & fall of a Shakespearean hero
To those few who have closely watched his rise and fall in the ebb and flow of Indian politics, Jaswant Singh embodies thinly camouflaged elements of Shakespeare’s tragic heroes. The…
Rule of law and economic growth
What do we mean by the rule of law? Allow me to explain this by reference to cricket. The rules of the game are the same for all — when…
Our infatuation with non-issues
In Pakistan the most feasible strategy for social control is the creation of a red-herring to divert public attention from issues of real importance. These red-herrings keep public attention diverted…
Social contract
There are many theories about the origin of the state and its role in the life of its citizens. One view is that the state is inherently an oppressive institution,…
Iran hopes for end of sanctions boom but investors still wary
With the prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough next month bringing an end to Iran's international isolation, officials in Tehran are preparing to roll out the red carpet to foreign firms.…
