Economic policy is about choices and the right policy choices make the difference. Pakistan, unfortunately, for the last four decades has been making the wrong ones. No wonder, we are in a 24th IMF programme, unable to get ourselves out of this vicious cycle of slow growth, higher taxes, unsustainable budget deficits, excessive debt burden and a never-ending balance of payments crisis. Our m
Dominant bulls managed to navigate the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) through turbulent paths to an unprecedented level above 100,000 despite economic, political, and security concerns during the outgoing week. The unending political instability, rising costs, and deteriorating law and order situation were key worries of big businesses and multinational companies, warning that these issues force
The economic impact of PTI’s protest in Islamabad, coupled with administrative measures to limit participation, counter its message, disperse the crowd, and clear the venue, extends beyond the huge financial toll, estimated at Rs950 billion, on the country. The projected losses, amounting to Rs190bn per day over five days, are attributed to disruptions to transport, supply chains, and economic
Tangled wires crisscross the streets in many parts of Karachi, forming a chaotic web overhead. It’s almost impossible to discern the purpose of each cable as they hang carelessly, draping over trees, poles, and buildings, contributing to the city’s already overwhelming visual clutter. Amid this disorder, countless kundas — illegal connections used to steal electricity — are common. In a country
Among the executive orders to be signed on day one of his incoming presidency, the maverick US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. The tariff would also be levied on crude oil until these countries stop the inflow of illegal “immigrants and drugs fentanyl into the US”. Canada and Mexico are the two top sources of US c