Recent Posts

Internet Outages Disrupt Multiple Cities and Social Media Platforms

Extent of Disruptions On Friday, widespread internet outages caused significant disruptions across various cities, impacting major online platforms and leaving social media users grappling with connectivity issues. Speculations and Denials Speculation emerged that the outages might be linked to a new firewall installation by the government aimed at monitoring internet use. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) denied these claims, …

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World Development Report 2024: Navigating the Middle-Income Trap

Challenges Facing Middle-Income Countries The ‘World Development Report 2024’ highlights the significant challenges middle-income countries face as they strive to transition to high-income status. Rising debt, aging populations, protectionism in advanced economies, and the pressures of accelerating the energy transition are key obstacles. Current Status and Aspirations There are currently 108 countries classified as middle-income, many of which aspire to …

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SECP Advances Short-Term Sukuk Market with New Concept Papers

Introduction of Concept Papers The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued two concept papers aimed at enhancing the development of the short-term sukuk (Islamic bonds) market. These papers are intended to initiate public consultation and propose regulatory measures to promote the listing of short-term sovereign and corporate sukuk instruments. Objectives and Rationale The primary goal of these …

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