This week, 128.5 million Pakistanis, representing over half the country’s population, will get a chance to cast their ballot to choose their government for the fourth time since 2008. This marks a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey, having emerged from a decade of General Musharaf’s Martial rule. The actual turnout will only be evident after the election day. Several obser
As part of efforts to regain some of the fiscal space lost under the 7th National Finance Commission to provinces almost 15 years ago, the federal government has signed agreements with the four provinces to deliver a cumulative fiscal surplus of at least Rs600 billion and refrain from creating further debt in operations of key commodities like fertiliser, wheat and other eatables until the close o
After practically blocking the restructuring of FBR, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has also asked the government to “refrain from taking any further steps including signing of an agreement”, about the privatisation of PIA or its entities till its formal clearance. In a letter to the cabinet secretary less than a week ahead of general elections, the ECP reminded the federal governmen
Economists are taking flak after missing the mark on inflation, failing to anticipate disruptions in global supply chains and forecasting a recession that has not materialised. The Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine and more recently the Middle East conflict have made it tougher for experts to see clearly into their economic crystal balls. European Central Bank president Christine La
The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) is expected to take up four development projects involving an estimated cost of Rs241 billion including two much-delayed major water sector projects of over Rs177bn and a Rs43bn controversial road project in Balochistan. To be presided over by the deputy chairman Planning Commission on Tuesday, the meeting of the CDWP will also take up a Rs43bn road