Local governments could be game-changers in countering extremism

Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy cannot rely solely on military operations. Part of the solution is service delivery and a strong relationship between the electorate and local government representatives.
Importers

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.  In...
Fertilizer sector

Pending subsidy payments on the import of DAP

Most individuals are well aware of the current state of the government, given the release of this year’s budget and the conditions...

Is China eating Pakistan with the FTA?

The trade deficit with China has surged faster than with any other country since the exemptions under the agreement went into effect

Where are our cities?

  Why do Pakistani official circles still like to maintain Pakistan is a rural country? Every pronouncement of government, at the cabinet table...

The lopsided market structure of the automobile industry

Cars are supposed to go down in value. Here they are a fixed asset.

Pakistan’s hordes of unskilled IT labourers

Most of Pakistan’s IT exports are based on low-value IT related services. Investment in the right education can change that

Governance system for local governments – Part 1

Devolution, decentralization and financial delegation

Provincialization of electricity distribution companies

Restructuring only way to achieve optimal efficiency

The State Bank’s silent payments revolution

How the SBP's latest circular could have far-reaching consequences for the state of digital Pakistan

Living on the edge

Pakistani start-ups face a difficult future as international venture capital funds dry up

A Stanford academic, Twitter, and Pakistan’s exports

We need to increase Pakistan’s exports, and it doesn’t quite matter where we approach the problem from

Do we need a Google financial office in Pakistan?

During a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, an FBR representative stated that it had warned digital...

Punjab’s changing urban reality requires empowered local governments

Changing demographics mean the Punjab is transforming into a new iteration of the province. Its governance must be left to the hands of local representatives

Daraz.pk : Let it live or let it die?

Rumour has it that Alibaba wants to buy Daraz.pk from Rocket Internet for $150 million (approx Rs 1500 crores). If the transaction...