Author: Maxter ʚïɞ

This author has written 2753 articles

SUMMARY of the Article “SCO’s Future,” by Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Dawn, September 22nd, 2024

The article examines the upcoming heads of government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to be hosted by Pakistan on October 15-16, 2024. The SCO, which originated from the Shanghai Five in 1996, has expanded over the years to include Pakistan, India, Iran, and Belarus. Representing nearly 80% of Eurasian landmass, 40% of the global population, and 30% of the world’s GDP, the SCO was initially seen as a potential land bridge between Asia and Europe, eliciting concerns from the West due to its perceived opposition to US-led global systems. However, internal dynamics, particularly India’s ambivalence towards the SCO, have weakened its cohesion. India, once a committed member, has begun to distance itself due to the organization’s perceived anti-Western stance, as seen in Prime Minister Modi’s absence from recent summits and a shift towards virtual engagements. India’s strained relations with China and Pakistan further complicate its role within the SCO, hampering initiatives like regional connectivity and anti-terrorism efforts. The article discusses India’s efforts to counter China’s influence in Central Asia and its opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Additionally, India’s “offensive defense” strategy against Pakistan has undermined the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure. With growing interest in the expanded BRICS group, including countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, both China and Russia appear to be shifting focus away » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Reforms & the IMF,” Rashid Amjad, Dawn, September 14th, 2024

The article emphasizes the necessity of structural reforms for Pakistan’s long-term economic growth. According to the author, Rashid Amjad, the country needs to achieve a growth rate of at least 6% to reduce poverty, unemployment, and regional disparities. However, each time the economy attempts to grow at this pace, it faces a balance-of-payments crisis, resulting in the need for economic reforms. Contrary to popular belief, reforms are not forced upon Pakistan solely by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Instead, the country requires these reforms to address its irresponsible financial management, including high fiscal deficits, rising debts, and insufficient taxation. The author argues that if the ruling elite accepted the need for reforms and initiated durable economic changes, Pakistan could avoid relying on the IMF altogether. However, the political elite, who benefit from the current system, resist necessary reforms. The article also highlights the IMF’s approach, which sometimes exacerbates public hardships, as well as the loss of confidence from global markets and Pakistan’s international allies, such as China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. To overcome this situation, the author urges the formation of a coalition with the political will to implement reforms that have broad public support. This would restore

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 SUMMARY of the Article “Matters of Legitimacy” Dawn, September 9th, 2024)

The article by Shahid Kardar and Shafqat Mahmood addresses the deep-seated governance crisis in Pakistan, highlighting the increasing gap between state capabilities and public expectations. With the country’s population growing rapidly and opportunities for decent living not matching this growth, the state’s inability to maintain order and enforce laws is becoming more evident. The insurgency in Balochistan and rising security threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab underscore the weakening control of the state. Additionally, the judicial system’s failure to provide justice has eroded trust in the rule of law, a key pillar of functional governance. The writers argue that the political and civilian institutions, which should have been reformed, are instead crippled by bureaucracy and lack of moral legitimacy. The establishment’s control over state institutions and manipulation of the Constitution has left the current governance structure without public trust. The writers stress that legitimacy, stemming from adherence to the rule of law and the Constitution, is vital for governance. The current environment of political exclusion, such as the actions against the PTI and Imran Khan, has further alienated the populace. The writers call for a reset of the state, advocating for collaboration among all stakeholders, and urging that legitimacy be restored through free, fair, and » Read More…

SUMMARY of the Article “Balochistan’s Riches,” Dawn, September 7th, 2024

The article highlights the ongoing protests by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), which are demanding fundamental rights for the people of Balochistan amid the government’s focus on the province’s rich mineral resources. In December 2022, the government passed the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) to attract foreign investment, particularly for projects like the Reko Diq mining initiative in Balochistan. However, the state’s failure to address the grievances of the local population creates a stark contradiction in policy. Balochistan, rich in minerals like copper, lithium, and gold, remains one of Pakistan’s poorest regions, with its resources often processed abroad, benefiting other nations. The article emphasizes that meaningful engagement with the local population, especially those protesting for justice, is essential for any successful mining operation. The long-standing issue of enforced disappearances and the lack of fundamental rights must be addressed before foreign investment can be effectively pursued. The federal government’s strategy of using force and relying on traditional power brokers » Read More…

1st September – Dawn Important Dawn Vocabulary with Urdu Meaning

It is often said that DAWN is the Bible for CSS exam preparation. If you’re considering appearing for competitive exams but neglecting to read a newspaper, you’re making a significant mistake. Now is the time to start reading newspapers daily, especially DAWN, and regularly focusing on its editorials and opinion sections.
Additionally, pay special attention to the vocabulary we share daily. Based on my 8 years of experience, I have observed that FPSC frequently selects words for the precis paper directly from newspapers. It has often been noticed that words related to similar events have appeared in past CSS exams. Those who read the newspaper daily tend to store these words subconsciously, allowing them to recognize and use the correct words in the exam without needing to rely on external sources for vocabulary building.

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