Pakistonomy

This week’s episode focuses on the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza and its implications for the global world order. Uzair talks to Jasmine El-Gamal to get an assessment of Israel’s campaign against Hamas, why Western leaders are out of sync with their own public opinion, and the path forward for ending this conflict. Jasmine El-Gamal is a national security expert, political analyst and former Middle East advisor at the Pentagon. She is the founder and CEO of Mindwork Strategies, LTD, a consulting firm with a mission to help organisations craft empathy-based, culturally driven approaches to foreign policy, communications and workplace mental health. She has served throughout her 22-year career in various public and private-sector organisations covering issues related to security and international affairs. From 2008-2013, Jasmine served as a Middle East advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy. Born in New York and raised in Egypt, Jasmine’s experiences in the aftermath of 9/11 compelled her to spend her career advancing a less militarized, more humane U.S. approach to the Middle East, first as a U.S. public servant and then as a writer, analyst and media commentator. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:10 Israel’s goals and strategy 18:25 Hamas’ surrender and a ceasefire 27:20 Double standards in Washington 41:10 Building coalitions across communities 45:20 Impact on US policy 55:50 The need for patience 1:01:45 Censorship in the West 1:08:00 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - Out of Place by Edward Said - No Ordinary Time: Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Uzair talks to Khadija Shahper Bakhtiar about Teach for Pakistan and the organization’s mission and vision. The conversation also focuses on the fellowship program being run by the organization and the key challenges facing Pakistan’s education sector. Khadija Shahper Bakhtiar is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Teach For Pakistan, a national nonprofit organization that nurtures leadership to end educational inequity. Teach For Pakistan provides inspired university graduates the opportunity and support to teach for two years in low-income communities through a structured Fellowship program and develop the leadership skills and contextual understandings to affect long-term, system-wide reform for educational equity. You can learn more about the fellowship here - https://iteachforpakistan.org Reading recommendations: - The Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 What is Teach for Pakistan? 10:10 What is the fellowship program? 17:20 How do fellows help improve outcomes? 23:30 Key criteria for fellows 27:55 Major issues in education 34:00 Devolving education 40:44 Focus areas for governments 46:30 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Mehu Sitepu about Indonesia’s recently held presidential elections and its outcomes. These elections had a lot of similarities with Pakistan, including the use of social media to woo young voters, allegations of rigging, and questions over Indonesia’s policy towards the US and China. Mehu Sitepu is an Associate at The Asia Group’s Southeast Asia practice, where she supports clients navigating the region’s complex political and regulatory environments to build business strategies across a variety of sectors, including banking and finance, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology. With almost a decade’s experience as a journalist in Indonesia, including three years in a senior role at BBC News, Mehu has a strong knowledge of Southeast Asia and a far-reaching network of contacts. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:40 Overview of the political landscape 24:50 Role of social media 30:01 Rigging allegations 35:28 Foreign policy implications 39:25 Economic policies 44:49 Reading recommendations 47:40 Role of the Indonesian military Reading recommendations: - Indonesia, Etc. by Elizabeth Pisani - Departure: A Novel by Nh. Dini - Indonesian Food by Sri Owen

In this episode, Uzair talks to Taimur Malik about his political campaign in NA-148, where he competed as a PTI candidate against PPP’s former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. The margin of victory for the PPP’s candidate was razor thin and Taimur is currently in the process of appealing the results. We talked about the vote count, what was it like to campaign in Multan given the constraints on the PTI, and what comes next for the party, both in the courts and in assemblies. You can follow Taimur on X @taimur_malik. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:50 Status of NA-148 election 12:30 PPP’s response to the results 19:00 Campaigning in Multan for the PTI 28:00 Overall appeals of the PTI 37:50 PTI’s alliance with the SIC 44:40 PTI’s strategy moving forward 49:38 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - The Constitution of Pakistan - Nuskha ha-e Wafa bu Faiz Ahmed Faiz - The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

In this episode, Uzair talks to Farieha Aziz about the ongoing curbs on the internet, with X facing recurring blocks for the last two weeks. We talk about what the courts have said about these blocks, the response from the PTA, and why the industry needs to be more vocal about arbitrary internet shutdowns. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Current situation 4:30 What have the courts said? 11:05 The state’s response 20:01 The industry’s response 22:20 Legacy of past laws 29:50 Outlook for the near-term 37:00 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Ilhan Niaz about the 2024 elections and their implications for the country. We focused on what has occurred in the past and the various scenarios that could play out. We also talked about analog autocrats and their shortcomings, and how more repression could create further instability in the country. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 4:45 2024 elections analysis 15:20 Failures of the analog autocrats 24:40 What can we learn from history? 41:50 Potential political scenarios 51:05 Why no one wants to rule the federation 1:01:00 Conclusion

Uzair talks to Navid Goraya about Karandaaz’s ongoing work in Pakistan and their focus on improving access to finance for SMEs and women. We also talked about the outlook for the year and the key things that have to happen after elections to rebuild confidence in the economy. Navid Goraya is the chief investment officer of Karandaaz Capital. He has over 25 years of global experience in asset management, investment strategy, product development and corporate finance. Before joining Karandaaz as the CIO, he was leading a Strategic Advisory Firm, White Oak Advisors Inc, in New York where he was involved in serving private equity funds, family offices, banks and insurance companies in support of global investments in the US, Middle East, Southeast Asia and South Asia. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 What does Karandaaz do? 11:10 Barriers to financial inclusion 17:00 Role of the National Credit Guarantee Company 22:40 Bringing modern finance to women 28:40 What should happen after elections 34:10 Avoiding past mistakes 37: Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Buck Up, Suck Up . . . and Come Back When You Foul Up: 12 Winning Secrets from the War Room by James Carville

Uzair talks to Hamza Haroon, an independent candidate running in the national assembly elections in Pakistan from NA-46. Uzair talks to Hamza about his campaign strategy, the key issues facing Islamabad’s constituents, and what has he heard on the campaign trail. You can follow Hamza on X @HamzaAliHaroon and on Instagram @hamzaaharoon. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 What is the election situation like? 7:50 Key issues of constituents 14:50 How people vote 24:10 Hamza’s electoral strategy 29:40 Islamabad’s governance challenge 33:30 Why younger people should enter politics 37:20 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Leadership on the line by Marty Linsky and Ronald Heifetz - For the Record by David Cameron

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Kamran Bokhari about Iran’s unprovoked attacks on Pakistan, Pakistan’s counterstrike, and what comes next. We talked about the broader issues in the region, Iran’s own calculus, and the ways in which the regional dynamics are altered in the wake of these escalations. Dr. Kamran Bokhari is the Senior Director of the Eurasian Security and Prosperity portfolio at the New Lines Institute. Previously, he served as Director of Analytical Development Department from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Bokhari is also a national security and foreign policy specialist at the University of Ottawa’s Professional Development Institute. Bokhari has also served as the Central Asia Studies Course Coordinator at U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Why did Iran attack Pakistan? 11:20 Assessing Pakistan’s response 20:20 Iran’s broader calculus 27:50 Did Pakistan strike the right balance? 43:50 What comes next? Podcast on Iran protests - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpUPncr5Mrs Reading Recommendations: - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/experts-react-whats-really-going-on-with-pakistan-and-iran-exchanging-attacks/ - https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/01/making-sense-iran-pakistan-cross-border-strikes - https://amwaj.media/article/exclusive-inside-the-iranian-pakistani-exchange-of-fire-nbsp

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about Pakistan’s economic outlook in 2024, why he is concerned about the cycle of revenge, and things he will watch out for immediately after elections in 2024. Reading Recommendations: - https://www.dawn.com/news/1804904/reassembling-pakistan - https://file.pide.org.pk/pdfpideresearch/discourse-2023-06-43-pakistan-and-the-imf.pdf Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 IMF review 13:05 Caretaker reforms 19:40 Elections and legitimacy 30:30 A new triumvirate and its implications 41:50 What to look for

Welcome to the 2024 season of Pakistonomy. We begin this season with as usual an outlook episode. Uzair talks to Arifa Noor, journalist at Dawn and host of the show Newswise, about the upcoming elections, the crisis of legitimacy, and the electoral dynamics in the country right now. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:50 State of media today 17:50 Elections outlook 23:30 PML-N’s strategy 27:12 PTI’s strategy 36:20 Scenarios and hybrid regime 41:10 New mandate and legitimacy 49:40 What is the vision for Pakistan? 55:05 Conclusion Reading recommendations: - Zahid Hussain’s latest piece - https://www.dawn.com/news/1783550/trying-for-a-fourth-term - Arifa Noor’s article in Dawn - https://www.dawn.com/news/1802553/the-centre-cannot-hold

In this episode, Uzair talks to Sabina Khatri about her work in Lyari, where she has spent over two decades investing in the education of a young generation of citizens. We talked about how and why Sabina began working in Lyari, the ways in which trauma hardens young children, especially men, and how community engagement and education can help birth a new generation of leaders who have deep empathy and a passion to change things. Sabina Khatri is the visionary Founder of Kiran Foundation (KF), a non-profit organization she established in response to a distressing incident of child abuse and domestic violence. Guided by an unyielding commitment to creating positive change, Sabina's journey began in 2004 and has since evolved into a transformative force in Lyari. KF's innovative Mother and Child, Trauma-Informed Education System, rooted in values such as compassion, ownership, responsibility, and empathy, reflects Sabina's dedication to holistic growth for both mothers and children. Over a decade of direct community involvement underscores her mission to provide marginalized families with a nurturing environment and quality education, transcending socio-economic barriers. In 2020, she was awarded the 'Sitara-e-Imtiaz' by the government of Pakistan. You can learn more about the Kiran Foundation here – www.kiranfoundation.org Watch this video about the foundation’s graduates - https://youtu.be/d2RFHHBIqrQ?feature=shared Reading recommendations: - Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté - Dibs in Search of Self by Virginia Axline - The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Bilal Khatri about his journey from Iqra University to Freiburg, where he is currently doing cutting-edge scientific research. We talked about the difference in how sciences are taught in Germany and Pakistan, why teaching the scientific method is important, and how innovation is going to transform our society. We also talked about how young students from places like Pakistan can do cutting-edge research in Europe, with Bilal sharing some thoughts on how to go about settling in a non-English speaking country. Bilal Khatri completed his Bachelors in Electronic Engineering from Iqra University, Karachi, Pakistan and his Masters in Microsystems Engineering from the University of Freiburg, Germany. In 2019, he completed his PhD on the development and characterization of functional composite materials for additive manufacturing (3D-printing) technologies. Since then, he is working as a postdoctoral researcher and academic at the Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) at the University of Freiburg. His research interests include additive manufacturing, hybrid and composite materials with tailored properties, and the development of more sustainable materials and processes as well as circular strategies for materials used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Bilal’s educational journey 8:30 How to adjust to life in Germany 13:10 Education in Pakistan v. Germany 26:35 State of scientific research in manufacturing 43:30 Innovation and its potential for Pakistan 55:05 Risks from rapid innovation to developing countries 1:16:30 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - Materials and Sustainable Development by Michael F. Ashby - No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz - Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality by Eliezer Yudkowsky You can follow Bilal's gaming channel here - https://www.youtube.com/ @2GBananas Other YouTube channels recommended by Bilal: The B1M: https://www.youtube.com/@TheB1M Real Engineering: https://www.youtube.com/@RealEngineering Veritasium: https://www.youtube.com/@veritasium Mark Rober: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRober Kurzgesagt: https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt Astrum: https://www.youtube.com/@astrumspace Computerphile: https://www.youtube.com/@Computerphile Two Bit Da Vinci: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoBitDaVinci Two Minute Papers: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoMinutePapers Prof. Sabine Hossenfelder: https://www.youtube.com/@SabineHossenfelder The Royal Institution: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRoyalInstitution

In this episode, Uzair talks to Tuqa Nusairat about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, its key drivers and the path forward. We also talked about the regional responses so far and how the Biden administration has engaged with key partners in recent days. Tuqa Nusairat is the director for strategy, operations, and finance at Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East Programs. Since joining the Council in 2012, she has played a key role in shaping the direction and growth of the Council’s Middle East related programming, publications, outreach and development and has been instrumental in advancing relationships with vital stakeholders including donors, board members, and high-level contacts. In addition to managing a team of Washington-based fellows and staff, her research focuses on political reform, civil society, and human rights broadly in the region, with a special focus on Jordan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:35 Contextualizing this moment 8:45 Hamas’ strategic calculus 12:40 Palestinian views right now 17:10 Regional situation 21:33 Scenarios to keep in mind 25:30 Biden admin’s response 32:30 China’s response 36:08 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi - I Saw Ramallah by Mourid Barghouti

In this episode, Uzair talks to Zafar Masud about Pakistan’s economy, how to reduce cash in circulation, and why fiscal deficits are the core problem that need resolution. Zafar Masud is an international banker and entrepreneur currently serving as the President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab. Previously, he has been employed at senior positions by multinational banks across Pakistan and abroad. You can read the co-authored piece on cash economy here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1779399/comment-transitioning-away-from-a-cash-economy Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Why is cash a problem? 21:50 Demonetization in Pakistan 31:44 Financial inclusion 42:30 Debt restructuring 52:55 Charter of society 1:05:13 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - If God was a Banker by Ravi Subramanian - Gambling on Development by Stefan Dercon - Time for Socialism by Thomas Piketty - The Culture Map by Erin Meyer - In an Uncertain World by Robert Rubin

Uzair talks to Zeeshan Salahuddin about the climate crisis and its impact on Pakistan. We focus on the fallout from the catastrophic floods in 2022, why the response was weak and the path forward for the country. Zeeshan is the Director for the Center for Regional and Global Connectivity (CRGC) at Tabadlab, a think tank and advisory services firm that works with businesses, international organisations, and governments to solve their most pressing challenges. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Overview of the climate crisis 6:40 Capital needs and debt 13:24 Taxing to become client resilient 17:00 Youth involvement 23:25 Capacity issues in Pakistan 26:50 Role of finance 32:20 Focus for 2024 and beyond 44:00 Optimizing the economy 51:10 Conclusion

In this episode, Uzair talks to Asim Kidwai about Pakistan’s tourism sector and LOKAL, a startup that is helping scaling an affordable tourism ecosystem in the country. We talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, how the startup is growing its presence across Pakistan, and the company’s expansion plans for the GCC. Asim Kidwai is co-founder and CEO at LOKAL. He graduated from the University of Michigan and was part of the initial team at Kia Motors that was setting up their first automotive assembly plant in Pakistan. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 About LOKAL 7:05 Modernizing hotels across Pakistan 11:30 State of the tourism industry 14:05 Market growth strategy 19:00 Hiring the right talent 22:45 Growing across Pakistan 30:05 Scaling in an economic crisis 33:55 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations - The Last days of Night by Graham Moore - World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever

In this episode we talk about Mexico’s ongoing economic growth story, which has taken off due to increasing investments in light of the US-China competition. Uzair talks to Beatriz Navarro about what’s going on in the country, its politics, and the expectations around the upcoming elections. Beatriz is a lawyer and international public affairs specialist. She also served as an appointed diplomat at the Mexican Embassy in the United States. She currently serves as Senior Public Sector Specialist for the World Bank Group. Beatriz has published several articles for the Inter-American Development Bank on accountability and social development in Latin America. Reading recommendations: - The labyrinth of solitude by Octavio Paz - Sapiens by Yuval Noah Hariri - The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Why are companies investing in Mexico? 11:50 AMLO and his politics 41:20 Growing role of military in Mexico 50:09 Electoral outlook 58:10 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ammar Khan about the ongoing electricity and dollar crises in the country. We also touch on ways to resolve these issues and why they are linked to competence and willingness to make decisions. Ammar has written extensively on these topics and you can read some of his pieces using the links below: - https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=ammar+khan+atlantic+council+infrastructure&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 - https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1104195-how-to-make-electricity-affordable - https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1106254-need-for-radical-ideas Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Understanding the power crisis 17:34 Dollar rate and smuggling 26:30 Demonetization and disrupting the system 35:14 NICVD and healthcare

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about what is going on with the rupee and why money supply growth is actually the real driver of the ongoing weakness of the currency. We also talk about why Khurram has a bleak outlook for the economy, what it will take to stop the vicious cycle, and his views on the SIFC. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:25 What is causing PKR weakness? 20:15 Political impact of the adjustment 27:00 How to stop the vicious cycle? 34:40 Views on SIFC 41:10 Conclusion

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

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Tanvi Madan about how India is dealing with a rising China and the current state of India-China relations. We also talked about what tensions between India and China mean for the country’s relations with the United States. Dr. Tanvi Madan is a senior fellow in the Project on International Order and Strategy in the Foreign Policy program, and director of The India Project at the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Dr. Madan’s work explores India’s role in the world and its foreign policy, focusing in particular on India's relations with China and the United States. She also researches the U.S. and India’s approaches in the Indo-Pacific, as well as the development of interest-based coalitions, especially the Australia-India-Japan-U.S. Quad. Dr. Madan is the author of the book “Fateful Triangle: How China Shaped US-India Relations during the Cold War” Reading recommendations: - How China Sees India by Shyam Saran - The Long Game by Vijay Gokhale - Smoke and Mirrors by Pallavi Iyer - India’s China Challenge by Ananth Krishnan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Current state of affairs between India and China 9:20 India’s diplomacy around Chinese debt 16:55 Modi’s trip to Washington 25:15 Anti-Americanism in India 35:06 India’s diplomacy in East Asia 42:30 Trends to watch out for 50:05 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Hassan Abbas about his latest book, The Return of the Taliban: Afghanistan After the Americans Left. Dr. Hassan Abbas is Distinguished Professor of International Relations at the Near East South Asia Strategic Studies Centre (NESA), National Defense University in Washington DC. He has also authored The Prophet’s Heir: The Life of Ali ibn Abi Talib (Yale University Press, March 2021), and The Taliban Revival (Yale University Press, June 2014), which chronicles the Taliban’s survival and resurgence after 2001, through firsthand research and interviews in the area. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:37 Why did Kabul fall so quickly? 18:28 How did the Taliban evolve? 33:42 Pakistan’s role and impact on the country 53:26 Global impact of Taliban’s resurgence 1:04:57 Political instability in Pakistan and ethnic issues

In this episode, we dive deep into fiscal deficits in Pakistan and how they wreak economic havoc. In addition, we talk about the linkages between the fiscal deficit, higher interest rates, and external sector vulnerabilities. Dr. Derek H. C. Chen joined the World Bank in 2000 where he has held a number of positions. Currently, he is the Senior Economist for Pakistan, based at the World Bank office in Islamabad. He oversees the macroeconomics and fiscal programs and leads the production of various economic reports at the Islamabad office, including the most recent Pakistan Federal Public Expenditure Review 2023. You can read the Pakistan Federal Public Expenditure Review (PER) 2023 here - https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099041223153536828#/P17507702d44490bd0bb660b4b60037e930 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Why are deficits so high? 8:50 Impact of these deficits 16:40 Links between economic instability and deficits 22:40 Government spending issues 26:10 Subsidies for the rich 32:20 Recommendations to solve this

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Ilhan Niaz about what is going on in Pakistan today and what we can learn from history to understand the present and what may come in the future. We also talked about why the political class is morally bankrupt, how the judiciary has ceded space, and why the military has been able to reassert itself in the country’s political economy. Dr. Niaz is chair of the history department at the Quaid-e-Azam University and author of several books, including The State During the British Raj: Imperial Governance in South Asia, 1700-1947. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:55 Understanding the present 8:10 How the military draws power 16:26 The supreme court’s role today 27:15 Maintaining unity among civilians 32:15 Has Khan awakened the masses? 40:37 Scenarios for the future 46:05 The role of geopolitical rents 50:54 Is Shehbaz the worst PM in history?

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Ayyaz Malick about the ongoing crises in Pakistan and where he sees things going. Dr. Malick is a university lecturer, with research interests in Marxist and post-/anti-colonial theory. He has recently written a must-read essay on the ongoing crisis which can be read at the link below. https://jacobin.com/2023/05/imran-khan-arrest-pakistan-politics-crisis-military-alienation-ruling-class-oppression Tweet on military lands for agriculture - https://twitter.com/Benazir_Shah/status/1660897023531585539?s=20 Previous discussion with Ayyaz - https://youtu.be/_Qv0GrxM0-Y Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:40 Framework for understanding the crises 17:20 Shifting alliances and the importance of May 9 33:00 Why are PTI leaders leaving so quickly? 55:23 Role of the PDM parties in this and future scenarios 1:19:25 Can a savior like Khan save Pakistan? Reading Recommendations: - Antonio Gramsci - On the Southern Question (for understanding hegemony and how ruling classes rule) - Aijaz Ahmad - Lineages of the Present (for understanding Bonapartism, Bhuttoism, and fascism in South Asian politics) - Gyorgy Lukacs, History and Class Consciousness (for understanding structural blindness of ruling classes i.e. why elites cannot reform themselves)

We continue our special series on the US-China strategic competition this week by looking at Australia’s evolving foreign policy with Professor Jane Golley. Professor Jane Golley is an economist at the Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University (ANU). Jane is an ANU graduate (BEc, Hons, 1993). Jane's life-long interest in China began with a brief stint in the Asia Section of the Australian Commonwealth Treasury in 1993, before she left for the University of Oxford, where she wrote her Dphil thesis on 'The Dynamics of Chinese Regional Development: Market Nature, State Nurture'. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 The Australian view on China 11:08 Assessing Australia’s China policy 14:50 Technology and geoeconomics 23:15 Debt-trap diplomacy 31:30 Who wins this competition? 37:50 What should Global South countries do? 44:15 Key trends to watch for 48:20 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - The China Choice by Hugh White - Fear of Abandonment by Allan Gyngell - No Enemies No Friends - Six Faces of Globalization by Anthea Roberts

We continue our special series on the US-China strategic competition this week by looking at the deepening military ties between Pakistan and China with Sameer Lalwani. Sameer Lalwani is a senior expert on South Asia at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He is also a non-resident senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. From 2015 to 2022, Dr. Lalwani was a senior fellow for Asia strategy and the director of the South Asia program at the Stimson Center. He has also spent time as an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and as a Stanton nuclear security postdoctoral fellow at the RAND Corporation. Sameer recently published a report titled A Threshold Alliance: The China-Pakistan Military Relationship which is a must-read: https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/03/threshold-alliance-china-pakistan-military-relationship Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 What is a threshold alliance? 4:50 Pakistan’s procurement of Chinese weapons 10:25 Where is the Pakistan-China relationship going? 19:30 China’s influence in Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea 29:40 Important trends to monitor 37:37 Reading recommendations

Over the next few episodes, we are going to be focusing on the US-China rivalry and what it means for the world. In addition, we will try to bring to the forefront a diverse set of views on this rivalry and what key actors are concerned about and trying to do. To start things off, I spoke to Andrew Small on China’s rise, what are the key things concerning countries in East Asia, and where he sees things going. Andrew Small is a senior transatlantic fellow with GMF's Indo-Pacific Program, which he established in 2006. His research focuses on U.S.–China relations, Europe–China relations, Chinese policy in South Asia, and broader developments in China's foreign and economic policy. He is the author of The Rupture: China and the Global Race for the Future, which was named one of the 2022 Financial Times Politics Books of the Year, and The China-Pakistan Axis: Asia's New Geopolitics. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:50 China’s rise and key concerns 10:00 Military escalation in East Asia 21:37 Assessing Washington’s approach 32:10 Emerging markets, debt, and Chinese influence 40:20 What should South Asia pay attention to? 48:06 Reading recommendations

In this episode, we talk about the meat industry in Pakistan, key components of this sector, and why meat prices are going up in the country. Suleman Anwar joined us to share his insights on these topics, what a roadmap for reforms should look like, and why price caps will not work. Suleman is a six-sigma trained business development & turnaround professional, successful at driving sustainable top-line growth, improving customer retention rates, and continuous bottom-line improvements. After extensive corporate sector work for +14 years with international brands, in 2017 he started his entrepreneurial journey and co-founded three successful startups. He is also a member of SBN ExCom for Pakistan under the umbrella of the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives and has been a member of the working group of the State Bank of Pakistan on special initiatives. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Key components of the meat value chain 12:20 Synergies in agriculture sector 30:30 Cold storage and dairy supply chain 40:50 Role of incentives in policy 46:50 McDonalds in India 52:00 Contracts and property rights 57:28 Key reasons for meat inflation 1:05:20 Roadmap for change 1:13:15 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - Char Admi by Amjad Saqib - Getting Things Done by David Allen - Diplomacy by Henry Kissinger Readings for McDonalds in India: - https://mcdonaldsblog.in/2016/10/20-years-the-potato-revolution/ - https://www.forbesindia.com/article/my-learnings/in-search-of-the-perfect-potato-mcdonalds-in-india/21052/1 - https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/food/we-source-all-our-ingredients-locally-mcdonalds-india/articleshow/17480753.cms?from=mdr

In this episode, Uzair talks to Leila Serhan about Visa’s strategy, role, and mission for digitizing payments and promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan. We talk about how the company views Pakistan’s market, what it is doing to have a meaningful impact in the country, and ways in which digitization of payments can be accelerated in Pakistan. Leila Serhan is the Group Country Manager and Senior Vice President for NALP. Leila brings more than two decades experience of leadership positions, including 20 years gained at Microsoft. Leila most recently led Microsoft’s public sector business across the Gulf region, and previously served as General Manager for its operations across North Africa, East Mediterranean, and Pakistan. She previously held roles spanning country management, finance and marketing and has driven public and private sector digital transformation initiatives in finance, government and education. Leila is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, founding and currently serving as President for the Women in IT Association in Lebanon. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Visa’s business and core competencies 8:50 Barriers to financial inclusion 18:40 Visa’s impact strategy in Pakistan 23:06 Digital public infrastructure 32:40 Reading recommendations Reading recommendations: - How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie - Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt - A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towles

We talk about the role access to the internet can play in transforming Pakistan’s economy, promote inclusion, and really empower those who are on the periphery of Pakistan’s political economy. The Universal Service Fund (USF) has been doing some phenomenal work on this topic, and Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of USF, joins us to share what his organization is up to to promote access to the internet. Haaris has over 20 years of global experience in the private and public sector, with a particular focus in telecoms and finance. You should also follow USF on Twitter @USF_Pak. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 USF’s mandate and mission 10:20 Scaling internet infrastructure in Pakistan 15:30 Barriers to access in the ecosystem 22:30 Scaling pilot projects 28:10 Impact of access to internet

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Aaron L. Jackson about the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the strains we are seeing in the US banking sector. We also talk about rising rates, why the Fed is being so aggressive, and the outlook for inflation and the US economy. Aaron L. Jackson is the Senior Associate Dean of Business, and Professor of Economics at Bentley University, where he has also served as Chair of the Economics department. Aaron’s academic interests in teaching and research focus on macroeconomics and monetary policy. He has publications in a number of journals including Applied Economics, the Journal of Macroeconomics, Economic Inquiry, Review of World Economics, and Macroeconomic Dynamics, among others. Aaron has periodically provided expert commentary on monetary policy and the macroeconomy to various media both locally and nationally. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 The financial crisis and its implications 15:00 Inflation and asset prices 21:32 Inflationary pressures and higher rates 37:00 SVB’s collapse and bank runs 49:15 Conclusion

Uzair talks to Usama Nini, co-founder of Qureos, a startup changing how people connect, learn and work. The team is on a mission to accelerate 100 million careers by matching talent to mentors, projects and job opportunities. In this episode, we talk about Usama’s own journey, what Qureos is looking to do, and how technology is helping reduce friction in the jobs market. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Mission and vision 18:30 Growth and investment goals 24:20 What should people focus on early in their careers? 39:15 Reading recommendations

In this episode, we talk about Pakistan’s debt problems, how much it needs to repay in the near future, and whether the country needs debt restructuring. We also talk about some of the ways in which debt management needs to improve in the country. Joining me for this conversation is Uzair Aqeel, who has 15+ years of experience in international debt markets, including structured credit and distressed debt. He was previously at Deutsche Bank in London, where he was global head of distribution for complex emerging market products, overseeing the firm’s largest institutional client relationships. His team raised billions of dollars in debt for emerging market borrowers, including stressed sovereigns like Ukraine, Egypt and Argentina. He is now the managing partner of Nairang Capital, a private markets investor focused on emerging & frontier markets. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 What are Pakistan’s debt repayment obligations? 9:25 Does Pakistan need debt restructuring? 27:30 Why is debt restructuring not a panacea? 36:00 How do improve debt management?

In this episode, Uzair talks to Gonzalo Varela about the World Bank’s most recent report on Pakistan’s economy and its key findings. We talk about how distortions caused by tax policy, inefficient pricing of inputs and products, and curbs on imports are stagnating growth in the country. We also talk about the benefits of improving the economic inclusion of women in the country and its near- and long-term consequences on the broader political economy. Finally, we also lay out the sequence of key reforms that must be considered by a government to rebuild from the ongoing crisis. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:55 Key findings from the report 17:50 Distortions in the wheat market 27:45 Sovereign’s borrowing and impact on investment 43:10 Women’s role in economic growth 51:00 Sequence and nature of reforms You can read the full World Bank report here - https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099820410112267354/pdf/P1749040fc80a70ca0b6f70f7860c4a1034.pdf

In this episode, Uzair talks to Abdul Moiz Jaferii about the ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court, which has intervened to ensure that elections are held as per the constitution. We talked about the process that led to the hearings in the Supreme Court, the split in the bench, and the medium-term outlook for the superior judiciary. Abdul Moiz Jaferii is a lawyer and tweets @jaferii. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 Why did the courts intervene for elections? 19:20 What happens if the government does not comply? 25:30 Split in the superior judiciary 36:10 Reko diq case and its end

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Erum Sattar about the Indus Waters Treaty, its history, and India's notice to amend the agreement. We dive deep into some of the capacity constraints on the Pakistani side and why we should be paying attention to ongoing events related to the treaty. Dr.Erum Sattar is the Former Program Director of the Sustainable Water Management Program and a Lecturer at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University.

We take a step back from the coverage of the economic crisis and ongoing negotiation and focus on emerging businesses that are the future of the economy, In this episode, Uzair talks to Omer Khan, founder and CEO of PostEx, Pakistan’s largest e-commerce service provider. PostEx is offering easy access to capital with embedded logistics and Uzair and Omer talk about the company’s vision, what it takes to solve for issues faced by small businesses, and how young adults can succeed at startups and founding their own businesses. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 What is PostEx? 10:45 Credit, trust, and small business 22:30 Formalizing and digitizing payments 29:30 Why cash is king? 35:30 Failing and entrepreneurship 39:50 Where is the startup ecosystem headed?

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ali Khizar about the ongoing negotiations with the IMF, the path forward, and why consensus is needed to rescue the economy. We also talk about debt restructuring, why the last few months have destroyed Pakistan’s credibility, and the broader challenges confronting the economy even after an IMF program is put back on track. Ali Khizar is a business journalist who frequently writes for Business Recorder. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:45 Why did the IMF deal did not happen? 24:00 Debt restructuring needs 34:30 Political crisis and economic stability

In this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about the latest economic developments in Pakistan, focusing on the ongoing negotiations with the IMF. We also talk about why this time feels different, with not a whole lot of optimism for the economy and its future. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:55 IMF negotiations 21:35 Can the economy stabilize even with the IMF? 27:30 The role of the central bank 34:00 Why this crisis is different

In this episode, Uzair talks to Ali Farid Khwaja about the economic chaos in Pakistan and the collapse of the rupee. We also talk about why restructuring is necessary and how that process would work. Finally, we also touch on the startup community and takeaways from Paklaunch’s Unconference, which was recently held in Dubai. Ali Farid Khwaja is Chairman of KTrade Securities and has over a decade of experience in the technology and financial sectors. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:30 Devaluation of the rupee and debt restructuring 15:30 Why has selective default happened? 24:30 Economic discourse and role of politics 31:10 Gravity of the situation 34:43 Takeaways from Paklaunch Unconference 40:19 Saving and investing for the long-term 44:30 Need for honesty

In this presentation, Uzair talks through a presentation on the economic crises in Pakistan, their causes, and the implication of not resolving the crisis through structural reforms.

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Naveed Sherwani about the global semiconductor industry, how geopolitics is affecting what is an extremely interconnected supply chain, and Pakistan’s potential in this space. Dr. Naveed Sherwani is Chairman, President, and CEO of Rapid Silicon, which was launched in 2021. Rapid Silicon’s goal is to promote, adopt and implement open source tech to address the low- to mid-range FPGA market. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or integrated circuits sold off-the-shelf. He is a well-known semiconductor industry veteran with over 35 years of entrepreneurial, engineering, and management experience. He is widely recognized as an innovator and leader in the field of design automation of ASICs and microprocessors. Dr. Sherwani has founded or co-founded over fifteen silicon companies including Intel Microelectronics Services, Open-Silicon, and others. The companies collectively have a valuation of over $4.5B. Reading Recommendations: - Talent is overrated by Geoffrey Colvin - Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 State of the global semiconductor ecosystem 13:50 US-China competition 30:00 Pakistan’s potential in this space 40:10 Ongoing developments in Pakistan’s ecosystem 54:35 Reading recommendations You can read the semiconductor plan here - https://paklaunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Pakistan-National-Semiconductor-Plan-PNSP-1.pdf

In this episode, we continue our focus on Pakistan’s economic crisis and discuss the way out of it with Dr. Ahmed Pirzada. Dr. Ahmed Pirzada is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bristol, UK. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK, and the Chair of the independent Economic Advisory Group (EAG), Pakistan. He specialises in macroeconomics with a focus in monetary policy, and the conversation dives a bit deeper into what he sees as the main drivers of the crisis, the way out of it, and why debt restructuring may be a decent option. You should read the EAG’s latest press release on this at this link: https://eag.org.pk/eag-advises-debt-restructuring-and-warns-against-import-substitution-policies/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 What caused this crisis? 19:37 What decisions exacerbated the crisis recently? 28:30 Distorted exchange rate 35:21 Debt restructuring need 45:30 Painful adjustments in the economy 51:11 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations: - This time is different by Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff - Quantum Enigma by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner - The history of western philosophy by Bertrand Russell

In the first episode of 2023, Uzair talks to regular guest Ammar H. Khan about the economic situation in Pakistan and the outlook for 2023. We talked about why the Dar Peg is so dangerous, why people keep ignoring economic fundamentals to run Pakistan’s economy, and the path forward. Reading Recommendations: - The Prize by Daniel Yergin - World for Sale by Javier Blas Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 0:50 Current economic situation 8:00 Why is the Dar Peg so dangerous? 20:30 Will decent policies be made in 2023? 23:28 Energy conservation plan of the PDM 28:00 Bright spots in the economy 37:10 Global themes to watch for 40:45 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Shuja Nawaz about 1971 and the events leading up to the birth of Bangladesh. Shuja talks about the political, military, and economic crisis in what was then East Pakistan, the missed opportunities to politically settle the issue, and the disastrous military strategy deployed by Yahya and his cabal. Shuja Nawaz, a native of Pakistan, was made the first director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council in January 2009. He is currently a distinguished fellow at the Center. A political and strategic analyst, Mr. Nawaz writes for leading newspapers and websites and speaks on current topics before civic groups, at think tanks, and on radio and television worldwide. He was a newscaster and news and current affairs producer for Pakistan Television from 1967 to 1972 and covered the western front of the 1971 war between Pakistan and India. He is the author of The Battle for Pakistan: The Bitter US Friendship and a Tough Neighbourhood (Penguin Random House, 2019 and Rowman & Littlefield 2020), and Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its Army, and the Wars Within (Oxford University Press 2008 and 2017). Reading Recommendations: The Transformation of War by Martin van Creveld War from the Ground Up by Emile Simpson Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Why is December 16 an important day? 6:20 Was 1971 the result of a political failure? 17:12 Bhutto, America, and Racism 36:50 Fallout of the surrender in Dhaka 44:16 Have we learnt anything from 1971? 48:27 What current crisis in Pakistan 57:38 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Yousuf Farooq about his experience running a manufacturing business in Pakistan, why free markets are the need of the hour, and the effect of government interventions in creating distortions that ultimately harm companies like his. Yousuf is the director of Elite Lighting, a company that is making products in Pakistan that are competitive in the market. He is also CEO of Oqaab Capital and has a wealth of experience in financial markets. You can follow Yousuf on Twitter @YousufMFarooq Reading Recommendations: - Influence: Science and Practice by Robert Cialdini - The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks - The Dhandho Investor: The Low-Risk Value Method to High Returns by Mohnish Pabrai Yousuf also recommends that folks watch this talk by Charlie Munger - https://youtu.be/zNxsAhc6sk8

In this episode, our regular guest Khurram Husain joins Uzair to talk about the state of Pakistan’s economy, the status of the IMF program, why the exchange rate is under pressure, and the fight between Dar and Miftah. Khurram is a business and economy journalist and he shares his thoughts with Uzair on the outlook for the IMF program and why Pakistan’s economy is going to face more volatility in the coming weeks and months. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:10 Will Pakistan default? 5:30 Exchange rate issues 12:10 Afghanistan and dollar demand 20:10 Where did the IMF program go south? 36:40 Dar v. Miftah

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Erum Haider about her research on Karachi's water crisis. We talk about how people in the city get access to water, how this is a regressive system, and what are the political implications of this crisis. Dr. Erum Haider is an Assistant Professor in Political Science and Environmental Studies at the College of Wooster. Dr. Haider received her PhD from Georgetown University, Department of Government in 2020. She is currently a Research Fellow at the Mahbub ul Haq Research Center in Lahore, Pakistan and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, DC. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 How do citizens get their water? 10:10 Regressive impact of water pricing 16:10 Political impact of the crisis 23:10 Is this leading to a grassroots movement? 32:20 Can Karachi force Sindh government to change? 43:10 How to change these structures? 49:10 Reading recommendations You can read the blogpost about the reserach here - https://www.theigc.org/blog/line-tanker-tube-well-water-and-the-politics-of-hybrid-service-delivery-in-karachi/ Reading recommendations: - Pakistan's Political Parties: Surviving between Dictatorship and Democracy by Mariam Mufti, Sahar Shafqat, and Niloufer Siddiqui - In Search of Lost Glory: Sindhi Nationalism in Pakistan by Asma Faiz - The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

Venture capital is the fuel that powers an economy's innovation ecosystem, disrupting the old way of doing business and generating growth. In this episode, Uzair talks to Mohamed Eissa about the IFC's perspective on venture capital and the role the IFC is looking to play in Pakistan. Eissa talked about why Pakistan is an attractive market, what investments the IFC is going to make in the near-term, and why failure should be celebrated. Mohamed leads IFC’s Global Venture Capital and Direct Investments group. As a member of the investment committee, he leads a team of investment professionals in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Eastern and Central Europe, South Asia and Asia-Pacific region. IFC’s portfolio investments include venture capital funds and direct investments in disruptive startups in over 30 countries. Prior to IFC, he led technology investments at Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) – a joint fund with equal ownership by the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ sovereign wealth funds. Mohamed also held operational roles in technology in the US as well as venture capital investments at Bell Labs’ New Ventures Group. Mohamed holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Reading recommendations: - The Greatest: My Own Story by Muhammad Ali and Richard Durham - Deep Simplicity: Bringing Order to Chaos and Complexity by John Gribbin - A Path Forward for Sharing the Nile Water: Sustainable, Smart, Equitable, Incremental by Elfatih Eltahir Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Global VC Outlook 10:00 VC’s role in Pakistan’s economy 17:55 IFC’s VC role in Pakistan 26:36 How to turbocharge the tech ecosystem 31:50 IFC’s investment strategy in Pakistan 35:10 Innovating through failure 39:40 Inclusion in entrepreneurship 44:50 Reading recommendations

In this episode, Uzair talks to Marcello Estevão, who is the Global Director of the World Bank Group’s Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment Global Practice (MTI). Marcello shares his perspective about the global economic outlook, why inflation is here to stay for a while, and what countries like Pakistan can do to navigate this tricky period. Marcello leads a large team of country economists, macroeconomists, and fiscal policy, debt, and macro-modeling experts. He is responsible for overseeing the delivery of the global analytical work on macroeconomics, fiscal policy, and debt policy; for coordinating the strategic direction of MTI and implementing it; for helping to shape and oversee MTI’s country/regional programs; and for mobilizing staff to work more effectively across Equitable Growth, Finance and Institutions (EFI) and other Global Practices. Reading Recommendations: - A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean - The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway - The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money by John Maynard Keynes Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 Where is the global economy today? 10:40 How do emerging markets navigate this? 16:40 Dealing with dollar debt 21:40 Will inflation come down soon? 27:05 Countries that have done well

The brutal murder of Arshad Sharif in Kenya has once again raised questins about free expression in Pakistan. While the details about the murder still remain murky, it is important to talk about how the state and its institutions exert influence over expression, particularly in the digital media domain. In this episode, Uzair talks to Ramsha Jahangir about digital media freedoms in Pakistan. Ramsha Jahangir is an award-winning journalist and an Erasmus Mundus scholar. Ramsha has extensively reported on the intersection of technology and human rights in Pakistan, focusing on disinformation, internet regulation, and digital politics. She is currently working at Global Network Initiative (GNI) as a senior policy and communications associate. She tweets @ramshajahangir. Reading Recommendations: - The People Vs Tech: How the Internet is Killing Democracy (and how We Save It) by Jamie Bartlett - The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab by Carl Miller Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:30 Ways to curb free expression 10:20 Where do things go from here? 16:20 Why are journalists on the periphery ignored? 19:50 How different is Pakistan? 25:10 What are better models in terms of policy? 33:10 Policy and investment in tech 38:00 Should we be hopeful? 42:40 Reading recommendations

The recent comments by US President Joe Biden set off a short-lived firestorm in Pakistan, while also bringing front and center Pakistan's nuclear program and the safety of its weapons. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Christopher Clary about Pakistan's nuclear weapons and their safety, discussing what the risks are and how Pakistan has invested in securing its nuclear weapons. Dr. Christopher Clary is an Assistant Professor of Political Science University at Albany. His research focuses on the sources of cooperation in interstate rivalries, the causes and consequences of nuclear proliferation, U.S. defense policy, and the politics of South Asia. Reading Recommendations: - Eating Grass by Feroz H. Khan - Pakistan’s Pathway to the Bomb by Mansoor Ahmed - The Limits of Safety by Scott Sagan Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Remarks by Biden 5:40 Recent developments around nukes 10:10 Political instability and nuclear safety 15:00 AQ Khan’s role 23:20 Changes after AQ Khan 33:30 Are there any concerns? 39:30 Is Pakistan too big to fail? 45:00 Impact of Biden’s statement on US-Pakistan relations 49:30 Reading recommendations

Iran has been rocked by protests, which are currently in their fourth week. Nearly 200 people have died and thousands injured. Sparked by the brutal killing of Mahsa Amini, these protests are a sign that all is not well in the country. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Neda Bolourchi about what is going on in Iran and the path forward for the country. Dr. Neda Balourchi is Associate Director and Post Doctoral Associate, Middle Eastern Studies Program at Rutgers University. Her research focuses on the roles of religion, race, and secularism in the formation of Middle Eastern nation-states. Reading Recommendations: - Khomeinism: Essays on the Islamic Republic by Ervand Abrahamian - Female Religious Authority in Shi'i Islam: Past and Present by Mirjam Kunkler - Staging a Revolution: The Art of Persuasion in the Islamic Republic of Iran by Peter Chelkowski Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:20 What’s going on in Iran? 8:00 Underlying factors behind the protests 15:30 Why are younger Iranians angry? 25:00 Is the regime looking inwards? 29:00 Violence in Iranian Balochistan 37:30 International response 47:10 Should the international community do more? 54:30 What comes next? 1:00:23 Reading recommendations 1:07:20 Conclusion

We are back after a brief hiatus and in this episode, Uzair talks to Khurram Husain about the return of Ishaq Dar, who is already making headlines and "shouting down the dollar." We talk about what Dar's return means, the recent FX scandal casting a dark shadow over banks, and whether any political party has a serious plan to deal with the ongoing economic crisis. Khurram Husain is a business and economy journalist who most recently served as editor of Profit Magazine. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:20 What does Dar’s return mean? 22:40 Restructuring Chinese debt 33:30 Does the PTI have a plan? 40:20 Energy security strategy 43:40 The banks’ FX scandal 51:00 Why is the rupee appreciating? 59:20 Media’s love for Dar 1:02:00 Conclusion

Over 33 million people have been affected in the 2022 floods in Pakistan. The total estimated financial cost of damages and reconstruction is estimated to be over $16 billion, and this figure is going to rise in the coming days. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Maira Hayat about this catastrophe, the need for solidarity among Global South countries, and the governance challenges that exist within Pakistan. Dr Maira Hayat is an assistant professor at the University of Notre Dame. This year she's a member of the institute for advanced study at Princeton. She did her PhD in Anthropology at the University of Chicago, and a BSc. at LUMS in 2008. Dr. Hayat conducts research at the intersection of bureaucracy, law, and the environment, drawing on ethnographic and archival methods. Her current book project is based on her doctoral dissertation, “Ecologies of Water Governance in Pakistan: The Colony, the Corporation and the Contemporary,” which won the 2019 S.S. Pirzada Annual Dissertation Prize for best dissertation on Pakistan. Reading recommendations: - Refashioning futures by David Scott - Anthropology & the Colonial Encounter by Talal Asad Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 3:30 Key events related to floods 14:00 Building global coalitions 20:40 Regional collaboration on climate change 28:00 What needs to change? 50:30 Governance v. climate change 57:30 Lack of capacity in Pakistan 1:04:40 Dual standards in international views 1:15:30 Reading recommendation

The speculative bubble around crypto and Web3 has popped, but the innovation in this sector continues. In this episode, Uzair talks to Arsalan Khan about the ongoing innovation in the sector, touching on what excites him, the state of technical talent in Pakistan, and what other jurisdictions are doing. Arsalan had been in conventional finance for over 12 years working as a stock broker in Pakistan. He has been involved in crypto since 2017 and switched to web3 since mid 2021. He is currently working as a Research Analyst for Zignaly which is a social investment platform in the crypto space. Reading recommendations: - The Infinite Machine by Camila Russo - Blockchain Wars by Evan McFarland - DeFi and the Future of Finance by Ashwin Ramachandran, Campbell Harvey, and Joey Santoro Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 What does Zignaly do? 8:30 State of the crypto ecosystem today 26:00 Digital art and NFTs 30:50 Web3 talent in Pakistan 36:20 Innovative jurisdictions in the world 39:20 Portugal’s approach to new sectors 42:40 Rule of law and innovation 46:00 Reading recommendations

Pakistan is underwater and its largest province in terms of land mass has been the hardest hit. In this episode, Uzair talks to Saad Dehwar Baloch about the current situation in the province, ongoing relief efforts, and the crisis of governance there. If you'd like to donate to flood relief in Pakistan, please consider the following organizations: https://www.facebook.com/wangorg/?ti=as https://images.dawn.com/news/1190723/help-people-affected-by-the-balochistan-floods-through-these-7-relief-organisations Sindh Education Alliance Baloch Youth Against Corona Saad Dehwar Baloch is a socio political activist hails from Quetta. He has a masters in International Relations from Iqra University Islamabad and his core interests are politics and governance. He has been engaged with numerous organizations since 2011 working on advocacy, pluralism, human rights, peace, education, and democracy plus former fellow with Swedish Institute, Pildat, Kettering Foundation. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Current situation with the flooding 14:10 Ongoing relief work 20:30 Organizations that you can donate to 23:40 Political situation in Balochistan Reading Recommendations: - Musa se Marx Tak by Sibt-e- Hassan - Mazi kay Mazar by Sibt-e-Hassan - Tareekh aur Siyasat by Dr. Mubarak Ali

In this Urdu discussion, Uzair talks to Dr. Sajid Amin Javed about why the Pakistani rupee has been so volatile, the structural drivers of this weakness, and whether he believes the issues at hand go beyond the scope of economics. Dr. Javed is Deputy Executive Director at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) Pakistan. Prior to joining to SPDI, he was Senior Research Fellow and Assistant Professor at Department of Economics, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:45 What caused the sudden devaluation? 14:00 Impact of Afghanistan trade and stopping imports 25:20 Has anything changed structurally? 30:10 Impact of petrol subsidy 37:20 Impact of fiscal deficits on currency value 51:20 Are these economic policy issues? 1:05:00 Conclusion

Small businesses are the backbone of any economy. When they thrive, the economy grows, opportunity and jobs are created, and a culture of bottom-up innovation takes hold. In Pakistan, MSMEs face a tough time getting access to growth capital. Karandaaz Capital is changing this and this episode dives deep into how this change is happening. Uzair talks to Navid Goraya, who is Chief Investment Officer at Karandaaz Capital. He has over 25 years of global experience in asset management, investment strategy, product development and corporate finance. Before joining Karandaaz as the CIO, he was leading a Strategic Advisory Firm, White Oak Advisors Inc, in New York where he was involved in serving private equity funds, family offices, banks and insurance companies in support of global investments in the US, Middle East, South East Asia and South Asia. Reading recommendations: - People, Power, and Profits: Progressive Capitalism for an Age of Discontent by Joseph Stiglitz - How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates

Where is the rupee headed? Will Pakistan default? In this episode, Uzair talks to Shahrukh Wani about the ongoing crisis in Pakistan, why this is just the latest episode of a long-term crisis, and what needs to change to get out of this. Shahrukh Wani is an economist at the International Growth Centre’s Cities that Work initiative based at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. In this role, he supports evidence-based urban economic policy reforms across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, mainly on public finance and governance. These have included collaborations with policymakers in Afghanistan, Uganda, Pakistan, and Zambia on a range of policy questions — such as on property tax design in Punjab and informal settlements in Lusaka. Shahrukh has also co-authored a variety of policy-focused papers, including on urban governance, transport, public-private partnerships, and taxation in developing countries. He also advises public policy projects such as the UK Government’s Global Future Cities Programme.

The first episode of this year, way back in January 2022, discussed how politics will dominate the economy for the entirety of the year. In this episode, we take a look at how things have shaped up and what the path forward looks like for Pakistan’s chaotic and unstable political scene. This instability is having a disastrous impact on the country’s economy, and Uzair talks to Amber Rahim Shamsi about whether or not there is light at the end of the tunnel here. Amber Rahim Shamsi is Director of the Centre for Excellence in Journalism at the IBA and an award-winning multi-media journalist and free speech advocate, with wide-ranging experience in television, radio, online and the print media. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:00 What’s going on with politics today? 12:00 PML-N’s declining political capital 23:00 The military establishment’s role 33:40 Role of foreign allies as guarantors 41:50 The role of incentives in reaching compromise 51:10 Is Pakistan too big to fail?

There has been a flurry of negative news regarding Pakistan's startup ecosystem, with the collapse of Airlift being the biggest story of them all. In this episode, Uzair talks to Ali Farid Khwaja about what led to this collapse, whether this is the end of the boom, and how entrepreneurs and investors should navigate this cycle. Ali Farid Khwaja is Chairman of KTrade Security and has over a decade of experience in the technology and financial sectors.

Energy security has been a pipe-dream for Pakistan, with the country facing numerous economic and energy crises over its history. At its core, the issue revolves around failure to tap into domestic sources of energy in a way that benefits the country's economy. In this episode, Uzair talks to Amir Iqbal about Thar Coal and its potential to improve Pakistan's energy security. While coal is indeed a dirty fossil fuel with environmental challenges, it is a cheap source of energy for many developed and developing countries in the world. Pakistan has failed to utilize its own coal deposits, meaning that the share of coal in the country's energy mix remains miniscule. Given today's global energy crisis, it is important for Pakistan to responsibly tap into its own coal resources to produce cheap power, which is critical to promoting economic and export competitiveness. But this does not mean ignoring the environmental challenges either, and a balanced, measured approach is necessary. Amir was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and Thar Foundation on 8th October 2021. He has over 27 years of experience in general management and has led various teams in sales and marketing function across Pakistan, Australia, and Africa. In his prior roles he has served as the Chief Executive Officer for Engro Agritrade, Chief Commercials Officer for Engro Fertilizer and CEO & Managing Director for Bayer Pakistan. He also served as the adjunct faculty at the Lahore School of Management Sciences (LUMS). Reading Recommendations: - Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown - The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemann

Access to credit is critical is fueling economic growth, especially by helping promising small businesses scale up and become more efficient. In Pakistan, however, access to credit remains a major challenge, especially because of the crowding out effect, where the financial system finds it easier and more lucrative to lend to the sovereign, which runs high fiscal deficits. In this episode, Uzair talks to Namoos Zaheer about the link between access to private sector credit and growth. We also dive into why lazy banking makes the economic growth challenge much more complex in Pakistan, and how changing incentives and a fiscally prudent sovereign can help change the situation. Namoos Zaheer is a Senior Financial Sector Specialist and leads the World Bank’s financial sector development initiatives in Pakistan. She has led the World Bank’s efforts in developing the housing finance market in Pakistan, including through the establishment of the Pakistan Mortgage Refinance Company. She also leads the Financial Inclusion Project which focuses on access to micro-finance and the promotion of SME finance. Her other areas of engagement are capital market development, digital finance and overall financial sector stability. Prior to this, Namoos worked in financial services in London. Reading Recommendations: - On Human Nature by E.O. Wilson - State of Anxiety by Alain de Botton

Pakistan's higher education sector has been in a state of flux for a long time. From regular cuts to funding to scandals about paper mills, the story has not been great. On top of that, research funded by the HEC has not led to innovation on the commercial end, something a country like Pakistan sorely needs. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, on what ails this sector, his vision for reforms, and the path forward. Dr Tariq Banuri holds a PhD from Harvard University and joined HEC as its fourth chairperson. He has extensive experience of working in academia, civil society and national as well as international organisations. He was the member of Steering Committee on Higher Education Reforms, the body that played a vital role in inception of HEC in 2002. He has also worked as Professor of Economics at University of Utah, USA. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:30 What ails higher education today? 14:10 Where does the economy need research-led innovation? 25:50 Building industry-academia collaboration 30:30 Wishlist for reforms 35:50 Reading recommendation Reading Recommendations: - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig - Dominating Knowledge Edited by Frédérique Apffel Marglin and Stephen A. Marglin

Over the course of this podcast, we have had dozens of conversations on the need to reform the economy. But while we all know the broad scope of reforms that are needed, there is not really a constituency for reforms, across the political aisle, in Pakistan. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, who is a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz and is currently the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Reform, joins us in this episode to talk about his efforts to build this constituency for reforms. To begin this process, his ministry is organizing the Turnaround Pakistan Conference, whose goal is to engage with people across the spectrum to prioritize and build consensus on these reforms. Reading recommendations: - The Holy Quran with translation - Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey - The Anarchy by William Dalrymple

Political violence has been a major issue facing Pakistan's flawed and floundering democracy for decades. From Karachi to South Punjab, political actors have overtly and covertly deployed violence to gain influence, votes, and power. But why do political actors use violence to achieve these goals? And what are ways to deal with this issue? In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Nilofer Siddiqui about political parties and violence. Dr. Siddiqui is an Assistant Professor at the University of Albany. She is also a Nonresident Fellow at the Stimson Center and a Fellow at the Mahbub ul Haq Centre at LUMS. She is author of the book Under the Gun: Political Parties and Violence in Pakistan, which examines why political parties engage in violence and the variation in violence strategies that they employ. Reading Recommendations: - We crossed a bridge and it trembled by Wendy Pearlman - No good men among the living by Anand Gopal - Bring the war home by Kathleen Belew

A record-breaking heatwave has been wreaking havoc across the subcontinent, impact the wheat and mange harvest, setting fire to forests, and giving us a trailer of what climate change can do to our world. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Erum Sattar of what is the latest research showing about where the world is headed and what actions governments and individuals must take to day to reduce the likelihood of the worst-case scenarios becoming a reality. Dr.Erum Sattar is the Program Director of the Sustainable Water Management Program and a Lecturer at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the Elizabeth Haub School of Law, Pace University and has taught at Northeastern University School of Law, and the National University of Singapore School of Law where she taught the school’s first-ever course on water law and policy. Reading Recommendations: - Diplomacy and Capitalism: The Political Economy of U.S. Foreign Relations - Water: A Biography by Giulio Boccaletti - Invisible China: How the Urban-Rural Divide Threatens China’s Rise by Natalie Hell and Scott Rozelle - Metabolical: The truth about processed food and how it poisons people and the planet by Robert H. Lustig

There is a widely-held belief that strong governments deliver reforms and sustainable growth. Research, however, shows otherwise. In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Irfan Nooruddin about his research on this topic, based on his must-read book Coalition Politics and Economic Development: Credibility and the Strength of Weak Governments. Dr. Nooruddin is is the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center and the Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani Professor of Indian Politics in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Irfan conducts research in the political economy of development, trade, and investment, and the challenges of democratization in the 21st century. He is the author of The Everyday Crusade (Cambridge University Press, 2022), Elections in Hard Times (Cambridge University Press, 2016), Coalition Politics and Economic Development (Cambridge University Press, 2011) and more than thirty scholarly articles and book chapters. In 2012, he was a Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC., and is a Team Member of Lokniti: Programme in Comparative Democracy in New Delhi, India. He has a PhD in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a BA in Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University. He was born and raised in Bombay, India. You can download his book from this link: https://www.coalitionpoliticsandeconomicdevelopment.com/chapters.html Reading recommendations: - Political Order in Changing Societies by Samuel Huntington - Democracy and Development by Adam Jaworski - Scientist: E. O. Wilson: A Life in Nature by Richard Rhodes

The situation in Balochistan has been complex for decades starting with the way in which Balochistan became part of Pakistan following independence in 1947. In recent months, the insurgency there has picked pace, but many forget that there are two insurgencies roiling the province. In addition, the economic situation is dire, with citizens facing abject poverty and a continued extractive approach to economic development. This episode is an Urdu conversation with Rafiullah Kakar, a public policy expert based in Quetta. Rafiullah writes a column for Dawn, which is a must-read. You can find his writings here: https://www.dawn.com/authors/8211/rafiullah-kakar Reading Recommendations: - Wretched of the Earth By Frantz Fanon - Justice by Michael Sandel - Islamic Exceptionalism by Shadi Hamid - Remotely Colonial by Nina Swidler

Crypto is going through another winter with prices of all major crypto assets down sharply. There has also been the Luna collapse, which has raised a lot of questions about the future of the crypto and Web3 economy. In this episode, Uzair talks to Salahuddin Khawaja about what's going on in the crypto economy and how is he navigating the ongoing downturn. Salahuddin Khawaja is CEO of Hypermode, a crypto consulting firm - helping clients design, build, grow and transform in Web3.

Pakistan’s economy is spiraling out of control with the rupee hitting a record low on a daily basis. What is driving this crisis and how can Pakistan get out of this tailspin? This episode focuses on the ongoing crisis, with Ammar H. Khan joining the podcast to offer his perspective on what is going on and the path forward. Ammar is a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council, and is the Group Chief Risk Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, a UK FCDO and BMGF backed entity that focuses on enabling access to finance for Small & Medium Enterprises, and digital financial inclusion. Previously, he has worked with the largest asset manager in Pakistan as a Chief Risk Officer, as well as at HSBC in varying roles in sovereign risk assessment, and credit risk. In addition, he has been a consultant to multiple energy projects, from coal mines to LNG power plants, and terminals, with an accumulated ticket size of more than US$10 billion. Having worked in projects across the energy value chain, Ammar has an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the sector. He tweets at @rogueonomist.

Pakistan's monetary policy has been the focus of attention over the last few years, particularly since Dr. Reza Baqir became governor in 2019. His three year tenure is up, which is a good time to assess the central bank and its performance. In this episode, Uzair talks to Ariba Shahid, a business journalist based in Pakistan, about the highs and lows of the SBP over the last few years.

Uzair talks to Maleeha Lodhi about Pakistan's foreign policy and the repercussions of the regime change conspiracy theory. Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi most recently served as Pakistan's Representative to the United Nations. Previously, she served as Pakistan's envoy to the Court of St James' and twice as its ambassador to the United States.

There has been a lot of talk about a foreign conspiracy in Pakistan, particularly by former prime minister Imran Khan and his followers. While this conspiracy theory is outlandish and has been debunked by many experts, Khan and his followers continue to believe it. But is Khan really standing against up for Pakistan when it comes to pushing back against foreign powers that have exercised influenced over Pakistan over the decades? Or is this just political rhetoric? In this Urdu discussion, Uzair talks to Dr. Ayyaz Mallick about the structural underpinnings of Pakistan's society, politics, and economy and how these structures allow foreign powers to influence the country. Dr. Mallick is a Lecturer at the University of Liverpool and has a PhD from York University. Reading Recommendations: - On the Jewish Question by Karl Marx - The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte by Karl Marx - The Wretched of the Earth by Franz Fanon

A lot has happened in Pakistan over the last few weeks, with Imran Khan's government first creating a constitutional crisis and then losing power in a dramatic late-night vote in the National Assembly. But what does this mean for Pakistan's flawed and floundering democracy? And how should we view this moment in time from a historical perspective? In this episode, Uzair Younus talks to Dr. Ilhan Niaz, Head of the Department of History at the Quaid-e-Azam University, about the impact of ongoing events on Pakistan's political economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic, a once-in-a-century event, caused widespread socioeconomic upheaval in the world. In Pakistan, there were fears that the country would descend into chaos, but the country was able to navigate this crisis without realizing the worst-case scenarios. Credit for this goes to the Khan government and the NCOC, which did an excellent job coordinating the public health response to the pandemic. In this episode, Uzair talks to Maha Rehman and dives deeper into how a data-led approach helped deal with the crisis, and how collaboration across the border in India also played a role. Maha is a data analytics specialist and has almost a decade of experience in designing and executing evidence-based programs, products and policies to improve service delivery and impact. She has also setup the Analytics Wing at CERP that is focused on embedding data in the decisions and operations of private and public sector companies to increase efficiency, impact and profit. Prior to this, she has led research experiments at CERP and at World Bank in the fields of education, public finance and governance.

Uzair talks to Ambareen Baig about the state of Pakistan's startup ecosystem based on the findings of Invest2Innovate's recently released Pakistan Startup Ecosystem Report 2021. Ambareen Baig is a research professional well acquainted with the startup ecosystem in Pakistan. After starting out her career as an educator, she moved on as a Fulbright scholar for a masters in Educational Psychology from the University of Arizona (UofA). Other than teaching research methodologies at the undergraduate level at her alma mater, she also served as a Global Ambassador for international students at the UofA. She has worked on youth development projects in Pakistan through the School of Leadership (SoL) where she brought two UNICEF projects to fruition while spearheading SoL’s community space, the Hangout Space. Currently, she is working at invest2innovate (i2i) as Head of Insights where she gets to do what she loves inherently - data and research. In addition to coauthoring i2i's bimonthly data driven newsletter, she has authored/co-authored several publications at i2i including Pakistan Startup Ecosystem Report (2019), COVID & its Impact on Pakistani Startups (2020), KP Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Report (2021), and more. She loves to make an impact on the startup ecosystem in the country by bringing equity to the use and dissemination of data and information. You can find the complete report here: https://www.insightsi2i.com/pser-21 Reading Recommendations: - Kartography by Kamila Shamsie - Being Pakistani by Raza Rumi - Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez

Uzair talks to Asanga Abeyagoonasekara about the ongoing political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka. Things have gone from bad to worse in the island nation, which is now suffering shortages of essential goods. Asanga explains how things spiralled out of control and the way out. Asanga Abeyagoonasekera is Senior Fellow at the Millennium Project and an international security analyst from Sri Lanka. He has led two government think tanks providing strategic advocacy in Sri Lanka and was the Founding Director General of the National Security Think Tank under the Ministry of Defence in the country. He is the author of Sri Lanka at Crossroads. Reading Recommendations: - The Long Game by Rush Doshi - On Thermonuclear War by Herman Kahn - The Fateful Triangle by Tanvi Madan

Uzair talks to Dr. Margarita Konaev about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, what prompted Putin to invade now, and the risks of urban warfare in the heart of Europe. Dr. Margarita Konaev is a Research Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) interested in military applications of AI and Russian military innovation. Previously, she was a Non-Resident Fellow with the Modern War Institute at West Point, a post-doctoral fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perry World House. Her research on international security, armed conflict, non-state actors and urban warfare in the Middle East, Russia and Eurasia has been published by a whole host of publications, including the Journal of Strategic Studies, the Journal of Global Security Studies. Reading Recommendations: - A Small Corner of Hell: Dispatches from Chechnya by Anna Politkovskaya

Uzair speaks with Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman of Interloop Limited, the largest Textile on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Musadaq also serves on the board of Karandaaz, a not for profit organization promoting financial inclusion, sponsored by DFID(UKAid) and Bill Melinda Gates Foundation. He is also the President of Interloop Welfare Trust and Lyallpur Literary council. An ardent supporter of quality affordable education, Musadaq is actively associated with The Citizens Foundation (TCF), the largest not-for-profit organization providing education to underprivileged children in Pakistan. He has served on the Board of Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development & Management Company (FIEDMC) for 6 years and also held the position of its CEO. Musadaq has also been a Member of the Board of Port Qasim Authority. This episode is a major milestone for the podcast, so thank you to all of you for supporting and joining us in this journey. Reading Recommendations: - How China Became Capitalist by Ning Wang and Ronald Coase - Mr and Mrs Jinnah, the Marriage that Shook India by Sheela Reddy - Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta

Uzair talks to Dr. Asfandyar Mir about rising cases of terrorism in Pakistan, the emerging threat on the Afghan border, and what risks he is concerned about during this ongoing second war on terror. Dr. Asfandyar Mir is a senior expert in the Asia Center at USIP. Previously, Dr. Mir held various fellowships at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University. 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. Dr. Mir’s research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, such as International Security, International Studies Quarterly and Security Studies. He received his doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago and a master’s and bachelor’s from Stanford University. Reading Recommendations: - Rise and Kill First by Ronen Bergman - Ordering Violence: Explaining Armed Group-State Relations from Conflict to Cooperation by Paul Staniland

Uzair talks to Aiman Bashir about her startup and the emerging edtech ecosystem in Pakistan. Aiman is co-founder and CEO of the business and has worked at the World Bank, Nestle and Coca-Cola. In 2020. Out-Class is a world-class EdTech platform, whose instructors hail from the world’s best institutions and have a deep-rooted passion for educating the country’s youth. Aiman won the coveted Standard Chartered Women In Tech competition in Pakistan and became the Pakistan winner for the largest tech competition in the world, She Loves Tech Global. Reading Recommendations: - Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 10 Powerful Tools for Life and Work by Marilee Adams - Amy Cuddy's TED Talk - Fake it Till You Make it - Happiness Is a Choice by Barry Neil Kaufman

Uzair talks to Dr. Miftah Ismail, former finance minister and senior member of the PML-N, about the path ahead for Pakistan's economy. The conversation explores reform priorities, export promotion, and improving the fiscal and external sector outlook for the economy.

Uzair talks to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri about domestic and foreign policy developments in India. The conversation focuses on state elections in the country, Yogi's bid to become a national leader, India's relations with China and Russia, and Modi's outreach to Nawaz. Pramit Pal Chaudhuri is Foreign Editor of the Hindustan Times and a Distinguished Fellow, Ananta Aspen Centre, and Foreign Editor of the Hindustan Times, the primary newspaper of the Indian capital New Delhi. Among India’s most prominent commentators on the country’s political and economic relations with the rest of the world, Mr. Pal Chaudhuri combines this with extensive insight into the intricacies of the domestic situation in India. Reading Recommendations: - The New BJP: Modi and the Making of the World's Largest Political Party by Nalin Mehta - The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World by Dr. S. Jaishankar

Uzair talks to Randy Bell about ongoing volatility in the energy markets, how countries like Saudi Arabia are preparing for the future, and ways in which energy importing countries like Pakistan should develop long-term strategies that enhance their energy security. Randy Bell is the senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center (GEC), where he oversees the center’s research and programs in Washington and elsewhere, including the annual Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi. He also serves as the co-director of the Atlantic Council’s Task Force on US Nuclear Energy Leadership and is the Richard Morningstar chair for global energy security. Reading Recommendations: - Sculpting in Time by Andrei Tarkovsky - The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations by Daniel Yergin - Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

Uzair talks to Dr. Vali Nasr about ongoing developments in the Middle East, where tensions between Iran and Gulf countries, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, continue to escalate. This podcast also touches on how the US should engage with the region and the ways in which Pakistan ought to navigate this quagmire. Vali Nasr is the Majid Khadduri Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center. He served as the eighth Dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS between 2012 and 2019 and served as Senior Advisor to U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke between 2009 and 2011. Nasr is the author of The Dispensable Nation: American Foreign Policy in Retreat; Forces of Fortune: The Rise of a New Middle Class and How it Will Change Our World; The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam will Shape the Future; Democracy in Iran: History and the Quest for Liberty; Islamic Leviathan, Islam and the Making of State Power; Mawdudi and the Making of Islamic Revivalism; and Vanguard of Islamic Revolution: Jama'at-i Islami of Pakistan; and numerous articles in scholarly journals. He has advised senior American policymakers, world leaders, and businesses, including the President, Secretary of State, senior members of the Congress, and presidential campaigns. He has written for New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, among others. Reading Recommendations: - The Shia Revival - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U0O9FC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 - The Dispensable Nation: American Foreign Policy in Retreat - https://www.amazon.com/Dispensable-Nation-American-Foreign-Retreat-ebook/dp/B009Y4I9EM/ref=sr_1_1? - All Against All - https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/middle-east/2021-12-02/iran-middle-east-all-against-all

In this Urdu discussion, Uzair talks to historian, activist, and author Ammar Ali Jan about the Left's assessment of Pakistan's economy, the State Bank autonomy bill, and the types of reforms he would like to see in Pakistan's economy. Ammar is author of the book Rule by Fear: Eight Theses on Authoritarianism in Pakistan, which is a must-read. Reading Recommendation: - 23 Things They Don't Tell You about Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang - Capitalism's Crisis Deepens by Richard D. Wolff - China's Revolutions in the Modern World by Rebecca E. Karl - Violent Fraternity by Shruti Kapila

In this Urdu discussion, Uzair talks to Shahid Mehmood about a recent article he published which showed how major issues since at least the 1980s continue to plague the economy. The discussion focuses on key drivers of these issues, why policy does not change to deal with this reality, and includes updates on economic developments in the former FATA regions. Shahid Mehmood is an economist and research fellow at PIDE. You can read his article here - https://www.dawn.com/news/1669368 You can read the PIDE Growth Strategy here - https://pide.org.pk/Research/PIDE-Reform-Agenda-Report.pdf Reading Recommendations: - Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco - The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi