Every day thousands of Pakistanis are losing jobs as the ongoing economic crisis deepens further. Just how many millions will become jobless in 2023? Nobody can say for sure. But let’s rephrase the question: What will be the total number of unemployed people by the end of this year, including those that couldn’t find work even before 2023? Estimates vary. But given the current pace of business
In the past couple of weeks, politicians from several political parties have come together in a self-professed nonpartisan attempt to generate consensus for economic reforms. Given the magnitude of the economic crisis currently facing Pakistan, and the general lack of clear thinking about solutions, any and all such endeavours are welcome. The composition of this ‘pressure group’ — an ex-prime
After the complete surrender by the PMLN-led coalition government to meeting the IMF conditions for the revival of the programme, the financial market looks firm that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) would increase the interest rate in the range of 150 to 200 basis points in the next monetary policy to be announced on Monday. State Minister for Finance Aisha Ghouse Pasha said on Thursday that t
Can the general elections expected this year open up the path that leads to a turnaround in the political economy? Or will we just see business as usual despite the newly elected federal government in the saddle? The earliest sign to show in which direction the country would move after elections will be whether the election campaign is focused on how the nation’s key challenges are to be addres
The State Bank of Pakistan has finally picked its winners of the five digital banking licenses from the 20 contenders that had tossed their hats in the ring over nine months ago. Or rather, it issued them no-objection certificates, and they will now have to undergo a long process. For those in the fintech and startup circles, this triggered mixed reactions. It was quite like a reality show wher