Latest articles from Pakistan

Gwadar port teaser

Will Gwadar cement a strong China-Pakistan relationship?

April 3, 2018

Amid the China-funded infrastructure push in Pakistan, concerns are starting to mount about rising deficits. Go Yamada, Nikkei senior deputy editor, reports.

Riaz Riazuddin teaser

Pakistan central bank chief looks to maintain rupee strength

July 3, 2017

Riaz Riazuddin, Pakistan’s acting central bank chief, tells Edward Russell-Walling how it will target inflation and why he disagrees with the IMF suggestion that the country’s strong currency should be allowed to weaken in the face of a deficit.

Nadeem Naqvi teaser

Retrieving Pakistan's lost emerging market status

July 3, 2017

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, Pakistan Stock Exchange former managing director Nadeem Naqvi was recruited to steer a course via consolidation and regulation of the regional exchanges, and regain emerging market status for the PSE and oversee its listing. Edward Russell-Walling reports. 

Habib Metro teaser

Pakistan banks branch out to fight drop in profits

July 3, 2017

While relatively healthy, Pakistan’s banks are looking for ways to diversify in a bid to boost profits. These include digital branches, non-branch banking and more innovative lending, reports Edward Russell-Walling.

Pakistan economy teaser

Can Pakistan hold its nerve and sustain economic growth?

July 3, 2017

Pakistan’s GDP growth is up, its budget deficit is down and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promises to bring with it major investment. But observers are warning against government complacency as its privatisation programme stalls and power debts remain unpaid. 

Zubyr Soomro teaser

Microfinance becomes big business in Pakistan

July 1, 2016

As a country with severe issues of financial exclusion, Pakistan is setting up an institutional framework supporting microfinance institutions. The latest innovation is the launch of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company. Edward Russell-Walling maps the sector's development.

Pakistan airlines teaser

Mixed results mire Pakistan's privatisation drive

July 1, 2016

After success stories in bank privatisation, Pakistan is now turning to ailing state firms in the airline, electricity and steel sectors. But large losses, competition and social unrest are making for a bumpy ride. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Pakistan economy teaser

Putting Pakistan’s economy on the map

July 1, 2016

Although Pakistan's economy has not met all government targets, its macro fundamentals are strong and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is generating a lot of optimism. Is this enough to attract more foreign direct investment into the country? Edward Russell-Walling reports.

HBL teaser

Channelling growth in Pakistan's banking sector

July 1, 2016

Pakistan's big five banks have largely enjoyed a prosperous past 12 months. However, as Edward Russell-Walling discovers, lower interest rates, a lack of credit being extended to the private sector and the rise of Islamic finance are causing the banks to reassess their strategies. 

Has Islamic banking finally cracked Pakistan?

November 3, 2014

After a false start, Islamic banking has become the fastest growing segment of the Pakistani banking industry, with the full support of the government. Apart from the ever-present challenge of liquidity management, most local Islamic bankers agree that their most important task now is to build awareness in the country.

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