Lessons from the fall of Airlift
AIrlift’s fall was inevitable. Once the darling of the Pakistani startup ecosystem, its downfall was a mixture of unfortunate circumstances and its...
In defence of our startups
Much has been said about the rise of the startup ecosystem in Pakistan. From enthusiastic cheerleading to words of caution and cynicism,...
Cooling the economy
For more than a year now, we have been hearing the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) tell us about how well the...
Last mile to the IMF
Matters have advanced rapidly with the IMF since the government took the difficult decisions on the fuel price adjustments and the budget,...
Sit down, Mr Dar!
For a number of weeks, now former finance minister Ishaq Dar has been providing unsolicited input into the economic decision-making of the...
Interbank bloodbath
We are now in the danger zone. The interbank market is operating on borrowed dollars just to make routine trade related payments....
An honest look at import policy is needed
Our own experience teaches us that import restrictions are only a very temporary way of curtailing imports. In the face if a...
Dear banks – It’s time to go ‘digital first’
The talk of a digital Pakistan is not just talk. We do not say this because there has been some seismic shift...
Blowout approaching
The market is far ahead of the authorities today. It is demanding a return of almost 15 percent on money it loans...
Tipping point
The country is standing at a critical tipping point and it’s most important decision making centre is in complete disarray. The economy...
Where do we go now?
The new government faces serious economic challenges. The list is quite long, and sadly quite familiar. The immediate challenge will be unwinding...
Dragging it out
The prolonged uncertainty that has engulfed the country since the opposition’s move to table a no-confidence resolution against the Prime Minister needs...
Losing confidence
The government has done the right thing to approach the Supreme Court regarding its allegations of “horse trading” in the run up...
Towards crisis
The country is now veering dangerously towards a combined political and economic crisis. The IMF talks have hit an impasse over the...
A deadly crossroads
The country is now standing on a very dangerous precipice and more than ever before requires the highest quality decision making at...