Context In recent years, Pakistan has undergone a quiet yet powerful transformation not through political upheavals or industrial surges, but through the rapid rise of financial technology (fintech). This shift goes far beyond flashy apps or startup buzz; it represents a determined effort to close a long-standing financial gap that has left millions unbanked and…
Bombing/IEDsTwo separate improvised explosive devices (IED) struck the Shakai area of South Waziristan District on May 24, leaving one civilian dead and a Frontier Corps (FC) soldier injured, reports Dawn. District Police Officer (DPO) Khankhel said that the first explosion occurred near the Sarapal area, targeting a vehicle belonging to the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS)….
Iran has undergone a second aggression in its four decades of revolutionary profile, and is literally at the verge of an existential crisis. The first salvo to be experienced was at the hands of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, a war that lasted for eight years (1980-88), as the Baathist leader was acting as a mole…
Pakistan is blessed with a vast resource of marine heritage which lies in its south, having a more than 1000km coastline, 240,000 square km of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a further 50,000 square km Continental Shelf. Pakistan reserves the right to exploit marine wealth hidden under this vast area for its own benefit….
In June 2025, Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir was welcomed to the White House by President Donald Trump. This marked the first such high-level meeting between a Pakistani military chief not holding the Head of State office and the U.S. President. This event was more than a diplomatic formality – it was a symbolic…
Part 1 Terrorism in South Asia stems from historical resistance, faith, and politics; understanding its roots is vital to securing Pakistan’s future peace Over 35 years in public service, including the senior most roles Within Pakistan’s top law enforcement institutions, I have closely studied the evolving nature of terrorism in our region. The challenges we…
Pakistan’s Federal Budget for fiscal year 2025-26, coupled with the Finance Act 2025, marks a critical juncture in the nation’s economic and strategic trajectory. This article provides a comprehensive commentary on the budget’s fiscal policy stance, its projected multifaceted impact across key economic sectors, and the substantial allocation towards defense. A particular focus is placed…
Abstract:The Pakistan Finance Bill, 2025, currently awaiting final assent to become the Finance Act 2025, introduces a series of unprecedented and significant amendments across the country’s tax laws including Income Tax Ordinance, Sales Tax Act, Federal Excise Duty, and Customs Act. These proposed changes are primarily geared towards aggressively broadening the tax base, formalizing the…
Pakistan, with a population of 24 crore (60% living in rural areas) has an alarming population growth rate of 2.4% with a demography of almost 60 % youth (under 30); the dilemma is that the youth bulge is becoming a burden on the economy instead of an asset. Labour force participation remains stagnant at 37.2%,…
Introduction Access to financial services is a cornerstone of economic development, yet rural areas in Pakistan have historically remained underserved by traditional banks due to infrastructure challenges, low population density, and high operational costs. The rise of Agent Banking, which leverages local businesses and individuals to act as financial service points, has dramatically shifted this…
