Stories by Dr Niaz Murtaza

The writer has a PhD degree in political economy from the University of California, Berkeley, and 25 years of grassroots to senior-level experience across 50 countries.

A bailout state?

A bailout state?

We spend dollars faster than we earn and court crises.
Updated 29 Sep, 2026 02:10pm
Divide and rule?

Divide and rule?

Adopt sound policies for growth; devolve, not divide, for better public services.
Updated 15 Sep, 2026 06:57pm
Peaceful path

Peaceful path

Without a democratic agenda, political allies can lose the battle.
Published 01 Sep, 2026 07:42am
Roots of collapse

Roots of collapse

Collapse may pick up pace past a critical point.
Published 18 Aug, 2026 07:00am
Misfiring midway

Misfiring midway

What we are witnessing is stagnation, not stability.
Published 21 Jul, 2026 06:29am
A budget to forget

A budget to forget

Clearly, progress isn’t a goal to pursue for our rulers.
Updated 23 Jun, 2026 02:02pm
Karachi’s quandary

Karachi’s quandary

A city that fills other coffers must retain enough local taxes for itself.
Published 09 Jun, 2026 06:50am
Last nail?

Last nail?

Most of our amendments have benefited elites.
Updated 26 May, 2026 07:37am
Gone with the wind

Gone with the wind

The time seems ripe for a sequel to the 1932 epic.
Published 12 May, 2026 06:55am
Struggling at home

Struggling at home

We are acting with speed on global problems, not internal ones.
Published 28 Apr, 2026 07:26am
Back to an abyss?

Back to an abyss?

‘USraeli’ hawks are not likely to give up their evil designs.
Published 14 Apr, 2026 06:47am
Bumpy off-ramp?

Bumpy off-ramp?

Foes often prolong wars to gain an edge in talks.
Published 31 Mar, 2026 07:38am
Ending futile wars

Ending futile wars

If illegality was clear from day one, futility is clear by now.
Published 17 Mar, 2026 08:13am
A capable state

A capable state

The neoliberal mantra of states shrinking their size is wrong.
Published 03 Mar, 2026 07:20am
Two years of harm

Two years of harm

There have been major follies and failures in all areas.
Published 17 Feb, 2026 07:31am
A mad, mad world

A mad, mad world

Power is in hands that don’t use it to solve global problems.
Published 03 Feb, 2026 07:16am
Privatisation peril

Privatisation peril

The best option for sick units can be decided via clear criteria.
Published 06 Jan, 2026 08:26am