menu_open Columnists
Afshan Subohi

Afshan Subohi

Dawn Business

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

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.

02.03.2026 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

The spirit of giving

Charitable donations in Pakistan have grown faster than the broader economy over the past decade.

23.02.2026 60

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Meaningful relief for compliant income tax payers remains unlikely

Meaningful relief for compliant income tax payers, salaried individuals and the corporate sector — who together contribute roughly half of...

30.12.2025 10

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Miftah Ismail thinks Nepal-like unrest is unlikely in Pakistan as ‘little need or motivation’

Pakistani business circles draw comfort from the surging nationalist sentiment after repelling Indian aggression, coupled with easing inflation,...

23.09.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Private sector fears climate emergency could lead to more taxes as country reels from floods

Poor families displaced by the floods urgently need direct cash transfers to survive and begin rebuilding their lives. Many concerned individuals and...

16.09.2025 10

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Tempting fate — the aftermath of floods

Beyond the thousands directly affected by the devastating floods, countless struggling Pakistanis, still waiting for promised relief from improved...

09.09.2025 50

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Addressing the reality of tariff cuts

As Pakistan engages with the US on the details of a trade deal, one that includes partial tariff relief — reducing rates from 29 per cent to 19pc...

19.08.2025 30

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Speed bumps to e-commerce boom

Following the reversal of five per cent Digital Presence Proceed Tax on overseas vendors with retrospective effect from July 1, prices of goods that...

05.08.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Falling behind on meaningful social development

After a strong start in 2015, progress on the 2030 Agenda has slowed since the pandemic. Conflicts, climate shocks, inequalities, and mounting debt...

22.07.2025 40

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

A bid for consistency in policymaking

Pakistan is finalising its first-ever medium-term industrial policy through consultations with key ministries, regulatory bodies, local and...

15.07.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Why there is a need to address deeply skewed policies influenced by lobbies, elite groups

In Pakistan, corporate lobbies and elite groups, often with direct access to the highest levels of power, may not formally draft economic policies but...

09.07.2025 30

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Budgetary disillusionment runs high

Citizens and entrepreneurs deserve a better deal. Acknowledging deep structural flaws and the need for fundamental reforms, Finance Minister Muhammad...

04.06.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Realising its full revenue potential will require Sindh to broaden its tax base further

Sindh leads other provinces in own-source revenue mobilisation, particularly through its tax authority’s effective collection of sales tax on...

27.05.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Corporates brace for wartime upheaval

Over the past fortnight, the illusion held by people and businesses in both Pakistan and India about their governments’ commitment and capacity to...

13.05.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

The Eid prep continues

Despite the disturbing situation in Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a surge in brutal terrorist attacks, and severe economic strains...

01.04.2025 70

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

A lapse in data-driven policymaking

Pakistan is likely to receive $1 billion as the second tranche of the $7bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) before June. Reports indicate that the ongoing...

11.03.2025 40

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

While Pakistan did not have official pavilion at World Economic Forum, its presence was strongly felt

Quantifying the benefits of participating in a global economic event is challenging, as the outcomes often involve a time lag. The government has...

04.02.2025 60

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Underutilising PSDP budget not only a missed opportunity but borders on negligence

It’s ironic that a democratic government prioritises the perks and privileges of the administrative machinery and the elite political class while...

21.01.2025 20

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Stability over growth — a contentious toss

The public, hoping for new job opportunities, salary increases, and relief in utility rates and taxes, may feel disappointed. However, the corporate...

14.01.2025 30

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi

Shaping the future with Five Es

The government projected optimism as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) on New Year’s Eve, joined by all...

06.01.2025 30

Dawn Business

Afshan Subohi