ISLAMABAD: PIA, with cumulative losses of Rs750 billion, is finally on its death bed. What else better reflects our approach than the fact that an ex-bureaucrat has been tasked to supervise its last rites as the privatisation minister. This is despite the fact that it has reached this stage mostly because of the non-professional … Read more
LAHORE: Following three decades of electricity reforms, underperformance is witnessed in the electricity sub-sector. Electricity reforms are unable to deliver the intended promises of affordable and reliable electricity to the people. The first question is how to bring affordability to the system? The unbundling of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has given rise … Read more
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) achieved a historic milestone by collecting more than Rs 1 trillion in gross revenue in a single month for the first time in December 2023. According to a press release issued here on Sunday, the FBR collected Rs 1,021 billion in December 2023 and after adjusting refunds of … Read more
ISLAMABAD: For most political parties in Pakistan, the post-election economic strategy is straightforward: plan the next stimulus in the form of an infrastructure spending spree (CPEC 2.0), increased social net spending (BISP+, retaining subsidies, etc), or tax concessions for the realty sector – all to be funded by public debt. Since any new debt … Read more
When does it make sense to leave Pakistan, and when does it make sense to come back home? Embedded in the consciousness of Pakistani society are seemingly immutable and incontrovertible answers. When does it make sense to leave Pakistan? At the very first feasible opportunity. When does it make sense to come back home? … Read more
KARACHI: Forget the past; let’s focus on 2024. Very early in the year, we need a democratically elected government with a strong mandate for economic reforms. There is no other wish-list of the voters except their financial well-being. Individuals assigned responsibilities of such ministries shouldn’t identify problems but only provide solutions. It will be … Read more
The curtains close on 2023, Pakistan concludes another year marked by economic misery, combined with uncertainty on the political front and a looming security threat that has the potential to exacerbate the suffering. While 2022 may be remembered as one of the worst years in the country’s history, its successor, though not as dire, … Read more
Rupee gains 0.18% against dollar this week boosted by an unexpected rise in foreign exchange reserves A foreign currency dealer counts US dollars at a shop in Karachi on March 2, 2023. — Online Inflows from multilateral lenders to support rupee. Local currency gains 0.18% against dollar this week. Rupee to trade range-bound in … Read more
Clothes with discount signs are displayed at a shop in Cambrai on the first day of summer sales in France, June 30, 2021. — Reuters Brands violating directive to face enforcement actions: CCP. Discrepancies observed in approximately 96% of outlets. CCP advises consumers to exercise vigilance while shopping. ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has … Read more
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), after bottoming out at a three-year low in 2023, ended the year as the best performing bourse around the globe in the backdrop of a $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme, disappearance of chances of debt default and successful completion of first IMF review. The benchmark KSE-100 index registered … Read more