The start-up culture is causing Pakistanis (& Wapistanis) to dream
Rising inflation, declining foreign reserves, energy shortages, political instability – These headlines make a grim reading for any investor. But in all...
Import tariffs as implicit (and powerful) export taxes
If you thought import duties were taxes on imports, you’re only half right. They are also, implicitly, and powerfully, taxes on exports.Â
In...
The last days of Governor Baqir
"His term is about to end and we will not retain him," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif while speaking about Dr Reza Baqir’s...
Pakistan’s second war on terror
Pakistan’s second war on terror is becoming more violent and more complex over the last few months. With security personnel facing attacks...
Fake news and power outages – this week in Pakistan’s business and economics twitterverse
The nation is fast headed towards Eid, and that means there is nothing else being done at breakneck speed. As we go...
Startups should be looking at debt, not just VC funding
Three years ago, I met another venture investor in Jakarta to talk about startups in emerging markets. We spoke about various sectors...
Navigating the crisis
Pakistan is staring at yet another economic crisis. A coalition government is facing economic choices that will significantly erode its political capital...
Good corporate governance should demand better CEO accountability
In most Pakistani organizations, performance management gets worse the higher one climbs the greasy pole. Boards and shareholders should learn about and be thorough in evaluating top management
The case against a six-day work week
After a week-long constitutional crisis, a new government is finally in place. One of the first decisions taken was a rushed one,...
Bond spreads rise with political risk
Pakistan has a long history in global capital markets. The country’s first international bond dates to late 1994 when $150mn was raised...
Crisis ahead!
What does an economic meltdown look like?
An inflationary summer
A powerful price spiral awaits the government as inflation could top 15 percent once the price caps on power and fuel are lifted, making further rate hikes necessary. Are they ready?
Literature and economy: Role of commercial organizations
Intuitively, the link between literature and the economy is not expressly apparent. Following an analysis of the two disciplines, my assertion is...
Let’s Shutdown the MBA program
In a world spurred by technology, where specific skills are more in demand, the MBA is a waste of time and money
Security and diplomacy – where do we stand?
With the country in political chaos, facing the challenges will be even more difficult.