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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SUMMARY of the Article “Economic Pessimism,” Dawn, September 1st, 2024


The article discusses the widespread pessimism among Pakistanis regarding the country’s economic situation, despite recent claims of improvements in macroeconomic indicators. A recent Ipsos survey highlights that only 10% of Pakistanis believe the country is headed in the right direction, a sharp decline in optimism from previous quarters. The pervasive gloom is largely driven by the soaring cost of living, especially due to high inflation, rising electricity prices, and heavy taxation, which have severely affected the middle class, particularly in urban areas. The survey findings reveal a significant drop in optimism, with only 10% of respondents hopeful for improvements in the next six months, a stark contrast to earlier in the year. The article points out that public confidence in the economy has declined even though there has been some recovery in macroeconomic fundamentals. However, this so-called recovery has not translated into better living conditions for the majority, especially the struggling middle class. The macroeconomic stability cited by the authorities is fragile, reliant on external financial aid and debt relief, and unable to sustain growth beyond 3-3.5%, far below the 7% needed to create jobs, reduce inflation, and improve living » Read More…