Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE

25/08/2026

𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

PIDE Policy Viewpoint by Dr. Farah Naz and Dr. Anjeela Khurram explores how border closures along the Pak–Afghan trade corridor can have serious consequences for perishable goods, causing spoilage, income losses, price volatility, and supply disruptions. PIDE’s latest Policy Viewpoint examines how the October 2025 border closure affected the trade and value chains of fruits and vegetables between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Drawing on trade statistics, media reports, and customs consultation, the study highlights the need for confidence-building, coordinated border management, and institutional cooperation to sustain trade during geopolitical uncertainty.

Read More: https://pide.org.pk/research/border-closures-conflict-and-the-trade-of-perishable-goods/

Nadeem Javaid, Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan, Ministry of National Food Security & Research,

25/08/2026

Dr. Madeeha Riaz , Professor at PIDE, in her latest OpEd in Business Recorder , argues that Pakistan should not get trapped in superpower rivalries beyond its control.

Instead, the country must build strong reserves, boost exports, and maintain financial flexibility—so that regardless of where the dollar-gold balance moves, Pakistan is not left bearing the consequences.

Read more: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40436345/gold-rising-dollar-wavering-inside-the-new-economic-cold-war-and-its-impact-on-pakistan

Nadeem Javaid, PhD Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Faheem Jehangir Khan, PhD Fizzah Khalid Butt

Gold is nearing USD 4,500 an ounce as the dollar continues its volatile pattern of sliding and recovering throughout...

24/08/2026

The Economic Affairs Monthly Magazine has published a thought-provoking article by Dr. Nadeem Javaid, PhD (SI) titled: “Beyond Stabilization: Charting Pakistan’s Growth Trajectory”

The article explores a critical question facing Pakistan’s economy: What comes after stabilization?

Dr. Nadeem Javaid highlights that macroeconomic stability is only the foundation. The real challenge is to transform stability into sustainable prosperity through productivity-driven growth, innovation, investment, institutional strengthening, and human capital development.

The article emphasizes the need for Pakistan to move beyond short-term crisis management and focus on building a resilient, globally competitive economy.

As Pakistan enters a new phase of economic transformation, the path ahead requires resilience, reform, and effective institutional delivery to create inclusive and sustainable growth.

Read the full article in the August 2026 Edition of Economic Affairs Monthly Magazine.

Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Faheem Jehangir Khan, PhD Fizzah Khalid Butt

24/08/2026

𝗣𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 | 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲

As global trade dynamics continue to shift, evolving markets, changing policies, and emerging challenges are reshaping the future of international commerce.

Join PIDE seminar for an engaging discussion on the changing global trade landscape and the implications for Pakistan’s trade policy, competitiveness, and economic opportunities.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿:
𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗳𝗶𝗾 𝗔. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗵𝘇𝗮𝗱 | Director General (Trade Policy), Ministry of Commerce

𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿:
𝗗𝗿. 𝗙𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗺 𝗝𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗿 | Dean (Policy), PIDE

📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM (PKT)
📍 A.R. Kemal Hall, PIDE

𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲:
Meeting ID: 825 1833 1615
Passcode: 988095

Nadeem Javaid, Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan, Shujaat Farooq Sohal, Fizzah Khalid Butt

24/08/2026

Pakistan’s Missing Millions: The Women Who Already Work

In their article “Pakistan’s Missing Millions,” Nabila Kunwal and Shujaat Farooq Sohal highlight a critical reality: millions of Pakistani women are already working every day, but much of their contribution remains invisible.

They argue that the debate should not be about “why women do not work” but about where and how their work is recognised. From unpaid domestic responsibilities to agricultural and family work, women contribute significant economic value that often goes uncounted. PIDE estimates reveal that the value of unpaid domestic work in Pakistan is worth Rs23,494 billion per annum.

The authors point out that Pakistan needs more than education and skills development. Creating a supportive ecosystem through safe transport, childcare facilities, better employment opportunities and recognition of unpaid work is essential to bring more women into the formal economy.

Women are not absent from Pakistan’s economy. Their contributions have been there all along, waiting to be recognised.

Read more: https://www.thenews.pk/magazine/money-matters/1433761-pakistans-missing-millions

Nadeem Javaid, PhD Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Faheem Jehangir Khan, PhD Fizzah Khalid Butt Women Development Organization-WDO

WOMEN & EMPLOYMENT Pakistan's low female labour force participation rate is frequently cited as evidence that Pakistani women do not work.The reality, however, tells a different story. Millions of women are already engaged in work every day...

22/08/2026

🎓 𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞!

The 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 have been uploaded.

Applicants are encouraged to check their status and complete the required admission formalities within the specified timeline.

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬: https://pide.org.pk/academics/merit-lists-fall-2026/

Congratulations to all the selected candidates! 🌟
Your journey at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics-PIDE begins here.

Nadeem Javaid, Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, Karim Khan, Shujaat Farooq Sohal, Fizzah Khalid Butt

21/08/2026

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Dr. Nadeem Javaid delivered an insightful session at the 𝐇𝐄𝐂–𝐍𝐀𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 for Vice Chancellors on 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.

Dr. Javaid emphasised that universities must move beyond annual budget management towards long-term financial sustainability and institutional resilience. He highlighted the need to diversify revenue through research, industry partnerships, professional education, philanthropy, commercialisation, and productive asset utilisation—while safeguarding the public mission and student affordability.

The key message was clear: financial sustainability is not simply about securing more funding; it is about creating value, managing resources strategically, and building institutions capable of financing their future.

The session was highly appreciated, generating strong engagement and discussion among participants on the future of financial management in higher education.

Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, Niaz Ahmad Akhtar

21/08/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.

PIDE Policy Viewpoint by Dr. Nasir Iqbal and Dr. Shahzada Muhammad Naeem Nawaz, The First Cargo, proposes a practical first step: bring one commercially viable foreign-owned petroleum cargo into bonded storage, backed by clear customs, banking, regulatory and emergency-purchase arrangements.

Using existing laws and infrastructure, SIFC can coordinate the process and prove the model within 120 days—strengthening energy resilience while reducing the immediate fiscal burden of a fully government-owned reserve.

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞.

Read More: https://pide.org.pk/research/the-first-cargo/

Nadeem Javaid, Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, Petroleum Division-Ministry of Energy, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of Pakistan

20/08/2026

𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗽 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝐚𝐬 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦

Pakistan’s vast coastal resources and saline and brackish-water lands offer significant potential for shrimp farming. Yet, inadequate hatchery capacity, weak infrastructure, limited research, and gaps in international quality standards continue to hold the sector back.

PIDE Knowledge Brief by Usama Abdul Rauf and Saima Perveen highlights lessons from the Dhabeji Farm, demonstrating how saline land can be transformed into productive shrimp farms through modern technology and integrated value chains—creating jobs and generating export income.

The study recommends GIS-based site mapping, integrated aquaculture parks, expanded SPF hatchery capacity, improved processing and certification, and stronger export infrastructure to make shrimp aquaculture a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Blue Economy.

Read More: https://pide.org.pk/research/shrimp-aquaculture-as-pakistans-next-blue-economy-opportunity-lessons-from-dhabeji-farmk/

Nadeem Javaid, Ahsan Iqbal, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Maritime Affairs Pakistan - MOMA, Ministry of National Food Security & Research

20/08/2026

When demographics penalise progress

In her latest opinion piece, Mehwish Mumtaz, Assistant Chief (Policy) at PIDE, examines how Pakistan’s fiscal framework may unintentionally penalise provinces that achieve demographic progress.

The debate should move beyond the simple division of resources. A sustainable fiscal future requires stronger provincial revenue generation, smarter NFC reforms, and a system that rewards performance rather than population growth alone.

Read more: https://www.thenews.pk/print/1432866-when-demographics-penalise-progress

Nadeem Javaid, PhD Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives Faheem Jehangir Khan, PhD Fizzah Khalid Butt

Shah Zaman *** Mehwish MumtazThe annual policy debate in Islamabad remains fixated on a singular fiscal metric: the vertical split.Every budget season, attention converges on the constitutional...