News

Inquiry into automakers’ bad practices hits roadblock

An inquiry by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) into consumer exploitation by the automobile sector regarding premium payments (on-money), delayed deliveries, increased car prices after booking, etc has come to a standstill. Sources in the commission told Dawn that the investigations have been hindered by a court order and non-cooperation of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd, as the co

Industry is better for growth than IMF bailouts

With the commodity production improving, there is a noticeable pickup in exports, mainly to the Middle East, supporting the country’s apex trade body’s view that more resources can be generated by industry and trade than by knocking at the International Monetary Fund’s doors. With some initial increase in farm output, food exports grew 30 per cent in the first four months of the current fiscal

Pakistan’s perspective on net zero

When preparing and planning for the 2050 net zero target, it’s important to remember that the Earth’s atmosphere knows no boundaries and that every nation is responsible for preserving the environment and atmosphere. This obligation falls particularly heavy on those countries that have contributed the most to pollution and continue to do so. The Earth’s atmosphere comprises 78 per cent nitrogen

A step towards transparency or more manipulation?

While the amendments to election finance rules under the enacted law in August 2023 may contribute to reducing the disparity between the declared and the actual spending by national and provincial assemblies seat aspirants, it is unlikely to eliminate the gap entirely. The substantial increase in the campaign spending limits of candidates has bolstered the perception that engaging in electoral

Corporate window: The need for vision in pharma

At the time of Pakistan’s independence in 1947, there were few pharmaceutical production units in the country. Now, Pakistan has over 800 large-volume pharmaceutical formulation units supplying around 90 per cent of the country’s demand for finished dosage forms and 4pc of active ingredients. In 2020, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector’s value was around $3.2 billion, doubling from $1.64bn in 201