Stories by Ishrat Husain

Regulation and deregulation

Regulation and deregulation

The challenge is to regulate intelligently, promote competition and enforce rules impartially. Updated 11 Jun, 2026 09:06am
Three Islamic republics

Three Islamic republics

Ultimately, an Islamic republic’s legitimacy do­­e­­s­­n’t rest merely on constitutional titles or religi­o­­us slogans. Updated 30 May, 2026 08:11am
Economic security buffers

Economic security buffers

Four key pillars can help strengthen Pakistan’s economic security in these troubling times. Updated 03 Apr, 2026 09:44am
Budget 2026-27 as a bridge

Budget 2026-27 as a bridge

The next budget should signal that Pakistan is preparing to graduate from stabilisation under IMF supervision to self-sustaining growth. Updated 28 Feb, 2026 09:28am
Software for growth

Software for growth

At the core of its software failure is Pakistan’s poor stock of human capital. Published 05 Feb, 2026 07:05am
SOEs: an eclectic approach

SOEs: an eclectic approach

Decisions regarding state-owned enterprises should be guided by pragmatic considerations. Updated 22 Jan, 2026 09:06am
Reshaping economic ties

Reshaping economic ties

A benign geopolitical environment, coupled with renewed international respect, should compel us to rethink our economic strategy decisively. Updated 25 Oct, 2025 08:12am
Industrial policy redefined

Industrial policy redefined

Industrialisation must be central to growth strategy — not just to boost exports, but to dri­­ve innovation, create jobs and develop skilled workforce. Updated 27 Sep, 2025 08:28am
Revamping the ecosystem

Revamping the ecosystem

Key to high-quality performance of public sector institutions lies in attracting, retaining and motivating civil servants of high calibre throughout the system. Updated 19 Jul, 2025 08:55am
Tariffs & export expansion

Tariffs & export expansion

As these targets and action plans evolve, maintaining consistency, continuity, coherence, coordination and predictability is paramount. Updated 26 Jun, 2025 09:25am
A tale of two tracks

A tale of two tracks

Sloth and inertia have made the civil services unresponsive and inefficient. Published 29 May, 2025 08:16am
India must rethink

India must rethink

Peaceful and cordial relations with neighbouring countries would enhance prospects of India attaining its ambitions. Updated 10 May, 2025 09:06am
Alternative to new varsity

Alternative to new varsity

Instead of building a new university with £190m, there’s the option of revisiting existing campuses. Updated 22 Mar, 2025 08:50am