Socioeconomic Insights & Analytics

FROM INSIGHTS TO IMPACT

SIA is a think tank providing analysis and strategic recommendations on economic, social, and demographic issues. Bridging the gap between academic research and policy, SIA offers guidance to businesses, governments, and organizations while assessing social impacts of policies and development projects. Its work covers fiscal management, governance, urbanization, social protection, and demographic dynamics, offering clear, actionable insights for policymakers, business leaders, and academics.

What We Do

We bring over a century of expertise in:

Evidence-based policymaking, conducting surveys of various scales, and fostering policy debates and public engagement on pressing national and subnational issues.

Crafting business solutions through in-depth analysis of markets and growth opportunities.

Leading impactful research in governance, public resource management, urban development, health, education, social protection, demography, and public finance.

Offering professional training in public policy, human resource management, data analytics, and project management to empower individuals and institutions.

Achievements We Build On

Measured the government’s societal footprint, assessed demographic growth needs, and identified regulatory burdens and opportunities in state-captured land.

Explored middle-class market potential and developed reform agendas for sustainable economic growth, including expert-driven reforms in energy, taxation, and economic growth.

Evaluated government interventions and policies, engaged civil society and reimagined urban spaces for investment and pollution control.

Innovated public engagement through conferences, webinars, videos, and podcasts to drive awareness and reforms.

Our Values

  • Bringing fresh, independent, and original perspective.
  • Ensuring high quality global standards
  • Maintaining inclusivity in all aspects
  • Observe high ethical standards

Driving Informed, Data-Backed Solutions

We deliver actionable insights across economic, social, and demographic strategies and capacity building, creating pathways to a more informed society.

OUR ASPIRATION

Evidence

To provide rigorous evidence, sophisticated analytics, and actionable insights across all sectors of the economy and society.

Empowerment

To leverage cutting-edge research methodologies, we empower decision-makers, businesses, and policymakers to make informed choices that drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, promote equitable outcomes, and understand and inform socio-economic policy.

Dissemination

To disseminate research and evidence, and generate a national conversation to create a better understanding of change and reforms that are required to lead Pakistan into a better future.

Policymaking

To make evidence-based policymaking the cornerstone of informed decision-making for positive socio and economic impact that leads to opportunities and sustainable growth.

Meet Our Team

The best professionals working for you
6

Nadeem Ul Haque

1

Durre Nayab

7

Shahid Kardar

3

Mehnaz Akber Aziz

6

Zulfiqar Qazilbash

5

Saadiya Razzaq

4

Farrukh Aleem Mirza

sia profile pictures-2

Muhammad Ahsan

SIA CONVERSATIONS




	        

		

    

        

            
                SIA conversation with Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, where they explore Pakistan’s future perspectives. From political system reform and economic stability to energy, education, and constitutional democracy — this podcast cuts through the noise to ask: Can Pakistan reform itself?

What we cover in this episode:
- Why the first-past-the-post electoral system & vague Political Parties Act reinforce dynastic politics
- The need for proportional representation, issue-based politics, and strong institutional definitions
- Challenges of economic stability — IMF conditions, regulatory reform, discipline, investment, and business scale
- Fault lines in energy policy — how investment, incentives, and solar/renewables can change the landscape
- Transforming higher education — leveling up standards, embracing technology, cutting red tape
- The potential of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) in infrastructure & growth
- Youth’s role in demanding transparency, stronger democracy, constitutional clarity

If you care about Pakistan’s future, you’ll want to listen closely.
🔔 Subscribe for more dialogues with thinkers, policymakers & leaders shaping tomorrow.

#PakistanFuture #ShahidKhaqanAbbasi #NadeemUlHaque #PoliticalReform #ElectoralChange #EconomicStability #CPEC #YouthInPolitics #HigherEducation #EnergyPolicy #DemocraticReform 

00:00 – Introduction — Setting the Stage
02:30 – Why Pakistan Needs a Future-Focused Podcast
06:00 – Political System Reform — Electoral, Parties & Representation
11:20 – Proportional Representation vs. First-Past-The-Post
14:50 – Democracy & Constitutional Reforms: Strengthening Institutions
19:10 – Economic Stability: IMF, Discipline & Investment
23:45 – Energy Sector Challenges — Policy, Solar & Efficiency
28:10 – Market Decisions, Risks & Business Climate
32:30 – University Standards, Education & Technology
36:45 – Role of CPEC & Infrastructure for Future Growth
40:10 – What It Means for Youth & How to Participate
43:30 – Are Reforms Enough or Do We Need Revolution?
46:00 – What Viewers Can Do / Key Takeaways

                

                    

                                                    Why Pakistan Can’t Reform: Political Will or Economic Chaos? I Democracy is the only solution?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                

                

                    

                                                    درویش، پروفیسرز اور پاکستان کی یونیورسٹیوں کا حال #Pakistan #Education # Professors #Einstein
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Asad Ali Shah, and Dr. Salman Shah — three of Pakistan’s leading economists — come together to dissect Pakistan’s economic structure, tax system, and the failure of the National Finance Commission (NFC).

They dive deep into why Pakistan still follows colonial-era fiscal frameworks, why NFC meetings are irregular, and why there’s no research or consensus before major economic decisions. The conversation touches on the urgent need for reforms, rational resource allocation, and the coherence between NFC and PFC.

The trio also explores:
Why IMF programs keep failing in Pakistan
How bloated government structures cripple efficiency
Urbanization vs. Rural Service Equality
How high taxes and poor policy drive investment away
Why Pakistan needs a revolution, not cosmetic reforms

💬 This episode challenges conventional thinking about Pakistan’s fiscal setup — highlighting bold ideas for a smarter, smaller, and more productive government structure.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking economic and policy conversations from SIA Conversations.

#NadeemUlHaque #SalmanShah #AsadAliShah #PIDE #SIAConversations #PakistanEconomy #NFC #EconomicReforms #TaxPolicy #PublicFinance #IMF #Urbanization #FiscalPolicy 

00:00 – Introduction
Meet Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Asad Ali Shah, and Dr. Salman Shah — setting the stage for an honest discussion on Pakistan’s NFC and fiscal crisis.

02:15 – What is the NFC and Why It Matters
Explaining the National Finance Commission’s purpose in distributing financial resources among provinces.

05:40 – Why Are We Still Following Colonial Fiscal Rules?
Discussion on the outdated fiscal models Pakistan inherited and never reformed.

09:25 – Why Are NFC Meetings Irregular?
Exploring the political, bureaucratic, and institutional causes of delay and dysfunction.

13:10 – The Lack of Research and Policy Process in Pakistan
How policies are made overnight — without agenda, debate, or data.

17:35 – Lessons from India and the USA
Comparing Pakistan’s NFC system with India’s consistency and the U.S.’s empowered states.

22:05 – Rationalizing Resource Allocation
Debating vertical and horizontal equity — should urban and rural services be equal?

27:40 – Taxation and Economic Fairness
Why federal taxes dominate, and how poor tax design burdens businesses.

32:15 – Dead Assets and Expanding Bureaucracy
Discussion on government inefficiency, redundant corporations, and wasteful expenditure.

36:40 – Why IMF Programs Keep Failing Pakistan
Root causes behind repeated IMF bailouts and why reforms don’t stick.

41:00 – Reform vs. Revolution
Do we need incremental reforms or a complete overhaul of the system?

46:25 – Blue Ocean Strategy in Banking
Asad shares lessons from Meezan Investment Bank — innovation amidst policy chaos.

50:10 – Tax Policies & Business Collapse
High taxes, small corporates, and why investors are fleeing Pakistan.

55:00 – Bureaucratic Overhaul & Urbanization Debate
Can Pakistan ensure fairness while focusing on urban growth?

01:01:15 – The Way Forward
What should Pakistan’s fiscal priorities be? Investment in education, health, and human capital.

01:05:30 – Closing Thoughts
Final reflections — can Pakistan truly reform, or is the system bound to fail?

                

                    

                                                    Why Do We Fear Reform? I NFC Awards & Pakistan’s Economic Mess I Colonial Rules, Tax Chaos
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                Floods every year, but still we stay unprepared. In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque speaks with Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, Shahid Sattar and Mr. Ibrar about why Pakistan fails to learn — from governance gaps to river encroachments. How do we move from recurring tragedy to real strategy?

Major Questions Explored:
Why haven’t we learned from past floods?
Are floods natural calamities — or blessings misused?
Do we have any annual flood reports or dedicated research?
Where is the local government in flood management?
Is it a governance or political will crisis?
Who should manage floods — local, provincial, or federal?
What are our realistic future plans?
Can Pakistan adapt to live with floods?
When will legal actions stop riverbed encroachments and illegal housing?

Tune in for a candid, urgent conversation on the systemic changes Pakistan needs — before the next flood washes away the opportunity for reform.

#SIAConversations #FloodsInPakistan #Governance #Growth #NadeemUlHaque #AhmedSukhera #Ibrar #ShahidSattar #FloodManagement #GovernanceCrisis #LocalGovernment #Encroachments #DisasterPreparedness #ClimateRisk #PakistanPolicy #WaterPolicy #UrbanPlanning #RiverbedProtection #PoliticalWill

                

                    

                                                    Who Manages Floods in Pakistan? I Annual Floods — Is Pakistan Trapped in Past?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                Are floods Pakistan’s curse — or nature’s warning?
In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque sits down with renowned historian Dr. Tahir Kamran to explore the untold history of floods in Pakistan and the subcontinent.

The discussion traces how natural disasters, invaders, and weak institutions have continuously shaped — and shaken — the region’s destiny.
From the recurring devastation of floods to the long-neglected education and health systems, Dr. Kamran and Dr. Haque uncover why Pakistan keeps repeating its past mistakes — and whether floods are truly disasters or disguised blessings.

Topics Discussed:
The historical timeline of floods in the subcontinent
How colonial and post-colonial governance shaped disaster management
Pakistan’s fragile education and health systems — historical roots
The psychology of invaders and governance in South Asia
Are floods natural punishments or signs of poor planning?

🎙️ An unfiltered intellectual journey through Pakistan’s forgotten history, lessons unlearned, and the cycle of failure we keep living through. 

#Floods #Disaster #Nature #Pakistan  #SIAconversations #TahirKamran #NadeemUlHaque #PakistanFloods #HistoryOfFloods #SIAConversations #EducationCrisis #HealthSystem #SubcontinentHistory #PakistanHistory #ColonialLegacy #FloodDisaster #PIDE #IntellectualDebate #ClimatePakistan #History #HistoryofSubcontinent #HistoryofIndia #HistoryPakistan

                

                    

                                                    Why Pakistan Never Learns? I Man-made Floods, Ignorance & Invasions
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque — one of Pakistan’s most respected economists — sits down with Dr. Miftah Ismail, former Finance Minister and Secretary of the Awam Pakistan Party. Together, they dissect Pakistan’s persistent economic crisis and debate the urgent need for structural reform, local empowerment, and a forward-looking national narrative.

Dr. Nadeem and Dr. Miftah engage in a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion on Pakistan’s economy, governance, and political economy. They explore how Pakistan can move from short-term survival to long-term prosperity through sustainable growth, policy certainty, and institutional reform. The conversation dives deep into energy challenges, IMF negotiations, taxation issues, and the role of education, health, and agriculture in shaping Pakistan’s future.

Miftah argues that growth is the only sustainable way out of Pakistan’s debt trap, while Nadeem stresses the importance of leveraging the demographic dividend and building social capital. Together, they question the IMF’s role, the competence of policymakers, and the country’s misplaced priorities that perpetuate elite privileges at the expense of the poor.

The episode concludes with both economists emphasizing local governance reforms, the need for direct resource transfers, and price deregulation in energy and markets — pointing toward a vision of a more efficient, fair, and forward-looking Pakistan.

🎧 Hosted by: Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque (Leading Economist, Director SIA)
🎙️ Guest: Dr. Miftah Ismail (Economist, Former Finance Minister, Secretary Awam Pakistan Party)


00:00 – Introduction
Overview of discussion, Miftah’s background, and Pakistan’s current economic narrative.

03:45 – Why Pakistan Needs a Forward-Looking National Narrative
Dr. Nadeem and Miftah talk about changing the country’s mindset and political discourse.

10:10 – The Path to Economic Stability
Debt, growth, investment rates, and the need for sustainable policy continuity.

17:40 – Political Stability and Policy Certainty
How political chaos undermines economic planning and investor confidence.

23:30 – Reforming Pakistan’s Economic Structure
Comparisons with India, local government empowerment, and structural weaknesses.

31:15 – The NFC Award and Local Empowerment
Decentralization, civic engagement, and fiscal redistribution.

39:00 – Energy Crisis and Reform
Renewable energy, market competition, and breaking monopolies.

46:45 – IMF: Friend, Foe, or Lifeline?
A candid debate on IMF conditions, negotiations, and national autonomy.

56:00 – Who Understands Economics in Pakistan?
Elites, policymakers, and the disconnect between political interests and economic logic.

1:05:30 – Taxation and Inequality
Discussing Pakistan’s distorted tax structure and elite privileges.

1:12:50 – Fixing Education, Health, and Agriculture
Root problems that block productivity and growth.

1:22:00 – Final Thoughts: The Way Forward
Miftah and Nadeem on building a positive, reform-driven national narrative.

#PakistanEconomy
#NadeemUlHaque
#MiftahIsmail
#SIAConversations
#EconomicReforms
#IMFDeal
#LocalGovernance
#EnergyCrisisPakistan
#PolicyReforms
#PIDE

                

                    

                                                    “IMF or Freedom? I Why Are Pakistan’s Poor Paying for the Rich? I IMF is Addiction?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque brings together leading voices in Pakistan’s energy and industrial policy space: Shahid Sattar (Secretary-General, APTMA), Tahir Basharat Cheema (Former MD, PEPCO; Energy Advisor at APTMA), Syed Absar Ali, and Asim Riaz, hosted by Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque. We dive deep into the systemic challenges plaguing Pakistan’s energy sector: soaring energy costs, crippling circular debt, weak planning, high fuel import dependence, and poor data coordination.

The discussion covers recent controversies too — captive gas disconnections by SNGPL, tax and regulatory harassment of industry players, and fears over retrospective invoicing. We explore how these practices hurt competitiveness, especially for textile and export industries.

But it’s not all critique: our panel proposes bold policy solutions — a national energy authority, unified planning frameworks, ensuring competitive and fair rates, and industrial policy to build wealth and attract investment. This is essential not just for survival, but recovery and growth. Tune in to hear what needs to change — and how it can change — if Pakistan wants to industrialize, export more, and reduce the energy burden on its economy.  

#EnergyCrisis #Pakistan #SIAconversations #Debate #Podcast #NadeemUlHaque #CircularDebt #IndustrialCollapse #ExportCrisis #TaxHarassment #GasDisconnect#PolicyFailure #Competitiveness #PowerSector #APTMA

00:00 Intro: Meet the Panel & Why This Matters
02:00 APTMA vs SNGPL: Gas Disconnection Issue
05:30 Tax Harassment & Risks of Retrospective Invoices
09:00 The Energy Crisis: Circular Debt & Uncompetitive Industry
13:30 Data, Forecasting & Planning Failures
17:00 CNG Sector, Fuel Policy, and Impact of Import Duties
21:30 Policy Weaknesses: Short-Term Thinking & Bureaucracy
25:00 Industrial Base & Export Competitiveness
29:00 Proposed Solutions: National Energy Authority etc.
32:30 Q&A / Closing Thoughts by Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque

                

                    

                                                    Pakistan’s Energy Sector & Circular Debt I High Costs Are Killing Exports?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque sits down with Dr. Aneel Salman, OGDCL–IPRI Chair and a leading expert in economic security. The conversation explores how Pakistan must rethink its definition of national security, moving beyond a narrow military lens toward a holistic focus on economic resilience, strong institutions, trade liberalization, governance reforms, and education policy.

This dialogue dives deep into the intersection of economy, security, and governance in Pakistan. Dr. Aneel Salman shares insights from his upcoming book "Economy, Backbone of National Security: Challenges and Way Forward," unpacking how economic instability, IMF dependence, fiscal deficits, and inflation undermine national security.

Key themes include:
Why economic security is now more critical than military might
The emergence of Pakistan’s new urban poor and its implications
The role of institutions in ensuring “freedom from fear”
The crisis in higher education governance, merit, and accountability
University-industry linkages and human capital development gaps
Why Pakistan needs 12% growth to meet SDG targets
Trade liberalization strategies, China’s solar model, and FDI challenges

How governance reforms, transparency, and effective policies can turn Pakistan’s economic future around

#Economy #Security #Pakistan #Growth #Governance #Reforms #Education  #Trade #Investment #futurestrading #PakistanEconomy #SIA #SIAconversations #IDEAS 

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome with Dr. Aneel Salman
02:10 – National Security Dialogue: Experts vs Civil Servants
06:45 – Book Project: Economy, Backbone of National Security
12:20 – From Military Security to Economic Security
18:30 – Pakistan’s IMF Dependence, Fiscal Deficits & Inflation
23:15 – The Rise of Urban Poor & Economic Vulnerabilities
28:50 – Defining Security: Freedom from Fear & Institutions
34:40 – Why Pakistani Institutions Fail Compared to the UK & Dubai
41:00 – University Governance & Competence over Ego
47:25 – Economic Growth Strategy: Why Pakistan Needs 12%
53:40 – Aligning Economic & Political Cycles for Development
59:15 – Higher Education Governance: Accountability & Investment
1:06:30 – Academia, Industry & Research Gaps in Pakistan
1:12:00 – Trade Liberalization Strategy: Tariffs & Risks
1:18:30 – Lessons from China’s Solar Model for Pakistan
1:24:10 – Creating a Competitive Ecosystem & Rule of Law
1:30:00 – Final Thoughts: Economic Security as National Security

                

                    

                                                    Pakistan’s Real Enemy Is Economic Collapse? I Economic Security Matters More Than Military Power?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                In this episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque sits down with Muhammad Zubair Umar, Former Governor of Sindh and ex-IBM Executive, for an unfiltered discussion on Pakistan’s economy, governance, education, and the disconnect between politics and the private sector.

The conversation begins with Zubair Umar’s remarkable journey from IBM to Pakistani politics, where he shares the motivations, challenges, and lessons learned from stepping into public service after decades in the corporate sector. He reflects on how professionals and non-political leaders face resistance in Pakistan’s traditional political landscape — and why reform requires both fresh talent and institutional openness.

The discussion then dives deep into Pakistan’s education and healthcare crisis, exploring why the country lags behind nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia despite having similar starting points. Both speakers stress the urgent need for local research, better policymaking, and investment in human capital rather than over-reliance on external consultants like the World Bank, ADB, or McKinsey.

From there, the debate shifts to Pakistan’s economic system — is it capitalist, socialist, or something in between? Zubair and Nadeem highlight how state-owned enterprises, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and price controls distort markets, while business voices remain disconnected from government decision-making.

A key theme that emerges is the lack of proper process in governance. Cabinet decisions, policy frameworks, and long-term planning are often made without adequate consultation, leading to repeated failures. Zubair argues for stronger institutions, better summaries, and structured decision-making — while Nadeem stresses the importance of transparency and stakeholder inclusion.

Drawing on lessons from IBM’s corporate history, Zubair explains how innovation, intellectual debate, and long-term planning are critical for nations as much as corporations. He proposes the creation of an Economic Advisory Council dominated by private sector experts to guide bureaucratic reforms and align policy with business realities.

The conversation concludes with a call for bold reforms in governance, education, and the economy, urging Pakistan to move away from outdated systems and adopt a more disciplined, innovative, and inclusive approach to policy.


00:00 – Introduction: Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque & Muhammad Zubair Umar
03:15 – From IBM to Politics: Zubair’s Journey & Motivation
08:30 – Non-Political Leaders in Politics: Challenges & Lessons
14:05 – Education & Healthcare Failures: Why Pakistan Lags Behind
20:45 – Global Comparisons: Vietnam, Malaysia & Indonesia vs Pakistan
26:10 – Education Investment & Policy Challenges
32:00 – Debating Pakistan’s Economic System: Capitalist or Socialist?
38:20 – Disconnect Between Business & Government in Pakistan
44:05 – Improving Cabinet Decision-Making & Governance
50:30 – Importance of Process in Major Political Decisions
56:15 – Transparency in Policy-Making & Role of Stakeholders
01:02:20 – Corporate Lessons for Politics: Long-Term Planning & Innovation
01:08:40 – Recommendations: Economic Advisory with Private Sector Role
01:15:00 – Closing Thoughts: Reforming Pakistan’s Future

#Economy #Policy #Reforms #Pakistan #governance #Business #Politics #Education #Healthcare #Investment #Growth #Development #Innovation #Leadership #SIAConversations #Debate #Podcast

                

                    

                                                    Why Does Pakistan Outsource Policies? I Are We Wasting Its Best Minds? I SIA Conversations
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                SIA Conversations presents a critical dialogue on Pakistan’s Higher Education crisis. Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Director SIA and one of Pakistan’s leading economists, sits down with Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Former Chairman HEC Pakistan, a distinguished educationist, to unpack the pressing challenges, governance failures, and future reforms needed in Pakistan’s universities.

In this thought-provoking episode, they discuss:
The transformation of HEC from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to its current form.
Achievements during Dr. Mukhtar’s tenure and the political, financial, and structural challenges faced.
The impact of the 18th Amendment on higher education governance.
Governance flaws in university chancellor and vice chancellor appointments.
The need for autonomy, recruitment reforms, quality assurance, and global recognition.

This conversation raises important questions:
Can HEC deliver on its promise of quality education?
Is Pakistan’s university system sustainable under the current governance model?
What reforms are needed to empower students, teachers, and researchers for the future?

00:00 – Introduction: Nadeem Ul Haque & Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
03:12 – General Challenges in Pakistan’s Higher Education System
08:25 – HEC’s Achievements & Struggles Under Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
13:47 – Transformation of HEC: From UGC to Today
19:30 – HEC Structure: Departments, Roles & Responsibilities
25:18 – Governance & Funding Challenges in Higher Education
31:02 – Central HEC vs Provincial Institutions: The Debate
37:40 – University Chancellor Appointment & Governance Issues
44:05 – Autonomy & Recruitment Reforms in Universities
51:25 – Future Directions: Reforming Higher Education in Pakistan
57:50 – Closing Thoughts & Call for Systemic Reform 

#HEC #Universities #Education #Reforms #Policy #Youth #Future #Knowledge #Learning #Innovation
#Research #Academia #Students #Professors #Teaching #Development #Pakistan #Progress #Leadership #Governance
#Degrees #Quality #Equity #Curriculum #Standards #Funding #Resources #Excellence #Growth #Industry
#Careers #Scholarships #Global #Recognition #Autonomy #Recruitment #Science #Technology #Skills #Transformation

                

                    

                                                    Why Pakistan’s Universities Are Failing? I What’s Wrong With HEC?
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                Why is billions of dollars in international aid failing to reduce poverty?
Is aid helping, or is it another form of modern colonialism?

In this SIA Conversation, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque (Director, Socio-Economic Insights & Analytics SIA) sits down with Dr. Saeed Ahmed (Author of The Shady Economics of International Aid, Upriver Press, 2025) to unpack the failures, myths, and urgent reforms needed in the global aid industry.

From *Pakistan’s tax system and energy crisis* to the *broken international aid architecture, IMF & World Bank governance, and microfinance challenges, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom and asks the hard questions: Is aid helping, or is it another form of modern colonialism?

1. Reforming International Aid Architecture
Dr. Saeed critiques the \$200B aid industry, distinguishing between humanitarian aid and development aid. He presents a six-point plan for reform and stresses urgent global policy dialogue.

2. Limited Poverty Impact of International Aid
Despite decades of aid, Africa’s poverty increased by 45% since 1990. Pakistan received \$50B in aid since 2000, yet poverty, weak institutions, and poor governance remain.

3. Pakistan’s Tax Challenges
Foreign-funded tax reforms failed. Pakistan needs political will, simplified tax systems, and equitable enforcement rather than donor-driven projects.

4. Energy Sector Crisis & Sovereignty Erosion
Circular debt, mismanaged donor projects, and profit-driven banks dominate Pakistan’s economy. Donor-driven institutions like the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund face critique.

5. Aid Reform & Debt Forgiveness
Calls for debt relief, aid harmonization, and re-focusing on humanitarian aid. Developing countries must take charge of their economic future with strong policy frameworks.

6. Governance in IMF & World Bank
Western dominance in leadership, conflict of interest in advice vs. loans, and lack of accountability. Urgent need for merit-based global financial governance.

7. IMF & World Bank Critique
Outsourcing policies to firms like McKinsey undermines local capacity. Aid dependency is described as “a continuation of colonialism.”

8. Microfinance & Development Economics
From microcredit to microfinance, the sector’s evolution shows shifting goalposts. Pakistan needs 16% of GDP more to meet SDGs, highlighting aid inadequacy and governance flaws.

#InternationalAid #PakistanEconomy #WorldBank #IMF #GlobalDevelopment #TaxReform #EnergyCrisis #Microfinance #DebtRelief #PovertyAlleviation

0:00 – Introduction: Why Aid is a Global Debate
2:30 – The Shady Economics of International Aid – Key Insights
8:45 – Humanitarian Aid vs. Economic Development Aid
15:10 – Poverty in Africa & Lessons for Pakistan
22:00 – Pakistan’s \$50 Billion Aid & Its Failures
30:25 – Tax System & Failed Donor-Driven Reforms
38:40 – Pakistan’s Energy Sector & Circular Debt Trap
46:15 – Erosion of Sovereignty Through Donor Projects
54:50 – Six-Point Framework for Aid Reform & Debt Relief
1:03:20 – Governance Flaws in IMF & World Bank
1:11:05 – IMF Programs & Aid Dependency as Colonialism
1:19:00 – McKinsey, Outsourcing Policies & Local Economists’ Role
1:27:15 – Microfinance Evolution & Development Challenges
1:35:40 – Pakistan’s SDG Financing Gap – 16% of GDP
1:42:10 – Final Thoughts: Reform or Perish?

                

                    

                                                    The Shady Economics of Aid I Why $200B Can’t End Poverty? I SIA Podcast
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                Join Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque in an in-depth conversation with Nasim Beg, CEO at Arif Habib Corporation Ltd, as they explore Pakistan’s economic journey and insightful strategies for career and professional growth. Nasim shares his extensive career—from the automobile industry to finance and asset management—while emphasizing the importance of both formal professional skills and self-learning.

In this discussion, you’ll learn:
How to build a sustainable career path in emerging economies
Key reflections on Pakistan’s economic landscape and financial system
The balance between hard work, luck, and continuous learning
Advice for young professionals: start focused but broaden your horizons

Whether you're a student, early-career professional, or industry leader, this podcast is packed with wisdom from one of Pakistan’s foremost analysts. Packed with actionable advice and real-life examples, this episode is your guide to navigating economic uncertainties and building a resilient career.

Video Chapters:
Introduction & Welcome
Career Journey (automobile → finance → asset management)
Professional Skills vs Self-Learning
Focus vs Breadth in Career
Hard Work and Luck: The Success Formula
Broader Reflections on Pakistan’s Economy
Advice for Young Professionals
Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

Don’t forget to 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Comment with your biggest takeaway!
Timestamps below for quick access to key sections.

#Economy #Career #Growth #Pakistan #Insights #Finance #Success #Learning #Leadership #Strategy

                

                    

                                                    Building Career & Success in Pakistan’s Economy I Nasim Beg & Nadeem Ul Haque - Part 2
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Director SIA, and one of Pakistan’s leading economists, sits down with Asad Rahim Khan, a distinguished constitutional lawyer, legal columnist, and advocate for democratic reform, for a deep dive into the country’s most pressing governance challenges.

This episode (Part 2) tackles three big themes: the judiciary, democracy, and institutional reform. Together, they explore judicial challenges, the misuse of tribunals, the role of expert witnesses, and the urgent need for judicial digitization and land registry reforms. They also dissect Pakistan’s constitutional weaknesses, the missing local governance structure, and why democracy has been “flirted with” but never fully implemented.

From rank-choice voting to linguistic decolonization, from land redistribution to reducing appellate backlogs, the discussion blends bold reforms with historical context, challenging colonial legacies while reimagining a governance framework that truly serves the people.

Whether you’re interested in law, politics, or institutional design, this conversation offers hard truths and actionable solutions to put Pakistan back on the path of justice and democracy. 

02:45 – Judicial Challenges & Expert Influence 
Exploring Pakistan’s judicial weaknesses, the role of expert witnesses, and misuse of tribunals—with ideas for drawing stricter parameters and improving decision-making.

09:30 – Judicial Reform in Pakistan 
Debating post-26th Amendment damage, advocating for a centralized land registry, computerized land titles, and fewer appellate forums to make justice swifter and fairer.

16:20 – Strengthening Democracy Through Reforms 
From term limits to primary elections, rank-choice voting, and mandatory voting debates—how to make Pakistan’s democracy real and functional.

24:00 – Call for Constitutional Clarity 
Identifying gaps in the 1973 Constitution, proposing reforms for electoral systems, and redefining democratic governance.

29:40 – Final Thoughts & Closing 
Both guests emphasize the need for intellectual humility, historical literacy, and courage to implement reform.

#Pakistan #Democracy #Judiciary #Reform #Politics #Law #Justice #Constitution #Governance #Leadership

                

                    

                                                    Can We Reform Pakistan’s Judiciary & Politics Before It’s Too Late? I SIA Conversations
                                            

                


                                    

                        
                                            

                                
            

                    

    



    

        

            
                “Climate-Resilient Water Management Strategies.”
Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque, Pakistan’s leading economist and Director of SIA (Socio-Economic Insights & Analytics), as he hosts a pivotal episode of SIA Conversations on “Climate-Resilient Water Management Strategies.” His guest, Naseer Memon, is a seasoned senior analyst in Climate Change and Disaster Management, renowned for his work in climate-induced disasters, community resilience, and public policy.

Together they explore Pakistan’s water challenges: the unpredictable availability due to climate shifts, the need for adaptation, better coordination among government, NGOs, and the private sector, and opportunities offered by institutions like the World Bank and frameworks such as the Indus Waters Treaty.

Why this episode matters: It delivers actionable insights into bridging policy, infrastructure, and global partnerships to secure Pakistan’s water future in an increasingly volatile climate.

                                                
00:00–02:00 Welcome & Introductions 
02:00–08:00 Climate Impacts on Water, unpredictability of water availability 
08:00–15:00 Adaptation & Traditional Methods | rainwater harvesting, ponds, natural depressions
15:00–22:00 Role of government, NGOs, private sector for resilience
22:00–28:00 Indus Waters Treaty & World Bank
28:00–34:00 Policy & studies cross-sectoral policy
34:00–38:00 recommendations and Dr. Haque wraps up 

#climatechange #WaterSecurity #sustainability #water #Pakistan  #adaptation #resilience #environment #Pakistan #globalwarming #climateaction #conservation #SIA #Podcast #Debate

                

                    

                                                    Is Pakistan Running Out of Water? I Floods, Droughts, Climate Threats & Solutions

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