Current Affairs syllabus break down along with proper past

paper analysis by FARHAN AHMAD MIRZA.

 Syllabus as per FPSC

The syllabus of Current Affairs of CSS 2023 can be divided into the following parts.

1. Pakistan Domestic Affairs (20%)

2. Pakistan External Affairs (40%)
 3. General Issues (40%)

Part-I: Pakistan’s Domestic Affairs

1. Political: This section covers political history of Pakistan,

democratic process in Pakistan, comparison of democratic and
military regimes, constitutional crisis in Pakistan, salient features
of the constitution of 1956, 1962, 1973 and subsequent
constitutional amendments.

2. Economic: This section covers economic history of Pakistan,

current economic situation, performance of important sectors
of economy eg. agriculture, manufacturing, services sector,
trade imbalance, future of economy of Pakistan.

3. Social: This section focuses on areas like poverty,

unemployment and its impact on society, terrorism and
extremism in Pakistan and how to curtail it, social
stratification, women development, etc.

Part-II: Pakistan’s External Affairs

1. Pakistan’s relations with neighbors (India, China,

Afghanistan, Russia): Important areas to cover in this
segment include are; water issues with India, trade with
India and challenges, Indus Water Treaty (IWT), history
and future of Pak-India relationship, the history of
Pakistan-China relationship, China Pakistan Economic
Corridor (CPEC), impact of CPEC on the economy of
Pakistan, pros and cons of CPEC, challenges regarding
 CPEC, the history of Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship,
Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship in the backdrop of war
on terror (post 9/11 scenario), the future of Pakistan-
Afghan relationship, the history of Pak-Russia relationship
(in context of the Cold War), Afghanistan-Pakistan water
agreement, Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process,
CPEC and changing geo-politics viz-a-viz Pak-Russia
relationship, new strategic relationship between Pakistan
and Russia and the future of Pak-Russia relations.

2. Pakistan relations with the United States: History of Pak- US

relations, pros and cons of a long-term engagement with USA,
Pak-US relations in post 9/11 scenario, Pak-US relations under
Trump and Biden regime.

3. Pakistan’s relations with regional and international organizations:

This includes the United Nations (UN), the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),
the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Gulf
Cooperation Council
 (GCC). Focus on the role of UN in resolving issues related
to Pakistan/South Asia. Pakistan’s contribution to the UN
especially peacekeeping missions, India’s bid regarding
permanent membership of UNSC and challenges for
Pakistan, SAARC and its role, making SAARC an effective
regional organization, ECO and its role in regional politics,
role of OIC and challenges and reasons for failure in the
uniting the Muslim world, OIC and the Middle-East crisis,
WTO: function of WTO, various bodies of WTO, agreements
under WTO, impact of WTO on world’s economy, WTO and
Pakistan, impact of WTO on the economy of Pakistan, FATF
and Pakistan: the impact of being in the ‘Grey list’, the role
and remit of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
pandemic.

4. Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim world (Iran, Saudi Arabia

and Turkey): This includes the history of their relationships,
Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline, CPEC and its impact on
Pak-Iran relations, future prospects of Pak-Iran relations, the
recent Turkey-Pakistan increasing defense ties, .

Part- Ill: Global Issues

1. International security: Threats to the international

security, armaments, lingering issues posing threat to
global peace
 International political economy: The capitalism and its
future, mercantilism. North-South divide, the role of IMF
and the World Bank, commonalities in the social, political
and economic structures of developing countries.

3. Human rights: Human rights violations in the world, the role

of the western countries and the UN in prevention human
rights violations

4. Environmental issues: The global warming, Kyoto protocol, Paris

Climate Agreement, global warming and its impact on Pakistan.

5. Terrorism and counter-terrorism: Global war on terrorism, impact

of GWOT on social, economic and political aspects of Pakistan,
AF-PAK policy and its critical analysis.

6. Global energy politics: The current oil price and their impact on
the instability of the Middle-East region, Petro wars in the
Middle-East region.

7. Nuclear Proliferation and Security: Non-Proliferation Treaty

(NPT), the nuclear deterrence in South Asia, Pakistan’s stance on
NPT, the comparison of Pakistan and India nuclear and ballistic
missile program and capability, Cold Start doctrine and
Pakistan’s response.

8. Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and

 Pacific Oceans: Gwadar Port and its significance
and challenges, China’s string of pearls, China’s
growing influence in South China Sea and Indian
Ocean.

9. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and SGD’s: The details of

MDGs, analysis of the implementation of MDGs, how successful
has MDGs implementation been, Pakistan and implementation of
MDGs, the challenges in the way of MDGs and way forward, the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

10. Globalization: What is globalization, factors ‘behind

globalization, positive and negative aspects of globalization,
impacts of globalization on social, cultural, economic and
political aspects of Pakistan, Globalisation and the COVID-19
pandemic.

11. Middle East Crisis: Arab spring, the roots of Middle-East crisis,
external and internal factors precipitation, impact of Middle-East
crisis on Pakistan, the role of middle powers in the Middle East
imbroglio.

12. Kashmir Issue: Historical background, the UN resolutions,

Kashmir’s status after 5th August 2019, hindrances and steps
taken so far in resolving the issue, Pakistan’s new political map.

13. Palestine Issue: History of Palestine issues, the Arab-Israel wars,

impact of new Israeli settlements on Palestine
 conflict, steps taken for resolution of Palestine issue,
Trump’s peace plan on Palestine, Israel’s relations in the
Muslim countries and impacts on Pakistan, the challenges
in the way of peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue.

Current Affairs: CSS Past Papers Analysis

I. PAKISTAN DOMESTIC AFFAIRS

1-Pakistan’s economy is currently under severe stress with low foreign
reserves, a depreciating currency, and exponentially high inflation.
What measures can be taken in the short and medium terms to
stabilize the deteriorating economic conditions. (Special CSS 23)

2-Since its birth, Pakistan has been struggling with the problems of
governance, largely caused by democratic instability, corruption, lack
of accountability, and absence of institutional reforms. Discuss in
detail the linkages and accumulated impact of these factors on socio-
economic development of the country ( SPECIAL CSS 23 )
3- November 15, 2022, will be a historic date in humanity’s history because
at this date the Earth’s population reached the 8 billion mark. Critically
discuss that the 21st century is a century of rapid population growth which
has a devastating negative impact on the world. Explain the severe
consequences of rapid population growth which will affect every country
on earth. (2023)
4-Critically discuss why Pakistan’s economic growth continues to be a
“Balance-of-Payments” constraint which is one of the core causes to keep
the foreign exchange reserve under pressure. Do you think that Pakistan’s
export performance remains the most relevant long-term challenge to
alleviate the balance-of-payments constraint for sustained economic
growth and explain radical structural reforms to improve export
performance? ( 2023)
5-The creation of more provinces is a persistent demand from some circles in
Pakistan. How do you see the creation of more provinces in Pakistan; as
beneficial or harmful for the people? Explain your views with solid
justification. ( CSS 2024)

6- Numerous political systems-Parliamentary as well as Presidential.

have been in vogue in Pakistan with limited success. Draft your own
proposed but practical system that would result in good governance
of the country. Stipulate the reasons and conditions for its success.
(2022)

7- Most of the major political parties have committed to the creation of

new provinces in Pakistan. Should new provinces be created or not,
in Pakistan? Elaborate your answer by giving references from the
new provinces debate. (2021)
8-Give a critical review of Pakistan Energy Policy 2013-2018. (2019)

9-How can the corruption elimination strategy be made part of

governance system of Pakistan? (2019) (2014)

10- Highlight the role of National Action Plan (NAP) in

stabilization of internal security of Pakistan. Critically
analyze its outcomes. (2017)

11- Discuss in detail the efficacy of counter terrorism measures

adopted by especially with reference to the National Action Plan
(NAP). (2016)

12- What measures would you suggest improving the economy

of Pakistan particularly in the areas of debt reduction
 and enhancing export capacity? (2016)

13- Since 1970 every election was accused of rigging, what

electoral reforms you will suggest improving electoral system
of Pakistan? (2015)

14- What is the role of education in character-building of a

nation? Highlight major pitfalls in Pakistan’s education
systems. (2015)

15- How can the governing structures have the capacity to

neutralize threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)

16- Why was Pakistan placed on the ‘Grey List’ of Financial

Action Task Force (FATF)? What are the

implications and what measures should Pakistan take to

move out of this list? (2020)
  PAKISTAN EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China,
Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China,
Afghanistan, Russia)

1- Discuss the core causes of the Russian invasion of Ukraine which have
considerable socio-economic, political, and strategic consequences on the
world. Explain its devastating impact on Pakistan and its severe lesson for the
country’s survival. (2023)

2- India has emerged as an economic and political power in the

past few years. What are the likely implications of this scenario
for the region’s strategic dynamics in general and Pakistan in
particular? ( CSS 23 SPECIAL )

3- Propose prospective foreign policy options for Pakistan in the wake of the
Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. (2022) .

4- Discuss the project idea China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is the
great leap forward of economic regionalization in the globalized world. Explain
its potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects. (CSS 2023)
5- The 2021 Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan presents regional and global
challenges. Elaborate on the anticipated policies of the Taliban government
and the regional and global response (CSS 2022 )
6- What are the critical issues in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations
since the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021. ( SPECIAL CSS 23)

7- Some scholars term Afghan Peace Deal as the US withdrawal deal. Do you agree?
Answer the question while discussing the contours of the Afghan peace process.
(2021)
8- Critically Examine/Examine China Strategic vision behind ‘The Bell and Road
Initiative (BRI)’ also known as One Belt One Road (OBOR). (2019) (2017)

9- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered as a game-changer.

How the CPEC can be helpful to uplift the Pakistan’s economy? Discuss.
(2018)
10- Explain the salient contours of the US ‘rebalancing policy’ and China’s
assertive policy in South-China Sea and latter’s disputes with the regional
countries. Critically evaluate. (2017)

11- What measures do you suggest improving the security conditions of

Baluchistan in respect to China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the role of regional powers to sabotage
it? (2017)

12- Discuss the prospects and challenges to the construction of “China-

Pakistan Economic Corridor”. How will CPEC become a game changer for
the region? (2016)

13- Examine China Strategic Vision behind “The Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI)”, also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR). (2019)

14- Discuss the importance of Pak-China relations. How does this relationship
effect political and security environment in South Asia? (2013)

15- Discuss impact of economic development of China on World Order. (2012)

16- Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan

 can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss. (2013)

17- What will be the reason of emerging water conflict between Pakistan and
Afghanistan? (2019)

18- What could be the reasons of emerging water conflict between

Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)
 Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim World
(Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey)

1- Discuss historic Pakistan and Turkey bilateral relations beyond the areas of
socio-economic and strategic realms. Explain its geopolitical ripple effects in
the Himalayas, the Arabian Peninsula, and the South Caucasus (2023)
2- Saudi Arabia and Iran both have significant place in Pakistan’s
foreign policy. How Pakistan can maintain friendly relations with
both Saudi Arabia and Iran, especially after the mediation of China
between the two countries? ( CSS 2024)
3- China’s proactive diplomacy has successfully achieved rapprochement
between the two traditional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. Analyze the
impact of this significant development on the geo-politics of the region.
( special CSS 23 )

4- Discuss in detail the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and challenges to it.

(2018)

PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED

STATES

1- Now do the nature and possible prospects of US-Russia strategic

nuclear deterrence change with the enforcement of the New START
treaty of 2021? What could be the treaty’s implications on Pakistan’s
nuclear program keeping in view its defense policy . (2022)
2- Critically evaluate the US-Pakistan relations under the Joe Biden
Administration vis-a-vis the US Indo-Pacific strategy. ( CSS 2024)

3- The US and China have been in an ongoing trade war since 2018. In
academic circles, it has been argued dot this conflict may as well be
the Second Cold War. Critically evaluate the future world order with
 main actors such as China. RUSSIA and the US. (2022)

4- What will be the strategic and political implications of the US

withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty, and how is it impacting the
arms control arrangement between the great powers. (2021)

5- Discuss the strategic contours of Indo-US evolving partnership and

how will it impact Pakistan-US and Pakistan-China relations? (2020)
6- Discuss the impact of AFPAK policy on Pak-US relations. (2014)

7- Discuss the strengths of USA to implement its economic

policies Worldwide. (2014)

 PAKISTAN’S RELATIONS WITH REGIONAL AND

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (UN, SAARC,
ECO, OIC, WTO, GCC,BRICS)

1- Muslim Ummah has failed to unite under one roof. The leadership,
their internal wrangling, and sectarian divide keep them away from
the front of each other. No wonder the Muslim world is in shambles in
their home countries, at the OIC level, and at international forums.
Taking a tag from above, discuss ways and means to unite the Muslim
Ummah with a pragmatic approach (2022)
2- Discuss the Pakistan’s historic role in Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO) and under the framework of regional integration;
what are the future prospects of ECO for Pakistan( CSS 2024 )
3- Write a note on the expansion of BRICS and its attempts
towards de-dollarization of the international economy,
highlighting its global and regional implications . ( SPECIAL CSS
23 )
4- Poverty & Trade in South Asia and the role of SAARC (2022)

5- What are the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan as one of

the new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO)? (2018)

6- Substantiate Pakistan’s role in UN peace keeping missions. (2014)

7- Discuss the role of OIC, GCC, and Arab league in the

Middle East Crisis and conflicts. (2020)

8- Give recommendations to make SAARC an effective

 organization at regional level keeping in view success of
European Union. (2011)

GLOBAL ISSUES
International Security

1- Critically discuss the conceptualized energy’s influence on world

geopolitics and its distinctiveness of global energy governance( 2023)

2- Palestine conflict is a long-standing one on the United Nations table.

Discuss its recent escalation since October 2023 and critically assess
the big powers’ reaction to it. ( CSS 2024)

3- Evaluate the implications of Ukraine War for the Russia-Europe

energy relations. ( CSS 2024)

4- Discuss instrument of techniques of Hybrid Warfare in context

of Pakistan? (2019)

5- How can the governing structure have the capacity to neutralize

threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)

International Political

Economy , Human Right

Environment: Global

Warming, Kyoto Protocol,

Copenhagen Accord
1- The UN climate summit (COP-27) in Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt)
discussed Pakistan’s catastrophic summer floods exacerbated by
climate change and the country is facing imminent threat of
epidemics and other multi-dimensional dangers. Discuss the COP-
27 roadmap to face the challenge of climate change and proposed
measures for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Pakistan .
(2023)

2- What impact global climate change will have on the water resources
of Pakistan? How will it affect inter-provincial harmony? (2020)

3- Elaborate the reasons and impacts on Donald Trump

withdrawal from climate change Paris agreement 2015.
(2019)

4- Discuss the adverse impact of climate change on the world and

the measures recently adopted by the Paris Conference to
address this issue. (2016)

5- Elaborate the reasons and impacts of Donald Trump’s

 withdrawal from Climate Change Paris Agreement 2015?
(2019)

6- What impact global climate change will have on the water

resources of Pakistan? How will it affect inter- provincial
harmony? (2020)

7- Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and

Pakistan in global perspective of climate change. (2012)

8- What is climate change impact? What are its implications on

Pakistan? How to manage climate change in policy and practice?
(2011)

Global Energy Politics

Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear

Security Nuclear Politics in South

Asia

1. Analyze the effects of commissioning of nuclear-powered

ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arihant equipped
with nuclear-capable missile called K-4 over the strategic
stability of South Asia. (2017)
 US-India in August 2016 signed Logistics Exchange
Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) that will reportedly
facilitate the two allies to use each other’s military
facilities to check China’s growing influence. Comment.
(2017)

International Trade (Doha Development Round and

Bali Package)
Cooperation and Competition in Arabian Sea, Indian and
Pacific Oceans.

1. Critically examine the Donald Trump’s Policy for South Asia

and its implications for Pakistan and the region. (2018)

2. How the US is trying to keep its dominant position in the Asia-

Pacific and what is the China’s response to it? (2018)

3. The impact of burgeoning US-India strategic partnership over the

security situation of the region and Indian Ocean Region. (2017)

4. Discuss the strategic contours of Indo-US evolving partnership

and how will it impact Pakistan-US and Pakistan-China
relations? (2020) Strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region
is increasingly becoming intense. Define the interests and the
role of US, China, India, Japan, and Australia in the geopolitics
of Indo-Pacific region.
 (2020)

Millennium Development Goals, Current Status

Globalization

1. In view of the evolving global alignments and changing

nature of major-power relationships, what is the future of
globalism and multilateralism? Discuss with examples.
(2020)

Middle East Crisis

1. What are the causes of ‘Arab Spring’? Identify their

impacts on the future politics of the region? (2015)

2. Describe the 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis and its impact on

the Middle East? (2018)

3. Critically analyze the newly established Islamic Military Alliance

and its future implications for the Muslim World? (2018)

4. Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in context of ISIS and

its impact on the security situation of Middle East? (2017)

5. How do you see recent developments in the Middle East,

 particularly with reference to deteriorating relations
between Saudi Arabia and Iran? What role, if any, Pakistan
could play in reducing the tensions between the two
Muslim countries? (2016)

6. How will “Arab spring” effect the political and security

environment in the Arab World? (2013)

Kashmir and Palestine Issues

1- What are the similarities and differences between Nagorno-Karabakh and
Kashmir conflicts? (2021)

2- Given the volatile lockdown in Indian Occupied Kashmir, what are

the viable policy choices available to Pakistan? What can
Pakistan realistically do to ease the sufferings of Kashmiri
people? (2020)

3- Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan can

bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss. (2013)

Others:
1- The last two decades have seen the rise of the right as a potent
challenge to the liberal democracies throughout the world. What are
the causes of this rise and how can states attend to this challenge
(2021)
2- Prospects of regional integration in South Asia ( CSS 2024)
3-The UN efforts for nuclear non-proliferation ( 2024)
4-Climate Change and the Bing powers role ( 2024)
5- How is the militarization of artificial intelligence and Computing
revolutionizing Military affairs? (2021)
Delineate the ways in which Covid-19 has affected the contours of the
contemporary world order.(2021)

6-Examine the emerging strategic competition between China

and the US and its impact on the global order. (2016)
7-The world is falling short of achieving gender equality despite
global efforts. If the current trends continue, eight percent of
women and girls global population will live in extreme poverty
by 2030. Suggest strategies to improve gender balance,
especially with reference to Pakistan ( SPECIAL CSS 23)

 BREAKING DOWN THE MAJOR

AREAS OF QUESTIONS
1- Pakistan’s neighbor
2- Major powers; USA and Russia
3- Latest happening at international level ( major conference or events
like Ukraine war or COPS or major summits)
4- Pakistan domestic major issues
5- Constitutional or Judicial evolution

 DIFFERENCE OF ATTEMPTING ANSWER

WITH PAKISTAN AFFAIRS

Questions in Pakistan Affairs and Current

Affairs may sometimes overlap, especially
when addressing contemporary issues with
historical context. However, there are subtle
differences in the approach required for each
subject:

Pakistan Affairs:

Approach: In Pakistan Affairs, candidates are

expected to demonstrate a comprehensive
understanding of Pakistan's history, geography,
politics, society, economy, and culture.
Answers should provide detailed historical
context, analyze significant events, and discuss
their implications for Pakistan's development.
Responses often require referencing key
historical figures, landmark events,
constitutional developments, and socio-
economic indicators relevant to Pakistan's past
and present.
Emphasis: The emphasis in Pakistan Affairs is
on providing a thorough historical analysis and
contextual understanding of events and
developments within Pakistan's borders.
Answers should highlight the evolution of
Pakistan as a nation-state, its political system,
governance structure, foreign policy, socio-
economic challenges, and cultural heritage.
CURRENT AFFAIRS:
Approach: In Current Affairs, candidates are
expected to demonstrate an up-to-date
understanding of national and international
events, issues, and developments. Answers
should provide timely analysis, evaluate
contemporary challenges and opportunities,
and offer informed opinions on recent
developments. Responses often require
referencing recent news articles, reports, policy
announcements, and diplomatic engagements
to support arguments.
EMPHASIS: The emphasis in Current Affairs is
on analyzing recent events and their
implications for Pakistan and the world.
Answers should focus on assessing the impact
of current policies, geopolitical dynamics,
economic trends, technological advancements,
social movements, and environmental issues
on Pakistan's domestic and international
affairs.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND READINGS.
Newspaper ( Qoshe app)
 1- The news
2- The nation
3- Dawn
4- Express tribune
5- Daily times
6- Pakistan observer
Only read editorial/opinion/columns from these newspaper.

Magazines

 KIPS GLOBAL AGE

 JWT
 FOREIGN POLICY
 The diplomat.
 Foreign affairs
 The economist

WEBSITES
 Islamabad strategic institute
 IPRI journal
 Hilal magazine
 Centre of comtemporary studies
 Margalla papers.

YOUTUBE CHANNELS .
 Mustaq mahindro
 Vox
 Al Jazeera
  CNN
 M akram khoso

Good luck . 03196128682. Farhan Mirza