Pakistan

Private equity’s greed threatens prosperity | The Express Tribune

Published

5 مہینے ago

مئی 6, 2024

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KARACHI:

In recent decades, the rise of private equity firms has reshaped the economic landscape of the United States and Europe. While initially heralded as engines of innovation and growth, these firms have come under increasing scrutiny for their practices, which often prioritise short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability.

In reality, private equity has contributed to the destruction of industries by burdening companies with debt, slashing costs, and impeding investment in innovation. The devastating effects of these practices on workers and the broader economy are to undermine the viability of a system that allows such extreme wealth redistribution.

Private equity, once a niche investment strategy, has grown into a dominant force in global finance. Firms like Blackstone, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), and Carlyle now wield significant influence over corporate decision-making, often acquiring struggling companies with the promise of revitalisation and growth. However, the reality of private equity ownership often diverges from these lofty promises, as firms prioritise short-term profits over long-term sustainability.

One of the hallmarks of private equity’s modus operandi is the leveraged buyout (LBO), whereby firms acquire companies using a combination of equity and debt.

While debt can be a useful tool for financing growth, private equity’s excessive reliance on leverage often leaves companies dangerously overleveraged. These debt-laden acquisitions can saddle companies with unsustainable levels of debt, diverting resources away from productive investment and innovation. Once under private equity ownership, companies frequently undergo aggressive cost-cutting measures in a bid to boost short-term profitability. While trimming fat and streamlining operations can yield immediate financial gains, it often comes at the expense of long-term innovation and competitiveness. Research and development budgets are slashed, skilled workers are laid off, and essential investments in technology and infrastructure are deferred.

This short-sighted approach may yield temporary profits, but it undermines the company’s ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

While private equity firms reap immense profits from their investments, workers within acquired companies often bear the brunt of their cost-cutting measures. Layoffs, wage freezes, and cuts to benefits are common occurrences under private equity ownership, exacerbating income inequality and driving workers into poverty.

Meanwhile, private equity investors pocket hefty returns, further widening the gap between the ultra-rich and the working class. This unprecedented redistribution of wealth erodes the social fabric of society, fuelling resentment and discontent among the disenfranchised.

The extreme wealth concentration enabled by private equity’s practices threatens the very foundations of the capitalist system. Capitalism relies on a delicate balance between risk-taking investors, innovative entrepreneurs, and a thriving middle class.

However, private equity’s extractive approach tilts this balance in favour of wealthy investors, stifling innovation, and hollowing out the middle class. As a result, the capitalist system has become increasingly unstable, teetering on the brink of collapse under the weight of its own contradictions. If left unchecked, the ruthlessness and avarice of private equity will spell disaster for economies and societies around the world.

THE WRITER IS CHAIRMAN OF MUSTAQBIL PAKISTAN. HE HOLDS AN MBA FROM HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2024.

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Pakistan

Honda CD70 Dream Latest Price, Installment Plans – Sep 2024 Update – Pakistan Observer

Published

14 گھنٹے ago

ستمبر 20, 2024

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Honda remains leader in bikes market, with its top-selling units like CD 70, and that’s without making any major changes as the entry-level bikes look almost same for a long time. As the CD-70 remains its most selling model, bikes like the CD-70 Dream and Pridor are considered a niche products.

Despite failing to achieve top sales, CD 70 Dream is still in the market, featuring air-cooled, 4-stroke engine that delivers smooth performance and impressive fuel economy, often averaging around 60-70 km/l, making it ideal for daily commuting.

The bike looks better with stylish and modern design with attractive graphics, as compared to simple CD70. People also like its comfort as built quality remains optimum, comparing to other players.

Its pricing makes it accessible to a wide audience, including students and working professionals, solidifying its status as a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts in Pakistan.

As bikes prices remain out of hands, people are having hard time to upgrade their ride while companies also face low sales.

Honda CD 70 Dream Price

The price of Honda CD70 Dream is Rs168,900 in September 2024.

Honda CD 70 Dream Installments

Installment Plans	Monthly Payments
3 months	Rs56,300
6 months	Rs28,300
9 months	Rs21,890
12 months	Rs17,200
24 months	Rs10,170
36 months	Rs7,800

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Pakistan

Check Property Ownership in Lahore, other Punjab cities Online – Pakistan Observer

Published

15 گھنٹے ago

ستمبر 20, 2024

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If you live in Lahore or any other city in Punjab; you might have faced difficulties in getting land record in previous years, but now the government made the land verification process smooth with digitization.

To curb the menace of land mafia and to help residents of Punjab, the government rolled out a systematic process and also eased the process of property transfers and real estate transactions.

A new verification system is Live by provincial authorities to check the legitimacy of properties available for purchase or investment across the region of 110 million people.

The relevant authority in this regard is Punjab Land Record Authority which oversees management and maintenance of land records. You can get different services, including ability to search for and view land records, as well as request copies of documents.

Check Property Ownership Online 2024

Here’s Step by Step Guide To Check property ownership

Step 1: Please visit PLRA portal at Punjab-zameen.gov.pk.

Step 2: Find ‘Property Registration,’ on home and click on https://rodportal.punjab-zameen.gov.pk/.

Step 3: It will ask you to select your district and service center.

Step 4: You can search by different options including Bahi number, ID card, registration number, or by person name.

Step 5: After entering details, please advance to ‘Search’ to get the land ownership.

With latest updates, you can check data on number of property transfers in last 36 months.

Beware of These Illegal Housing Societies in Lahore – September 2024 Update

Pakistan

Suzuki Bolan discontinued in Pakistan after 36 years; Here’s replacement for ‘Carry Dabba’ – Pakistan Observer

Published

16 گھنٹے ago

ستمبر 20, 2024

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LAHORE – Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the iconic Suzuki Bolan as Pak Suzuki pulled plugs to replace the minivan with another model. Over the last 3.5 decades, Suzuki Bolan enjoyed decent sales and was valued for its flexibility, serving a multi-passenger vehicle and for commercial purposes.

Amid shift in auto landscape in Pakistan, Bolan becomes latest drive to be discontinued after Suzuki Mehran, which you can still spot.

Pictures of Suzuki Bolan’s last batch surfaced online, and Pakistanis hit nostalgia as many grew up in this vehicle. The final chassis number marked as 01151691. The country’s oldest automaker and maker of Bolan also confirmed discontinuation of the 800cc Carry Dabba.

The company decided to replace Bolan for its outdated design and lack of safety features. Amid its low sales, consumer demand for a modern replacement like Changan Karvaan increased.

Suzuki Every to Replace Bolan

Suzuki earlier mentioned that Every will replace Bolan, and one of its recent model was unveiled at a recent auto show.

The launch of Every models faced delays due to import challenges and it is expected to launch in mid October.

Suzuki Bolan Price in Pakistan

Pakistan

Gold prices reach historic high in Pakistan – Pakistan Observer

Published

17 گھنٹے ago

ستمبر 20, 2024

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