AIonomics

Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister (1947–1951), is a towering figure in the country’s early history, revered as Quaid-e-Millat (Leader of the Nation) and Shaheed-e-Millat (Martyr of the Nation). His contributions to consolidating the newly formed state of Pakistan, including laying the groundwork for its administrative and constitutional framework, are widely acknowledged. However, his role in introducing the quota system for civil services in 1948 and allegations of discriminatory practices against migrants (Muhajirs) in job allocations within his ministries have sparked considerable debate. This article critically examines Liaquat Ali Khan’s policies, focusing on the quota system’s origins, its implications for urban Sindh, particularly Karachi, and the contentious claims of discrimination against migrants. The Quota System: Origins and Objectives The quota system in Pakistan was introduced in September 1948 under Liaquat Ali Khan’s administration to ensure...

Image Source: Daily Tribune (2023) The healthcare system in Pakistan is facing many challenges that affect its quality, accessibility, and affordability. Some of the key reasons behind the deteriorating healthcare system are: The Status:  Pakistan had the highest maternal mortality ratio compared to its 11 neighboring countries, at 140 deaths per 100 000 live births in 2017. The median value of all 37 OECD countries was 9 in 2018. Pakistan had the highest neonatal mortality rate among the 11 neighboring countries, at 38 deaths per 1000 live births in 2018. The median value of all 37 OECD countries was 2.3 in 2019. Pakistan had the lowest life expectancy at birth among the 11 neighboring countries, at 67.3 years in 2018. The median value of all 37 OECD countries was 81.3 years in 2019. Low public spending on health:  Pakistan has the 2nd lowest public health expenditures as a percentage of GDP in the world, at 2.9% in 2020. The median value of all 37 OECD countries ...

Political engineering in Pakistan is the process by which the military and other powerful actors have sought to manipulate the political system to their advantage. This has involved a variety of tactics, including supporting and undermining political parties, rigging elections, and even staging coups. Historical Background Political engineering in Pakistan has its roots in the early days of the country's independence. The military played a key role in the creation of Pakistan, and it has continued to see itself as the ultimate guarantor of national security. As a result, the military has often intervened in politics when it has felt that the civilian government was not acting in the best interests of the country. The first major instance of political engineering in Pakistan occurred in 1958, when General Ayub Khan overthrew the civilian government of Prime Minister Iskander Mirza. Ayub Khan ruled Pakistan for the next 11 years, and he implemented a number of reforms, in...

The macroeconomic status of Pakistan's economy is precarious and challenging, as the country faces multiple shocks and pressures from both domestic and external sources. According to the latest available data and forecasts, Pakistan's economy is expected to experience a sharp slowdown in growth, a surge in inflation, a widening of fiscal and current account deficits, a depletion of foreign exchange reserves, and a rise in public debt. Here is a brief overview of the main indicators and projections for Pakistan's economy: - GDP growth: Pakistan's economy is estimated to have grown by 6.0% in FY2022, driven by strong performance in the agriculture, industry, and services sectors⁶. However, this growth momentum is forecast to be disrupted by devastating floods that hit the country in July 2023, causing widespread damage to crops, infrastructure, and livelihoods⁸. Moreover, the government has implemented policy tightening measures, such as raising interest rates, cutting su...