Stories by Afshan Subohi

Reviving the steel giant

If all goes according to plan, Pakistan’s first direct reduced iron-based steel plant could resume commercial production Published 08 Jun, 2026 07:15am
The social weight on the new budget

The social weight on the new budget

Attempting to extract more taxes from an already stressed private sector is likely to generate frustration and resentment rather than meaningful additional revenues. Published 01 Jun, 2026 07:01am
Eid data under  lock and key

Eid data under lock and key

"Given the size of Pakistan’s informal sector, the economy is likely far bigger than what official figures suggest and so is the Eid-related activity," a source says. Published 25 May, 2026 07:51am
Tallying up the revenue records

Tallying up the revenue records

The Rs599bn collection by three provinces is a clear improvement, but is still only a fraction of our true revenue potential. Published 18 May, 2026 07:21am

Law and the financially compromised

‘There remains a significant gap between legal coverage and actual enforcement, with overall compliance still weak’ Published 11 May, 2026 07:31am
How to price art

How to price art

‘Occasionally, we come across pieces that we believe may be original; I have held on to some of them in the hope of getting them Published 04 May, 2026 06:58am
Excitement around Karachi Port

Excitement around Karachi Port

"To fully leverage Pakistan’s coastline, we need deeper drafts, expanded berthing and storage capacity, and sustainable use of marine resources," says PQA chairman. Published 20 Apr, 2026 06:31am
The Reko Diq saga continues

The Reko Diq saga continues

"Decisions involving billions of dollars are not typically triggered by short-term regional tensions," says KCCI council chairman. Updated 13 Apr, 2026 10:39am
Corporate hopes amid global tensions

Corporate hopes amid global tensions

There is now clear expectation that the government’s role will translate into economic concessions, IMF tax relief, improved US export access, and Saudi support. Published 06 Apr, 2026 08:28am

In the run-up to Eid

Higher duties and a weaker currency have pushed popular international garment brands and personal care products out of reach Published 30 Mar, 2026 07:29am

Conflict dampens Eid spirit

‘You can’t expect a strong celebratory mood amid geopolitical tensions and prevailing uncertainty’ Published 23 Mar, 2026 08:39am
An eternal equality problem

An eternal equality problem

‘Gender-friendly legislation and initiatives can deliver only limited gains unless societal attitudes toward women fundamentally Published 09 Mar, 2026 07:06am
A misaligned legal framework

A misaligned legal framework

Resolving a typical commercial dispute in Pakistani courts takes over five years, while only a small fraction settle within one to three years. Updated 02 Mar, 2026 08:54am
The spirit of giving

The spirit of giving

Charitable donations in Pakistan have grown faster than the broader economy over the past decade. Updated 23 Feb, 2026 09:13am
High hopes surround Reko Diq

High hopes surround Reko Diq

'The project's future is inseparable from that of the province and its people; rather than dismissing them, the state must engage them meaningfully’ Updated 16 Feb, 2026 07:40am
Too little, too late?

Too little, too late?

"Meaningful recovery will require reversing damaging policies, regaining exporters’ trust via credible long-term commitment," says KCCI advisory council chairman. Updated 09 Feb, 2026 08:39am

Between stage and reality

As the government celebrates its participation in the international forum, risk-weary business leaders largely dismiss the WEF Published 02 Feb, 2026 07:12am
A socially compromised people

A socially compromised people

Pakistan has become one of the region’s most digitally connected societies, yet social progress remains slow and male employment Published 26 Jan, 2026 06:21am