In December 2024, the US Bureau of Industry and Security imposed a new set of export controls on Chinese companies, escalating tensions between the two countries to a new level. After Beijing retaliated with a ban on export of rare earth metals, the matter apparently receded – but only to be fought in cyber space. A couple of weeks ago, the US Treasury department reported a hacking incident whe
It is a rare day in Pakistan when a major newspaper does not carry a story on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its pronouncements, and its demands. The Fund has acquired a pivotal role in the management of Pakistan's economy. Two questions need to be asked: First, how is it that a group of remote international bureaucrats can dictate economic policies to the government? And second, are Pakis
In the heart of South Asia, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding. Pakistan, a nation often overlooked in discussions of global innovation, is poised to leapfrog into the future on the wings of artificial intelligence. This unexpected player in the AI game is leveraging its unique position to potentially transform its economy, governance, and society in ways that could serve as a mode
After stabilising its economy, Pakistan stands at a crossroads. Opinions on the way forward remain divided. Some argue that, following nearly zero average growth over the past 15 years, the country must prioritise economic expansion to counter rising poverty. Others, particularly influential voices in the Ministry of Finance and the business community, warn that the recovery is fragile and worr
When you think of big bucks, what industries come to your mind? Probably finance or technology? For the more old-school people, maybe it would be real estate or some sort of trading business. While exceptions always exist, some sectors are not typically associated with money. Education is probably the greatest example, in part because the state traditionally provided it for free. Since then, ti