Say hello to Pakistan’s first digital bank
The process has been long and some strong contenders have failed to make it to the other side. Will Mashreq Bank live up to its expectations as a digital bank in Pakistan?
The free market comes to Pakistan’s wheat crop
The state has been procuring and subsidising wheat production since 1968, claiming it is for the good of small farmers. In reality, it benefits everyone but the growers
The changing nature of Pakistan’s Establishment
We talk in Pakistan as though we have an unchanging establishment, dominated by the military. Reality is far more complex, and changing very rapidly, driven by a changing economy
When the taxman meets the tobacco baron
Track and trace has proven effective in moments, but taxation in the tobacco trade is a whole other ball game
The IMF has raised the alarm bell on Pakistan’s microfinance sector. Where does it stand?
Microfinance in Pakistan is in dire straits and has become a bit of a ticking time bomb because of the high risk of loan defaults and Covid era damages
Fasset brings tokenized gold ownership to Pakistan
Can Fasset’s tokenization strategy unlock bullion’s billions for the masses?
Inside the murky world of college counseling
Let’s think of two scenarios. In the first one, you’re rich. Scratch that, you’re filthy rich. Your kid is a middling student...
How the PCB, betting companies, media wars, and contract troubles derailed Pakistan cricket
The PCB is going hard after Saya Corps. The Sports Management Company claims they are the victims of a witch hunt
What is Hascol hiding?
The petroleum company is trying to erase its history. But with billions of rupees missing, auditors resigning, and law enforcement agencies taking unprecedented interest, that is proving to be a little difficult
Bank AL Habib to leave Kenya after seven‑year foray
Trade between the two countries remains robust, but BAHL did not believe the investment was worth the payoff
Are matchmaking events disrupting the rishta aunty business?
The commoditization of matchmaking is not a novel concept but it might be finally on its way to be a formal business sector
The scapegoating of Byco… and what it says about Pakistan’s energy sector
The government controls more than two-thirds of the oil and gas sector in the country, and yet manages to find ways to blame market inefficiencies on the private sector
Three major banks are up for sale. Who will buy them?
For the first time in Pakistani history, three perfectly healthy and viable banks are simultaneously up for sale. None of them is...
As bored Pakistanis turn to cycling, bicycle sales and crime runs rife
Pakistan has seen a rising trend of luxury imported bicycles on the road ever since the coronavirus pandemic has hit. But with official distributors failing to meet demand, traditional markets have spread their wings.
Another step closer, here’s what Pakistan needs to get off the FATF grey-list
With its allies ready to throw in the towel, Pakistan is inching closer to coming off the FATF grey-list. But this will need commitment and discipline