Pakistan’s IMF Trap: The Road to Economic Independence

Pakistan’s economic dependence on IMF loans and the challenge of achieving economic independence

Pakistan’s IMF Trap: The Long Road to Economic Independence By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal Pakistan’s recurring dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has become an enduring feature of its economic history. Every new programme brings temporary relief, helps restore confidence in the country’s ability to meet its external obligations and offers another opportunity to place the economy on a sustainable path. Yet, as one agreement follows another, a fundamental question remains unanswered; why has Pakistan repeatedly needed external assistance to finance its needs and stabilise its economy? The problem extends…

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Pakistan Power Market Reform: CTBCM and Competitive Electricity Trading

Pakistan’s Power Market Transition to a Competitive System Mian Iftikhar Ahmad A historic change is taking place in Pakistan’s power market, the announcement of which was made by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari in a video message and which is also confirmed by official documents. Under this new system, the government is withdrawing from its traditional role of central electricity purchasing and a competitive trading bilateral contract market known as CTBCM is being introduced, the basic objective of which is to make direct buying and selling between power producers…

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