Nawaz Sharif’s Return: What’s in Store for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, is set to return to the state from his self-imposed exile on October 21st, 2023. With the date of the next elections announced, this return will signify his return to the Pakistani political arena as well. Amna Asif speculates on the true agenda of the PML-N and what it means for the future of Pakistan.
A Guide to the Civil Judge Exam in Pakistan
This is a guide to the civil judge exam, which is similar to the civil services exam (CSS), in that it is competitive, and if passed, one can get a high-ranking position in the system for which one would have had to put in years of one’s career otherwise.
It is conducted annually by the provincial governments and is set to help one become a Civil Judge cum Magistrate.
2023 ICC World Cup
With India as the hosting nation, the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup.
Ten national groups are participating in this quadrennial One Day International (ODI) format administered by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Independent Power Producers in Pakistan
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are private companies that generate power/electricity before selling it to the national grid competitively. They are also called Non-utility generators (NUGs) which only further emphasize private ownership.
There can be a variety of sources that IPPs can use to generate electricity such as wind, solar, and nuclear energy. Although they contribute to Pakistan’s circular debt, they are still a necessary
evil.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA): From a Glorious Take-Off to a Potential Touchdown?
With a history dating back to 1946, PIA enjoyed a golden era characterized by top-notch service, innovative initiatives, and a reputation for safety and reliability. However, its status has changed dramatically over the years. Fatimah Naeem delves into the turbulent journey of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once an emblem of national pride and a symbol of excellence in the aviation industry. She examines the factors that have led to PIA’s decline and raises the question of whether the PIA can reclaim its former glory or if it’s headed for a potential touchdown, symbolizing a fall from grace.
Lahore High Court (LHC) of Pakistan: Upholding Justice at the District Level
The judicial hierarchy in Pakistan includes the Supreme Court, high courts, civil courts, and criminal courts. Focusing on the Lahore High Court (LHC), Sadia Iqbal highlights its evolutionary history, reflecting the transitions in governance. The LHC, through landmark decisions, contributes to contemporary legal discourse, addressing issues like climate change, sedition laws, and women’s rights. Despite commendable decisions, challenges still persist in the workings of the high court.
Kunda System: The Leading Source of Electricity Theft in Pakistan
Sadia Iqbal elaborates on the pressing issue of electricity theft through the “kunda” system in Pakistan. This illegal practice enables individuals to bypass meters, evade electricity bills, and aggravate the nation’s energy crisis by establishing unauthorized connections to power lines. The author identifies undetectable transmission losses and social factors such as poverty as primary causes of the prevalence of electricity theft. The consequences of the kunda system extend beyond financial losses, encompassing damage to infrastructure, fostering dishonesty, and contributing to a broader atmosphere of lawlessness.
The IMF-Pakistan Deal: Unpacking Economic Realities
Afifa Iqbal highlights the economic challenges facing ordinary Pakistanis amidst the country’s recent IMF deal. Pakistan’s economy is in crisis, with soaring inflation rates and hardships for its citizens. The priorities of the political leadership have only made matters worse. The IMF’s conditions for the deal include fiscal austerity measures that prioritize debt servicing over public and development spending, leading to potential hardships for the people. Additionally, the policy targeting disinflation could result in increased borrowing expenses and unemployment.
Small Business, Big Impact: How Government Policies Can Boost Economic Growth in Pakistan
Misha Karim suggests that Pakistan’s economic crisis can be resolved by promoting entrepreneurship through government policies such as streamlined regulations and tax reforms.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been providing financial support to Pakistan to address its economic crisis. However, IMF loans come with conditions such as reducing government spending and increasing taxes, which can negatively impact the economy and the people.
It is important for Pakistan to implement structural reforms such as streamlining regulations and taxes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to promote growth and job creation. Supporting small businesses can play a key role in shaping the national growth strategy.
Electricity Price Hike: A Tale of Poor Governance
Pakistan has been facing a myriad of issues, but the energy crisis is one such issue that has hit the country hard. The phrase ‘load shedding’ has become a part of our daily vocabulary. Insane and unexpected electricity bills are the talk of the town.
Does Pakistan lack the capacity to generate enough electricity? Why has a sudden hike in the bills taken place? Is the current crisis a result of poor leadership or a natural occurrence? And above all, can this be fixed or not?
From Debt Burden to Economic Growth: A Roadmap for Pakistan’s Recovery
Faryal Khan discusses pakistan’s external debt and liabilities, proposing measures for the country’s economic recovery and growth. Drawing inspiration from successful examples and policies implemented by other countries, this article suggests policies such as improving the investment climate, reducing the cost of doing business, promoting renewable energy, and implementing microfinance policies. By adopting these policies, Pakistan can create a favourable business environment, attract more investment, and ultimately boost its economy. This proposed roadmap aims to help Pakistan transition from a debt burden to a path of economic growth and prosperity.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan
Established in 1924 as a federal law enforcement agency, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ensures transparent revenue generation through tax collection.
Using modern techniques, the professional workforce maintains the integrity of the institution by performing its duties while seeking to develop a healthy relationship with taxpayers.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: 10 Years and Beyond
It’s been a decade since the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $50 billion project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
While many believe that the project has failed in many respects, Ayesha Shaikh shares what it is and what it isn’t.
The Economic Challenges of Pakistan: Exploring the Roots and Possible Solutions of the Crisis
Rida Raja delves deep into the economic crisis of Pakistan to get a more holistic, detailed, and long-term picture. She uses a factual and statistical approach to draw an economic understanding of the country’s ongoing crisis.
She discusses what the reasons behind the economic crisis really are, i.e. lower productivity growth, lower savings rate, untapped export potential, and limited integration with global value chains.
Rida proposes a few solutions to these issues, considering each of the country’s major economic sectors separately.
The First Battle of Panipat
The First Battle of Panipat, which took place on April 21, 1526, is remembered as a turning point in Indian history.
Sultan Ibrahim Lodi’s forces and the Mughal Army under Mughal emperor Babur (a descendant of Genghis Khan and Timur) fought a titanic battle. This crucial conflict changed the course of history by establishing Mughal control in the Indian subcontinent.
Interestingly enough, the Mughals introduced gunpowder-powered weapons and field artillery to the Indian subcontinent in this fight, setting new standards for warfare at the time.
Land Reforms of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Land reforms in Pakistan have been a contested issue for years. Since the era of General Ayub Khan, efforts to introduce land reforms for a more just distribution of property have been witnessed in Pakistan. The Zulfikar Ali Bhutto regime introduced two land reform acts (in 1972 and 1977) targeting land ownership, redistribution, and landlord-tenant relationships. Laiba Umer Malik analyzes the effects of Bhutto’s land reforms and the issues in their implementation in an effort to address why unequal property rights still linger in Pakistan.
The Caretaker Government in Pakistan
The international arena today is dominated by democratic political systems which prompt the election of leaders by the will of the people. The purpose of democracy is to ensure a social contract that guarantees an informed decision on the part of the population. During the period of transition, the country is run by a caretaker or interim government that is responsible for the temporary management of people’s affairs and for overseeing the election process. On 14th August 2023, Anwarul Haq Kakar was sworn in as the caretaker Prime Minister. With PM Kakar also came a 16-member caretaker federal cabinet. Is the caretaker government expected to overstay its term?
