Yearly Archives: 2023

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…

SUMMARY of the article “Increasing Margins” by Arooj Waheed Dar, published on November 15, 2023

The economic challenges in Pakistan can be traced to factors such as exclusive institutions, limited equal opportunities, and a lack of entrepreneurship, particularly for women, leading to low productivity and economic growth. Gender disparity and financial exclusion persist, hindering women’s entrepreneurial potential. Statistics from the Labour Force Survey for 2020-21 reveal that only 2% of employers in Pakistan are women, and a substantial 60% of working women are contributing family workers. Limited education and vocational training options, coupled with cultural constraints affecting women’s mobility, contribute to the scarcity of decent work opportunities for women. The article emphasizes the need for policymakers to address gender disparities by focusing on digital and financial inclusion. Digitalization, by expanding women’s access to devices, internet, and digital literacy, can enable them to participate in economic activities from the safety of » Read More…

 SUMMARY of the article “OIC inaction,” Editorial by Dawn, November 13th, 2023

The recent joint OIC/Arab League summit in Riyadh aimed at addressing the Gaza tragedy fell short of expectations. The conference, brimming with Muslim world leaders, resulted in no concrete action plan to halt the ongoing massacre in Gaza. While the summit included calls for a ceasefire and condemnation of Israeli violence, it lacked substantial steps to address the crisis. Amid the summit’s luxury, the people of Gaza, reeling from burying their loved ones daily, remained at the mercy of Israeli strikes. Various suggestions, such as calls to sever ties with Israel or designate the Israeli military as a terrorist group, found little support. Despite the alarming death toll, the Muslim world’s influential figures failed to unify in communicating a clear message that the massacre of Palestinians must cease. The helplessness of grand political gestures » Read More…