SUMMARY of the article “Issue of refugees,” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, published on November 19, 2023


The article delves into the complex issue of the forced return of hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghan refugees from Pakistan. While acknowledging the principle of not allowing illegal foreign nationals to stay, the author emphasizes the need to address the growing public perception that ties this expulsion to Pakistan’s response to the Taliban government’s non-cooperation on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) issue. The article suggests engaging with Kabul to create economic pull factors for returning refugees and underscores the intertwined ideologies of the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban. It advocates a two-pronged approach, urging political efforts to persuade Kabul against TTP activities and recognizing the kinetic fight against the TTP as one Pakistan must handle independently. The piece questions why Afghans may not express gratitude for Pakistan’s past assistance and proposes diplomatic engagement with the Taliban for candid » Read More…


SUMMARY of the article “Implementing Fiscal Strategy,” by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, published on November 16, 2023


The federal government in Pakistan has taken a significant step by introducing the National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS), addressing a long-overlooked aspect of national policymaking. This strategy aims to integrate climate change considerations into policymaking, raising ambitions for climate resilience. Aligned with the ongoing Stand-by Arrangement with the IMF, one of the objectives is to reduce economic costs associated with climate disasters. The World Bank and IMF have emphasized the importance of aligning national investments with Climate-Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA) to ensure future climate and development financing. To achieve this, the government plans to present C-PMIA to the cabinet, signaling a commitment to climate-resilient investments. The implementation involves key institutions like the Special Investment Facilitation Council, Public Sector Development Plans, and Public Private Partnership Authority. A Sustainable Finance Bureau is expected to reorient a portion of the new PSDP schemes during FY 2023-24. The NCFS is » Read More…