Mahbub ul Haq Research Centre at LUMS

This article examines the “motherhood penalty” in Pakistan, where women face reduced labor force participation, slower career progression, and wage gaps after childbirth. Drawing on labor market data and interviews with working mothers at a private sector university in Lahore, the blog highlights structural barriers faced by mothers in the work force and suggests policies to address them.

Pakistan lost an estimated $1.62 billion in 2024 due to internet shutdowns, the highest in the world. In this week’s issue of the Friday Economist, authors Rabia Khan (LUMS) and Yushma Umar (LUMS) examine the economic toll of Pakistan’s recurring internet disruptions, particularly on the IT sector and freelancers. The piece outlines critical reforms needed to restore stability and secure long-term growth.

There is considerable commentary on the problems with Pakistan’s taxation system. Despite efforts to reduce inefficiencies, our tax-to-GDP ratio remains below the Asia Pacific regional average ...

In Pakistan, the transgender community, known as "Khawaja Siras," grapples with deep-rooted prejudice, violence, and marginalization, placing them among the most...

During the fervor of the 2024 General Elections, Pakistan found itself grappling with a communication dilemma: widespread telecommunication service disruptions, internet blockages and social media ...

Fintech, a rapidly evolving ecosystem leverages technology to enhance and automate the delivery of financial services. It aims to...

As discussions and developmental work on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) pick up pace across the world, watchers of Pakistan’s economic...

Following the industrial revolution, the world witnessed transformative changes led by the rapid evolution of digital technologies. The surge...

De-dollarization is a deliberate move by nations to reduce their dependence on the United States dollar (USD) in international trade, transactions...

Considering recent events within the Pakistani and Sri Lankan economies, this blog piece assesses the following question: should Pakistan consider the Sri Lankan default a warning sign for its own economy?

In light of recent adversity, this blog piece aims to address two main concerns. Firstly, how has this natural calamity affected women and children, two of the most vulnerable groups of Pakistani society? Secondly, to what extent...

Post the 1960s, Pakistan’s economic history has not been especially renowned for innovation or excellence. But in 2022...

There is evidence to suggest that the digitization of land records benefits marginalized land-owning groups, such as...

Every year, numerous discussions, podcasts, university events, etc. take place regarding the puzzle that is the Pakistani economy. A country...

The challenge of circular debt has persistently plagued Pakistan's power sector and has worsened over time across subsequent governments...