Ashwin Makhija

It goes without saying that work during Covid-19 has received an abysmal blow. Employees everywhere are facing abrupt layoffs, and thus are encountering overwhelming miseries, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Against this backdrop, however, there are a couple of countries that have operationalized extensive plans, embodying creativity and innovation, to cushion workers from the unprecedented shocks of the day as well as of tomorrow. In the similar vein, it is imperative for Pakistan to realize the gravity of current circumstances and hence bring forward a long-term plan to overhaul the employment sector. For that the state must initially work on building a consensus among various stakeholders in the concerned quarters. After having done with that, the key priority ought to be given to economic growth. Although achieving a sustained rate of recovery is challenging, it is the key to the pains of workforce in the country. Some part of the solution also lie in income gener...

Lately, a piece of news broke out that the construction work on the Diamer-Basha dam has started. This news provoked much attention and sent many into rejoicing. For many, it rekindled hopes that the dam would finally be taking a step closer to reality. It is not less than a dream coming true for the people as they have been waiting for more than twenty years for such an announcement. Yes, you heard it right: Twenty years.  One might wonder why it took so long. What were the previous governments doing? If the questions intrigue you, go ahead, read whatever this article offers you, and quench your thirst for the answers.  It was back then in 1980 when some experts suggested that erecting a flurry of dams, including Diamer-Basha Dam, was imperative to meet the future needs of the country. Simply an idea took birth, but it was not until 1998 that the foundation stone of the Diamer-Basha dam had been laid down by then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.  Came later president Pervez ...