Monthly Archives: November 2023

SUMMARY of the article “Devil is in the details,” by Aqdas Afzal, published on November 24, 2023

As China commemorates a decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, tensions between China and the US have intensified. The roots of this rivalry date back to 2011 when the US initiated a ‘Pivot to Asia,’ aiming to contain China with a strategic partnership with India. However, recent shifts in US economic strategy, acknowledging China’s lead, reveal an inclination to collaborate with India, particularly in technology development. While China faces economic challenges, India boasts a robust growth rate, attracting global investors. Yet, under scrutiny, India’s economic success unravels. Ashoka Mody, a former IMF economist, challenges India’s GDP growth, exposing potential exaggeration. The quality of growth raises concerns, with ‘jobless growth’ prevalent in finance and real estate. Despite increased military spending, two-thirds go to » Read More…

SUMMARY of the article “Facing the abyss,” by Faisal Bari, published on November 24, 2023

The article confronts the critical challenges facing Pakistan, emphasizing the alarming statistics revealed by the 2023 census. With a population of 241.499 million and a growth rate of 2.55%, Pakistan adds approximately 6 million people annually, surpassing the entire populations of countries like Finland, Norway, and Denmark. The population growth, rebounding from a reported decline, contrasts sharply with successful efforts in neighboring countries. Disturbingly, 40% of Pakistani children suffer from malnutrition, and the nation has high rates of neonatal, infant, child, and maternal mortality. Pakistan remains one of two countries, along with Afghanistan, unable to eradicate polio. Education woes are evident with 23 million out-of-school children, making Pakistan the global leader in this regard. Quality education accessibility is skewed, particularly affecting girls, rural children, religious minorities, and those from impoverished families. The environmental crisis is equally dire, ranking Pakistan as the world’s third or fourth most polluted country, significantly impacting life expectancy. The article laments the lack » Read More…

SUMMARY of the article “Foreign trade debate,” by Miftah Ismail, published on November 23, 2023

The article delves into the ongoing debate in Pakistan regarding the optimal foreign trade strategy: export promotion or import substitution. While much of the world, especially Southeast Asia, has embraced export promotion successfully, Pakistan remains entangled in a confused approach, attempting both strategies simultaneously and reaping the disadvantages of each. Import substitution involves replacing imported goods with domestic production, exemplified by higher duties on imported cars in the 1980s. However, this approach has led to inefficiencies, high prices, and a small market. On the contrary, export promotion aims to make manufacturers prefer selling to foreign customers through policies favoring exporters. Despite offering similar incentives, Pakistan struggles to boost exports due to conflicting strategies that increase the overall cost of doing business. The article emphasizes the need to prioritize export promotion, diversify industries beyond textiles, and » Read More…

SUMMARY of the article “Gas crisis,” Editorial, published on November 22, 2023

As winter approaches, households and consumers connected to public gas utilities in Pakistan are bracing for the annual shortage of fuel. This recurring issue, persisting for over a decade and a half, intensifies during the winter months, leading to complete cutoffs for certain sectors and rationing for others, including households. The root causes of the gas shortages are well-established: a drastic decline in domestic production due to the prolonged misuse of this energy resource and a lack of major gas discoveries to replenish dwindling reserves. Pipeline projects to import gas from Iran and Central Asian states face persistent challenges. With no viable alternatives, Pakistan relies on the import of expensive LNG to bridge the supply gap. However, volatile global market conditions, disruptions in the international supply chain, and balance-of-payments challenges have made this option difficult. Despite renewed interest from international LNG traders, securing additional shipments » Read More…

SUMMARY of the article “Godspeed Afghans,” by Shahzad Sharjeel, published on November 21, 2023

The article delves into the longstanding presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of the relationship between the two nations. It critiques the blurred lines between the ummah (Islamic community) and the nation-state narrative that has influenced policies like naturalization, passports, and visas. The author highlights the differing perspectives in Karachi and rural Sindh, where Afghans are either seen as competitors for jobs or as a source of ethnic imbalance. The narrative explores the complexities of the refugee issue, challenging notions of gratitude and questioning the benefits derived from decades of hosting Afghan refugees. It advocates for a shift in Pakistan’s approach, respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and urging an end to the expectation of reciprocation. The article concludes by » Read More…