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Primary balance

Since 2019 the three International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes for Pakistan focused more on primary as opposed to fiscal balance calculated as a...

11.11.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Dar gets more coverage than…

“So the twenty-seventh amendment is not coming from somewhere else?” “Straight from the horse’s mouth.” “Hey Tarar sahib, the Law...

07.11.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Your focus determines your reality

“Where’s the focus, you reckon?” “Depends on which side of the wheel you are at?” “Excuse me?” “What I mean is if you are a member of...

06.11.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Forked tongue is defined as saying one thing and meaning the opposite

“So who was not speaking with a forked tongue?” “IF you are referring to the unseating of the Azad Jammu Kashmir government then let me assure...

01.11.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Interior Minister and Chairman of Cricket Board two portfolios that go together?

“I was thinking of what you said.” “About what? The failure of the talks in Turkey between Pakistan and Afghanistan?” “Do you reckon the...

01.11.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Is he doing a Chaudhary Nisar?

“I want to take a minute to thank the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board…” “That’s a first.” “Indeed, I have seen the light!”...

30.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

The divergent economic narrative

A widely divergent narrative on the state of the economy is by now visibly apparent between the assessment by the general public and those loyal to...

28.10.2025 30

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Differences in the way tomato is pronounced

“You say tomaaato the English way and I say tomato the US way.” “So what? The English spoken in Australia is different from that spoken in...

26.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: A bulletproof car is actually bulletproof?

“So three of the bulletproof cars given to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, I believe, are defective.” “See how far we take our political differences,...

25.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: There are selections and then there are selectors

“You know I have noticed…” “Me too, I would strongly urge the West to learn the game of chess.” “What?” “Chess, where you time a move...

25.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Taliban not really known for adhering to peace treaties

“I don’t understand why the Pakistan-Afghan peace talks are being negotiated by two countries - Qatar and Turkiye and…wait, I am not finished...

23.10.2025 40

Anjum Ibrahim

IMF SLA

At the end of the International Mo netary Fund (IMF) mission (24 September to 8 October 2025) a press release was issued noting “significant...

21.10.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Recovery, stability, and growth

“So stability has been achieved but not growth.” “Right, that is the mantra!” “What do you mean?” “You want my definition or the...

19.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The Trump way is not working out

“I am having some issues at home and…” “And why would that interest me? Oh, wait, is home defined as the entire country?” “No, just my...

17.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Sticks and stones may break my bones…

“For those who reckon our Prime Minister is a tad too generous in his effusive praise…” “Since you are clearly into a reverse proverb...

17.10.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Deputies have become a formidable force in the hybrid system

“Too much too soon.” “What is this, a reverse day?” “What?” “Reverse day — the actual proverb is too little too late.” “Oh, that...

15.10.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

Claims and counter claims

There is a visible disconnect between two statistics routinely uploaded on the Finance Division’s website in the monthly Outlook and Update dating...

07.10.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

NFC: Which way the change?

Ministry of Finance held a preparatory session on the National Finance Commission (NFC) award earlier this month followed by concerns voiced by the...

30.09.2025 40

Anjum Ibrahim

Can output rise without incentives?

There is an across the political divide consensus on ensuring private sector as the engine of growth with the historic modus operandi being to extend...

23.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The evolving new world order benefitting us

“Sometimes our enemies help us.” “India is not helping us though, to be honest, Indian pervasive influence in international relations is kinda...

21.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: It’s just not cricket to lie to a friend

“Cricket is a game and should be played like a game.” “Correct, and there is a spirit of cricket that must be honoured at all cost, so said the...

20.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The three pillars that are not firmly anchored

“So, how many pillars of state are there?” “You being facetious?” “No.” “You sticking your neck out dangerously.” “How do you come...

19.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Rubio nursing ambitions to become US President?

“So while the Arabic and Muslim countries were condemning Israeli attacks, Marco Rubio was in Tel Aviv reaffirming US’ unflinching support for...

18.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: There was a time when our economy was compared to India’s

“The way to steal cash…how can I put it…” “Legally you mean?” “Well, there is no legal cover when you are stealing cash.” “There...

17.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

Pakistan’s ‘charter of economy’

There have been periodic calls for continuity in economic policies, regarded as critical by successive economic team leaders, to achieve development...

16.09.2025 40

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Nawaz Sharif’s action copied by President Trump?

“So we are a nation of contraries.” “Contraries?” “Yes.” “I thought we are a nation of trailblazers – look at the West’s deep state...

14.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Floods expected to reverse gains made by economic team

“So, what’s the fallout?” “Well, the floods in the country would reverse the painstaking economic gains by the economic team leaders...

13.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Why does she always wear heavy makeup?

“What happens if a policeman goes rogue?” “You…promote him!” “You need to expand your horizon, my friend.” “There have been many in...

12.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Romance with MoUs

“More memoranda of understanding (MoU) or are they binding contracts?” “Look at the glass as half full.” “We signed over 20 billion dollar...

11.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The difference between ‘good narrative’ and ‘bad narrative’

“What’s the difference between a good narrative and a bad one?” “Depends on how you define bad?” “As not crediblex.” “Oh, I thought...

10.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

Floods: budget deficit and/or mini-budget

The flood damage is rising by the day – both in terms of fatalities and financial losses (private and state owned) with the last monsoon rains...

09.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Modi did not wish to hurt Japanese sentiments?

“Our Prime Minister stood out.” “I do hope you are not being sarcastic – and if you are drawing comparisons to Maryam Nawaz’s trip to Japan...

06.09.2025 5

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Abbasi of the ephedrine fame attacking Asif of the Usman Dar’s mum’s fame

“Hmmmm.” “Be careful of what you say.” “Hey I am not Nawaz Sharif – I do not make the same mistake again and again and again just to...

05.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Where’s Jahangir Tareen by the way?

“The European Union President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane’s GPS was jammed.” “Was the plane a la Maryam Nawaz type, or was it a la...

04.09.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Bahria versus Park View?

“The deluge in Punjab…” “It is not Maryam Nawaz’s fault, for Pete’s sake. There is a lot that is her fault but surely…” “I agree,...

03.09.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

State of the economy

Statements of support for progress achieved in stabilising the economy and advancing structural reforms agreed under the ongoing upfront, extremely...

02.09.2025 50

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: ‘What if Ursula offers Pakistan EU membership?’

“President Trump says he is not happy about Russia’s attacks on several Ukrainian cities.” “Not happy? Isn’t that an understatement?”...

31.08.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The criticality of a balancing act

“The Chief Minister of Punjab has issued directives…” “They all issue directives – the incumbents and the previous federal and provincial...

30.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: French President, German Chancellor, Pakistani PM in same boat?

“Not fair.” “Excuse me?” “Not fair, I say, you can’t accuse people of corruption without an investigation.” “True but where...

29.08.2025 20

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: All power stakeholders are in love?

“Over the years Japan has issued several statements of apology — to Myanmar and Australia in 1957, to South Korea in 1960, China in 1970, and a...

28.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: PM Shehbaz ought to have gone to Dhaka

“Much to Modi’s chagrin…” “Yeah, he is still angry at the lunch invite by the US President to our Chief of Army Staff…” “Indeed but...

27.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

The cost of climate change

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a fund for the flood victims, as he did during the 2022 floods, and has vowed to mobilise resources in...

26.08.2025 50

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Ukrainian President has no cards without US

“Was it a bad news day?” “I don’t understand.” “When it’s a bad news day then any news that is no news is presented as a big news, if...

24.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: But that’s the way the cookie crumbles

“What do you do when a position becomes more important than one’s legacy!” “Excuse me but if you are referring to what I think you are...

23.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Blame It on the Boogie

“I have a question but don’t get mad at me.” “I have told you once, I have told you a million times do not, I repeat do not, challenge ground...

22.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Ducks in a row?

“Could someone brief our leadership on the plummeting voice of Europe in international relations.” “Well you were wrong you said it was a Jirga...

21.08.2025 30

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: A jirga member has to be accepted by all

“I reckon it’s a jirga.” “A Jirga is when all the elders get together to resolve a dispute and perhaps the definition of a village elder may...

20.08.2025 10

Anjum Ibrahim

Is Gold Standard coming back?

Several countries have begun to trade in currencies other than the dollar as the US-led West continues to use punitive sanctions as a foreign policy...

19.08.2025 30

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: What’s the ‘Nawaz Sharif doctrine’?

“Do you want my philosophy in life?” “No, not really.” “You may learn something from it.” “Doubt it my friend – I mean what are you?...

17.08.2025 7

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: A constitution is a living document

“I would like to petition…” “Constitutional petition or…” “I am not sure – with all the amendments recently approved by parliament...

16.08.2025 20

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Primary balance

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Dar gets more coverage than…

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Your focus determines your reality

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Forked tongue is defined as saying one thing and meaning the opposite

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Interior Minister and Chairman of Cricket Board two portfolios that go together?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Is he doing a Chaudhary Nisar?

Anjum Ibrahim

The divergent economic narrative

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Differences in the way tomato is pronounced

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: A bulletproof car is actually bulletproof?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: There are selections and then there are selectors

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Taliban not really known for adhering to peace treaties

Anjum Ibrahim

IMF SLA

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Recovery, stability, and growth

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The Trump way is not working out

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Sticks and stones may break my bones…

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Deputies have become a formidable force in the hybrid system

Anjum Ibrahim

Claims and counter claims

Anjum Ibrahim

NFC: Which way the change?

Anjum Ibrahim

Can output rise without incentives?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The evolving new world order benefitting us

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: It’s just not cricket to lie to a friend

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The three pillars that are not firmly anchored

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Rubio nursing ambitions to become US President?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: There was a time when our economy was compared to India’s

Anjum Ibrahim

Pakistan’s ‘charter of economy’

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Nawaz Sharif’s action copied by President Trump?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Floods expected to reverse gains made by economic team

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Why does she always wear heavy makeup?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Romance with MoUs

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The difference between ‘good narrative’ and ‘bad narrative’

Anjum Ibrahim

Floods: budget deficit and/or mini-budget

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Modi did not wish to hurt Japanese sentiments?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Abbasi of the ephedrine fame attacking Asif of the Usman Dar’s mum’s fame

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Where’s Jahangir Tareen by the way?

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: Bahria versus Park View?

Anjum Ibrahim

State of the economy

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: ‘What if Ursula offers Pakistan EU membership?’

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: The criticality of a balancing act

Anjum Ibrahim

PARTLY FACETIOUS: French President, German Chancellor, Pakistani PM in same boat?