Current Affairs Syllabus for CSS 2023
The syllabus of Current Affairs of CSS 2023 can be divided into the following parts.
- Pakistan Domestic Affairs (20%)
- Pakistan External Affairs (40%)
- General Issues (40%)
Part-I: Pakistan’s Domestic Affairs
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.
Economic: This section covers economic history of Pakistan, current economic situation, performance of important sectors of economy .g. agriculture, manufacturing, services sector, trade imbalance, future of economy of Pakistan.
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
Pakistan’s relations with neighbours (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 Corrrdor (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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Human rights: Human rights violations in the world, the role of the western countries and the UN in prevention human rights violations
Environmental issues: The global warming, Kyoto protocol, Paris Climate Agreement, global warming and its impact on Pakistan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): 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)
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.
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.
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.
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
Give a critical review of Pakistan Energy Policy 2013-2018. (2019)
How can the corruption elimination strategy be made part of governance system of Pakistan? (2019) (2014)
Highlight the role of National Action Plan (NAP) in stabilization of internal security of Pakistan. Critically analyze its outcomes. (2017)
Discuss in detail the efficacy of counter terrorism measures adopted by especially with reference to the National Action Plan (NAP). (2016)
What measures would you suggest improving the economy of Pakistan particularly in the areas of debt reduction
and enhancing export capacity? (2016)
Since 1970 every election was accused of rigging, what electoral reforms you will suggest improving electoral system of Pakistan? (2015)
What is the role of education in character-building of a nation? Highlight major pitfalls in Pakistan’s education systems. (2015)
Do you believe that main cause of 2014 flood was Indian ‘water terrorism’ or it was due to awful mismanagement of water resources in Pakistan? (2015)
Critically evaluate the counter-terrorism policy of Pakistan and suggest measures to eradicate this evil. (2015)
Critically appreciate the decision making in Pakistan regarding energy crisis in Pakistan. (2014)
What is character-building? Assess the factor (character building) in education systems of Pakistan and give suggestions for improvement. (2014)
How can the governing structures have the capacity to neutralize threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)
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)
Discuss the successes and failures of political parties in bringing about a meaningful change in Pakistan. (2013)
Discuss the causes of extremism and militancy in Pakistani society. Suggest ways and means for the state organs to overcome these problems. (2013)
Critically evaluate the causes of Energy crisis in Pakistan and its consequences for the economic growth and social fabric in the country. (2013)
Discuss the impact of foreign aid on Pakistan in post 9/11 scenario. (2012)
How can the energy crisis of Pakistan be resolved? (2012)
Discuss issues in the higher educational system vis-a-vis 18th amendment in Pakistan. (2012)
How the corruption be managed in Pakistan? (2012)
How Pakistan can reduce foreign debt? Suggest mechanism in Pakistan economy to handle external perspective of Pakistan economy. (2011)
What can be the strategies to reduce dependency of education sector on governmental funding? (2011)
Give suggestions to manage political instability in Pakistan. (2011)
II. Pakistan External Affairs
Pakistan’s relations with its Neighbors (India, China, Afghanistan, Russia)
Critically Examine/Examine China Strategic vision behind ‘The Bell and Road Initiative (BRI)’ also known as One Belt One Road (OBOR). (2019) (2017)
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)
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)
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)
Discuss the prospects and challenges to the construction of “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”. How will CPEC become a game changer for the region? (2016)
Examine China Strategic Vision behind “The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”, also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR). (2019)
Discuss the importance of Pak-China relations. How does this relationship effect political and security environment in South Asia? (2013)
Discuss impact of economic development of China on World Order. (2012)
Discuss the possibilities of progress under the recently agreed rubric of comprehensive dialogue between Pakistan and India. In your opinion what are major constraints at present? (2016)
Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and Pakistan in perspective of water management projects in Indian held Kashmir. (2014)
Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss. (2013)
Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and Pakistan in global perspective of climate change. (2012)
If India is granted Permanent seat in Security Council; what can be the options available to Pakistan to manage the Indian Hegemony in South Asia? (2011)
What will be the reason of emerging water conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)
Do you agree that Pakistan’s role in Afghan Jihad against Soviet Union was the root cause of terrorism in Pakistan or it is a reaction of US invasion of Afghanistan after 9/11 and Pakistan’s U- turn in Afghan policy? (2015)
What could be the reasons of emerging water conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan? (2019)
Discuss the current socio-political and security situation of Afghanistan and its implications for the neighboring countries. (2013)
What is AFPAK policy; how to manage its implication on Pakistan? (2011)
Pakistan’s relations with the Muslim World (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey)
Discuss in detail the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and challenges to it. (2018)
Pakistan’s relations with the United States
Discuss the impact of AFPAK policy on Pak-US relations. (2014)
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)
What are the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan as one of the new members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)? (2018)
Substantiate Pakistan’s role in UN peace keeping missions. (2014)
Discuss the role of OIC, GCC, and Arab league in the Middle East Crisis and conflicts. (2020)
Give recommendations to make SAARC an effective organization at regional level keeping in view success of European Union. (2011)
III. Global Issues
International Security
Discuss instrument of techniques of Hybrid Warfare in context of Pakistan? (2019)
How can the governing structure have the capacity to neutralize threats to internal security of Pakistan? (2019)
International Political Economy
Human Rights
Environment: Global Warming, Kyoto Protocol, Copenhagen Accord
Elaborate the reasons and impacts on Donald Trump withdrawal from climate change Paris agreement 2015. (2019)
Discuss the adverse impact of climate change on the world and the measures recently adopted by the Paris Conference to address this issue. (2016)
Elaborate the reasons and impacts of Donald Trump’s withdrawal from Climate Change Paris Agreement 2015? (2019)
What impact global climate change will have on the water resources of Pakistan? How will it affect inter- provincial harmony? (2020)
Evaluate the significance of water conflict between India and Pakistan in global perspective of climate change. (2012)
What is climate change impact? What are its implications on Pakistan? How to manage climate change in policy and practice? (2011)
Population: world population trends, world population policies
Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
Global Energy Politics
Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Security
Nuclear Politics in South Asia
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.
Critically examine the Donald Trump’s Policy for South Asia and its implications for Pakistan and the region. (2018)
How the US is trying to keep its dominant position in the Asia-Pacific and what is the China’s response to it? (2018)
The impact of burgeoning US-India strategic partnership over the security situation of the region and Indian Ocean Region. (2017)
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
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
What are the causes of ‘Arab Spring’? Identify their impacts on the future politics of the region? (2015)
Describe the 2017 Qatar Diplomatic Crisis and its impact on the Middle East? (2018)
Critically analyze the newly established Islamic Military Alliance and its future implications for the Muslim World? (2018)
Critically analyze the US-Russia relations in context of ISIS and its impact on the security situation of Middle East? (2017)
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)
How will “Arab spring” effect the political and security environment in the Arab World? (2013)
Kashmir and Palestine Issues
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)
Resolution of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan can bring peace and prosperity in the region. Discuss. (2013)
Others:
Examine the emerging strategic competition between China and the US and its impact on the global order. (2016)
Substantiate Pakistan’s role in Commonwealth. (2012)
Recommended Books for CSS Current Affairs Paper 2023
Pakistan Foreign Policy 1947-2005: A Concise History (Abdul Sattar)
Issue in Pakistan’s Economy, 2010 (Akbar S. Zaidi)
Pakistan: A Hard Country, 2012 (Anatol Lieven)
Government & Politics in South Asia (Baxter, Malik, Kennedy & Oberst)
Introduction to International Political (David Balaam & Bradford Dillman)
International Organization (Volker Rittberger, Bernhard Zangl and Andress Kruck)
The Age of Deception: Nuclear Diplomacy in Treacherous Times (Mohamed Elbaradei)
International Relations, 2012 (Joshua Goldstein)
World Politics: Trends and Transformation, 2014-2015 (Kegley & Blanton)
Pakistan Beyond the Crisis, 2011 (Maleeha Lodhi)
Globalization in Question, 2009 (Paul Hirst)
International Political Economy: Interests & Institutions in the Global Economy, 201 (Thomas Oatley)
Politics and Change in the Middle East (Andersen, Seibert, and Wagner)
Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb (Feroz Khan)
Pakistan and World Affairs (Shamshad Ahmad)
Current Affairs, Articulate Magazine for CSS 2022