Pakistonomy

In this episode, the podcast discusses the weakness of the Pakistani rupee and the real driver behind it - money supply growth. They also explore the bleak outlook for the economy, how to stop the vicious cycle, and share views on the SIFC. The hosts analyze the divergence between projected and actual monetary aggregates, challenges in debt restructuring and decision making, and the limits of mining as a solution. They also discuss trade flows, concerns about the stability of the rupee, and the problem of inflation in Pakistan.

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Asfandyar Mir about the evolving political and security situation in Afghanistan. We also talked about the terror landscape in the country and its impact on regional powers. Finally, we talked about the growing terror threat in Pakistan and why the Afghan Taliban have been unwilling to stop the TTP from using Afghan soil to target Pakistsan. Dr. Mir is a senior expert in the South Asia program at USIP and his research interests include the international relations of South Asia, U.S. counterterrorism policy and political violence — with a regional focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan. You can read his article here - https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/08/two-years-under-taliban-afghanistan-terrorist-safe-haven-once-again Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 The overall situation in Afghanistan 18:50 The terror landscape in the region 38:45 Why is the TTP finding havens? 46:40 Reasons for confusion in Pakistan 57:20 Politics in Pakistan and its impact

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ammar Ali Jan about the last five years of democratic rule in Pakistan, the outlook for the next twelve months, and why the country is likely to face growing instability. We also talked about Ammar’s own political work in Lahore and why left-wing politics is necessary as an alternative means to engage people at the grassroots level. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Democratic backsliding in Pakistan 14:30 Outlook for the next 12 months 21:16 The left’s political agenda 34:40 Culture of resistance in Pakistan 40:10 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - How China Escaped Shock Therapy by Isabella Weber

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mutaher Khan about the state of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and the outlook for the next 12-18 months. Mutaher is a technology and business journalist, and co-founder of Data Darbar. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 State of the ecosystem 18:18 Why did big startups collapse? 29:05 Talent demand for tech 40:50 Impact of legislation and policy 52:20 Outlook for next 12 months 1:01:50 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - India Wins Freedom by Maulana Azad - Cornered Tiger by Adam Licudi and Wasim Raja - Patras Kay Mazameen by Patras Bokhari

Access to quality healthcare is a major challenge across Pakistan. This is especially true for those of us who are abroad and need to find quality healthcare for our loved ones back home. Human-Healthcare aims to solve this problem, providing a one-stop concierge service for healthcare needs in the country. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Atif Zafar about the startup, how and why it was founded, and the ways in which it is providing quality care in the country. We also talked about some of the challenges the team has faced, and the plans for growth. Atif Zafar is a physician leader originally from Karachi, Pakistan. He is trained in the US including at the Cleveland Clinic. He is currently working as the chief of the stroke program at a major university hospital in Toronto. He is also a faculty, teaching medical students, residents, and fellows at the University of Toronto. He has built clinical programs both in the US and Canada. His latest effort is very unique. The startup human-healthcare.com has been launched in Karachi where overseas Pakistanis can get their family experience VIP medical care at home under the supervision of US, UK, and Canada-based specialists. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Vision and mission 11:45 What has worked and not worked? 19:10 Recruiting talent and building the ecosystem 24:10 How to get their services? 35:10 Providing specialist services to patients 41:20 Growth strategy 44:33 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Antifragile by Nassim Taleb - Presuasion by Robert Cialdini - The Evolution of Cooperation by Robert Axelrod

We have talked a lot about the role of Pakistani elites in the ongoing crises the country is facing, but not a whole lot on the role of the international order in influencing elite choices and Pakistan’s political economy. In this episode, Uzair talks to Azeema Cheema about the global drivers of Pakistan’s prolonged crises and the ways in which international actors have encouraged autocracy in the country. Azeema Cheema is a Founding Director at Verso Consulting, a Pakistan-based collective of practitioners, where she leads the portfolio on Conflict, Fragility and Violence. Azeema has over seventeen years of experience as a researcher with civil society organizations, governments and international organizations focusing on political economy, social cohesion, and conflict in Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Global elites and their role 15:15 War and Pakistan 24:20 Why didn’t Pakistan end up like Korea? 38:30 Current situation and scope for reform 49:46 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Under the Gun: Political Parties and Violence in Pakistan by Nilofer Siddiqui - The Culture of Power and Governance in Pakistan by Ilhan Niaz

In this episode, Uzair talks to Adnan Ansari about India’s Digital Data Protection Bill and what it means for internet users in the country. We also talked about the impact of this legislation on businesses and the investments India is looking to make in Digital Public Infrastructure. Adnan Ahmad Ansari is an Associate Vice President with The Asia Group’s South Asia Practice. Adnan brings extensive strategic advisory experience in helping clients advance their business and policy interests in India. Before joining TAG, Adnan was an Associate Vice President at 9.9 Insights, the independent strategic adviser to the Dentons Global Advisers-Albright Stonebridge Group in India. Adnan spent close to seven years at 9.9, working with Indian and international corporations across sectors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Background of this legislation 13:03 Key features of the Bill 25:00 Impact on tech companies 32:45 Mindset shift for companies 38:14 Other policy changes impact tech 45:36 India’s DPI strategy

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Fahd Ali about the recent deal Pakistan reached with the IMF and what comes next. We also talked at length about the taxation challenges in Pakistan, whether the country needs debt restructuring, and what he would like to see policymakers focus on in the next 12 months. Dr. Fahd Ali is Assistant Professor and Dean of Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences at the Information Technology University. Dr. Fahd Ali did his PhD in Economics from The New School for Social Research. He also has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, and two Masters in Economics from Lahore University of Management Sciences and University of Utah, respectively. His research interests lie in macroeconomics and economic history with political economy as theme common to both. Before joining the Information Technology University, he was working at Habib University as an assistant professor in their Social Development Policy and policy programme. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:15 The IMF deal 16:10 Taxation challenges 36:50 Debt restructuring 52:00 Priorities for next 12 months 1:09:10 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - The Wages of Destruction by Adam Tooze - Directorate S by Steve Coll

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ashok Malik about Modi’s visit to the United States and the future of US-India relations. We also talked about India’s foreign policy in the Middle East, and prospects of trade between India and Pakistan. Ashok Malik is a Partner at The Asia Group and Chair of its New Delhi-based subsidiary in India where he leads the firm’s in-market business strategy and services. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in government, media, and thought leadership Ashok is a recognized specialist on India’s policy landscape and the intersection of business and politics. Ashok advises clients on tailored strategies for market entry and expansion in India, enterprise level risk management and crisis mitigation. His areas of expertise include India’s foreign and trade policies and the government’s approach to international business, resilient supply chains and national capacities. Prior to joining TAG, Ashok served for three years (2019-22) as Policy Advisor/Additional Secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. In that capacity, he worked closely with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and others in the senior leadership of the Ministry to help shape and explain India’s foreign policy in a crucial and eventful period for the international system. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Key takeaways from Modi’s US visit 25:46 India’s foreign policy in the Middle East 39:20 Future of India-Pakistan relations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mahim Maher about her career in journalism and digital media, what she found covering the problems of Karachi, and things that aspiring and young journalists should focus on. Mahim most recently served as a digital editor at Aaj and has several years of experience across multiple news organizations in Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Mahim’s career trajectory 11:43 What ails Karachi? 32:04 State of digital media in Pakistan 48:40 Advice for aspiring journalists Reading Recommendations: For giving yourself permission to write detail: White Noise by Don Delillo A Sport and Pastime by James Salter Anything by Ian McEwan For the nuts and bolts of journalism: Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why it Matters Now by Alan Rusbridger who oversaw The Guardian’s digital transformation Editor: An Inside Story of Newspapers by Max Hastings for what to look for in an editor or how to mould one’s principles to become one For deeper study of writing and editing: Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction by Jack Hart for an advanced study of how to approach longform in a sophisticated way The Accidental Life: An Editor’s Notes on Writing and Writers by Terry McDonell for behind the scenes wisdom on editing writers