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Developing a competent energy market

Pakistan has been grappling with severe and persistent energy challenges for decades. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the country’s severe economic difficulties, creating a pressing need for immediate reforms. Yet, no significant change can be expected if the sector continues to be governed in a similar manner, that is, centralised decision-making at the Power Division. If pro

Developing a competent energy market

Pakistan has been grappling with severe and persistent energy challenges for decades. These challenges have been further exacerbated by the country’s severe economic difficulties, creating a pressing need for immediate reforms. Yet, no significant change can be expected if the sector continues to be governed in a similar manner, that is, centralised decision-making at the Power Division. If pro

CORPORATE WINDOW: Shifting sands of the banking sector

When the government’s needs are very high along with interest rates, the private sector will always be crowded out, said JS Bank President & CEO Basir Shamsie in an interview. “Even if banks were willing to lend money to the private sector, there is not much demand at the current monetary policy rate.” He elaborated on the dynamics of the credit market, explaining that the risk and reward trade

From downloads to dollars

Not too long ago, you’d hear boomers blaming everything wrong in society on mobile phones. This was before they signed up on Facebook and started receiving fake news on WhatsApp and became one of the largest demographics for these products. Coincidentally, the two Meta-owned apps also had the third and fourth most downloads in Pakistan during 2023, at 23.4 million and 22.8m, respectively. Accor

Barriers to green transformation

The financial sector plays a crucial role in promoting environmentally sustainable and socially responsible investment. Pakistan has set a target of a 50 per cent reduction in its projected greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 — 15pc from the country’s resources and 35pc subject to the provision of international finance amounting to $101 billion for the clean energy transition. This requires