Detonating POL bomb
Huzaima Bukhari & Dr. Ikramul Haq Rising need of petroleum and its heavy taxation leaves the common man stripped of his earnings, and renders the lives of the poor more miserable than before, but despite all these, brings in…
Critique of extractive capitalism—II Surplus, wealth circulation & human development
Dr. Ikramul Haq Modern economic systems continue to operate on a foundational assumption: accumulation drives growth. Wealth concentration is often portrayed as a necessary by-product of innovation, efficiency and productivity. Nevertheless, contemporary evidence increasingly suggests that excessive accumulation (extreme…
Critique of extractive capitalism—I Growth, inequality & insecurity
Dr. Ikramul Haq Modern capitalism has become extractive, concentrating wealth and generating insecurity. Traditional socialism also failed to protect individual autonomy. A humanistic economic framework is needed—one that promotes cooperation, economic security and development of human potential….
Corporate taxes & NFC formula
Huzaima Bukhari, Dr. Ikramul Haq & Abdul Rauf Shakoori Pakistan’s debate on fiscal federalism has long been framed around one central question: how should the divisible pool under the National Finance Commission (NFC) be shared among the…
Budgeting for 2026-27 in uncertain times
Dr. Ikramul Haq Federal budget for next fiscal year (2026-27) will be under preparation after Eid holiday. Our policymakers would face an uphill task to balance the budget amidst the 37-month US$7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF)…
Taxes, Growth, Employment & Welfare
Dr. Ikramul Haq “We are not a welfare state; we lack the institutional nervous system, the documentation, and the moral contract to sustain one. Yet, our fiscal policy remains obsessed with squeezing the productive few to fund…
86th Pakistan Day Need for fiscal reconstruction
Dr. Ikramul Haq March 23, 2026 marks 86th Pakistan Day. The entire nation hopes that the present hybrid-plus government will strive to forge a broad political consensus for undertaking the much-needed reforms in all spheres of governance…