CSS Times

Political Disconnect
CSS/PMS Exam-Oriented Summary of Dawn

The Dawn article “Political Disconnect” by Maleeha Lodhi argues that the government is focusing on redrawing Pakistan’s provincial map while failing to adequately address the issues that matter most to ordinary citizens, particularly inflation, economic hardship and declining public confidence.
Core Argument
The central question is not whether Pakistan needs better governance. It clearly does. The issue is whether creating more provinces is the right solution.
The article argues that drawing new provincial boundaries is a technical fix, not a cure for Pakistan’s deeper governance problems. Without political consensus, competent leadership, accountability and economic reforms, new provinces alone are unlikely to produce better governance.
Current Debate on New Provinces
The debate intensified after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi advocated new provinces. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal subsequently proposed 15 additional provinces, with each province divided into three, while also suggesting 160 district governments as an alternative.
The proposals triggered political resistance:
• PPP strongly opposed dividing Sindh.
• The Sindh Assembly passed a resolution declaring that Sindh should remain undivided.
• MQM objected that its proposals regarding new administrative units were not incorporated.
• The parliamentary opposition, including PTI and JUI-F, also rejected the proposal.
• Political parties and leaders have expressed conflicting positions, particularly regarding Punjab and a possible South Punjab province.
Constitutional Dimension
A major CSS point is the constitutional procedure for changing provincial boundaries.
According to the article, Article 239 requires:
1. A two-thirds majority in the relevant provincial assembly
2. A constitutional amendment passed by a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and Senate
Therefore, the affected province effectively possesses a veto over changes to its boundaries. A referendum cannot simply bypass this constitutional procedure.
Referendum Controversy
The suggestion that a referendum could determine the “will of the people” is controversial.
The article argues that such a referendum would be politically divisive and raises constitutional questions. Pakistan's history of controversial referendums also creates concerns about the credibility of such a process.
The Better Alternative: Empower Local Governments
The article does not argue against all administrative reform. Instead, it stresses that governance can be brought closer to citizens by strengthening local governments.
Under Article 140A, local governments are constitutionally recognised as the third tier of government.
The focus should therefore be on:
• Functional local governments
• Regular local elections
• Greater financial autonomy
• Administrative decentralisation
• Better service delivery
• Local accountability
Deeper Governance Problem
The article identifies several issues that cannot be solved merely by creating provinces:
Weak accountability + poor leadership + inadequate institutions + economic problems + lack of rule of law
Administrative restructuring cannot substitute for competent and legitimate political leadership or sound economic policy.
Key CSS Analysis
New Provinces vs Local Governments

New Provinces
Empowered Local Governments

Requires major constitutional change
Already recognised under Article 140A

Politically contentious
More focused on service delivery

Potentially expensive
Relatively practical

Can intensify provincial rivalries
Brings government closer to citizens

Requires broad political consensus
Can strengthen grassroots democracy

Major Lesson
The article makes three important arguments:
1. New provincial boundaries are not a panacea.
2. Government priorities should reflect citizens' actual concerns, particularly economic hardship and inflation.
3. Administrative restructuring without national consensus could deepen political polarisation and weaken national cohesion.
CSS/PMS Relevance
Relevant areas:
• Federalism
• Provincial autonomy
• Local government
• Decentralisation
• Constitutional development
• Governance
• Democracy
• Centre-province relations
• Political consensus
Possible CSS Questions
• “Pakistan's governance crisis requires decentralisation, not merely redrawing provincial boundaries.” Discuss.
• Critically examine the constitutional and political challenges of creating new provinces in Pakistan.
• How can empowered local governments strengthen democracy and service delivery in Pakistan?
• Is the creation of new provinces a solution to Pakistan's governance crisis?
One-Line Takeaway
Redrawing Pakistan's provincial map cannot substitute for the fundamentals of good governance: rule of law, accountability, competent leadership, economic reform and empowered local governments.
CSS Answer Tip
For a high-quality answer, maintain a balanced position. Acknowledge that smaller administrative units may improve accessibility and representation, but explain why constitutional hurdles, political divisions, financial costs and weak local institutions make provincial restructuring an incomplete solution.

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Yemen Flare-Up

CSS/PMS Exam-Oriented Summary of Dawn Editorial

Core Issue
Yemen has witnessed a dangerous return to intense fighting between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and the Iran-aligned Houthi Ansarallah movement, which controls Sana'a and large parts of northern Yemen. The renewed conflict threatens to worsen Yemen's already severe humanitarian crisis while becoming increasingly connected to wider Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions.

Background
The Yemeni front had remained relatively quiet following the 2022 Saudi-Houthi ceasefire. However, the recent breakdown of relative calm has led to renewed open warfare, with the Houthis making significant territorial advances, including the capture of the strategically important port city of Mokha (Mocha).

Link with the Wider US-Iran Conflict
The Dawn editorial highlights that the Yemen conflict cannot be viewed in isolation. The escalation is closely connected with broader US-Iran tensions and regional proxy competition.

The Houthis' growing military activity increases pressure on Saudi Arabia and its allies, while their strategic position strengthens the regional influence of Iran and its network of aligned groups.

Strategic Importance: Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The most important geopolitical dimension is Yemen's proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Houthi advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast have raised concerns about threats to international shipping, global trade and energy supplies. The escalation therefore has consequences far beyond Yemen.

Key CSS Concept:
Yemen Conflict → Bab el-Mandeb → Red Sea Shipping → Global Trade → Energy Security

Humanitarian Dimension
The renewed fighting is likely to deepen the suffering of Yemen's population through:

Civilian displacement
Food insecurity
Destruction of infrastructure
Disruption of humanitarian assistance
A possible return to prolonged civil war

Recent fighting has already displaced tens of thousands of civilians, adding to one of the world's most serious humanitarian crises.

Regional Implications
The conflict involves or affects several regional powers and interests:

Houthis / Ansarallah + Iran + Saudi Arabia + Yemeni Government + United States + Gulf Allies

This demonstrates how Yemen has become a major arena where local grievances intersect with regional rivalries and global geopolitical competition.

Relevance for Pakistan
The editorial also raises questions regarding the role of Saudi Arabia's allies, including Pakistan, particularly as Houthi attacks have targeted positions inside Saudi Arabia. This makes developments in Yemen relevant to Pakistan's regional security calculations and its relations with Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern partners.

CSS/PMS Analysis
The Yemen crisis illustrates an important principle of international relations:

> Local conflicts can rapidly become regional and global crises when they intersect with strategic waterways, energy routes and great-power rivalry.

The conflict is therefore not merely a Yemeni civil war. It represents the intersection of:

Civil war and state fragility
Proxy warfare
Iran-Saudi rivalry
US-Iran tensions
Maritime security
Global energy security
Humanitarian crisis

Possible CSS/PMS Questions
Discuss Yemen's importance in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

How do strategic maritime chokepoints influence international conflicts?

Explain the relationship between proxy warfare and regional instability.

Why can the Yemen conflict affect global trade and energy security?

Analyse Pakistan's strategic interests in Middle Eastern security.

One-Line Takeaway

> The renewed Yemen conflict shows how a domestic civil war can become a wider geopolitical crisis when regional rivalries and control over strategic maritime chokepoints converge.

CSS Answer Tip
In an answer on Yemen, do not discuss it only as a Saudi-Iran proxy conflict. Connect it with state fragility, the humanitarian crisis, Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea security, global energy routes and the wider US-Iran confrontation.

Japan, India, Ukraine: Why Some Countries Are Uneasy About the New UN Map

CSS/PMS Exam-Oriented Summary

Core Issue
The UN General Assembly has encouraged the use of the Equal Earth projection, a world map designed to represent the relative sizes of continents and countries more accurately than the traditional Mercator projection.
However, while several countries support the new projection, India, Ukraine and Japan have raised concerns about how disputed territories are visually represented, particularly through colours and shades.

Why Did the UN Support a New Map?
The traditional Mercator projection, created in 1569, distorts the size of countries and continents, particularly those near the poles. It tends to make Europe and North America appear larger relative to regions closer to the equator, including Africa.
The Equal Earth projection seeks to preserve relative land area more accurately. For example, Africa is far larger than Greenland, although Mercator maps make them appear roughly similar in size. The UN resolution is non-binding and encourages, rather than mandates, wider use of Equal Earth.

UN Vote
164 countries voted in favour
6 countries abstained
The United States was the only country to vote against
The resolution promotes the Equal Earth projection but does not ban Mercator maps or impose a compulsory replacement.

Why Are Some Countries Uneasy?
1. Ukraine: Crimea
Ukraine abstained from the UN vote because of concerns over the depiction of Russian-occupied Crimea.
According to Ukraine, the different colour used for Crimea on the Equal Earth map creates ambiguity and may visually weaken the distinction between occupied Ukrainian territory and Russia. Kyiv supports correcting geographical distortions but argues that map reform should not create confusion over sovereignty or territorial integrity.

2. Japan: Kuril Islands
Japan voted in favour of the new projection but objected to the depiction of the disputed islands controlled by Russia.
Tokyo argues that using the same colours or shades for Russian territory and the disputed islands could create an impression inconsistent with Japan's official territorial position. The dispute over these islands has remained a major obstacle in Japan-Russia relations since World War II.

3. India: Kashmir
India also voted in favour of the Equal Earth projection but issued a caveat regarding the depiction of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
India stressed that its sovereign territory should be shown according to India's official map and rejected depictions it considers inaccurate or misleading. The issue highlights how a technically improved map can still become politically controversial when it involves disputed borders and territories.

Key Analytical Point
The controversy demonstrates that maps are not politically neutral.
A map performs two important functions:
Geographical Representation + Political Representation
Even when a map is scientifically designed to improve geographical accuracy, decisions about:
Colours
Borders
Territorial labels
Names
Shades
Disputed regions
can carry significant political and diplomatic implications.

CSS/PMS Perspective
The Larger Debate
Cartography is not merely about geography. It is also linked with power, identity, sovereignty and geopolitics.
The Equal Earth debate reveals two competing concerns:
Geographical Justice
Correcting historical distortions that have shaped global perceptions, particularly of Africa and the Global South.
Political Sensitivity
Ensuring that changes in geographical representation do not appear to legitimise disputed territorial claims.

Relevance for Pakistan
The issue is particularly relevant to Pakistan because of the Kashmir dispute.
Any internationally promoted map that depicts disputed territories can become politically sensitive. Therefore, Pakistan should view the global map debate not only as an issue of cartographic accuracy but also through the lens of:
Territorial disputes
International law
Sovereignty
Diplomatic narratives
Representation of disputed territories

Possible CSS Questions
Are maps instruments of geography or instruments of political power?
Discuss the relationship between cartography and geopolitics.
How can geographical representation influence perceptions of sovereignty and territorial legitimacy?
The politics of maps is as important as their geographical accuracy. Discuss.

One-Line Takeaway
The debate over the new UN map shows that correcting geographical distortions does not eliminate political disputes, because every map can also shape perceptions of territory, sovereignty and power.

CSS Answer Tip
In an answer, connect the issue with Global South representation, geopolitics, territorial disputes, sovereignty and the politics of cartography. This will make the discussion analytical rather than merely descriptiv.

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

CSS/PMS Aspirants Summary

1. Introduction

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is a major intergovernmental organization representing the collective interests of the Muslim world. With 57 member states, it is the second-largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations. Its headquarters and General Secretariat are located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

2. Basic Facts

Established: 1969

Origin: Rabat Summit, Morocco

Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Membership: 57 states

Pakistan: Founding member

Nature: Intergovernmental organization

Identity: Often described as the collective voice of the Muslim world

The OIC was established following the 1969 arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which generated a collective response from Muslim-majority states. Its first Charter was adopted in 1972.

3. Main Objectives

The OIC seeks to:

Promote Islamic solidarity and cooperation

Safeguard the interests of Muslim communities and member states

Support the Palestinian cause and Al-Quds

Promote international peace and security

Strengthen economic, scientific, cultural and educational cooperation

Combat discrimination and Islamophobia

Promote human rights, development and humanitarian cooperation

Address challenges such as poverty, terrorism, food insecurity and climate change

Its Charter emphasizes unity, sovereignty, peace, justice, human dignity and cooperation among member states.

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4. Major Organs of the OIC

Islamic Summit

The highest political authority of the OIC, comprising heads of state and government.

Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)

Coordinates policies and discusses political, economic and social issues facing member states.

General Secretariat

The administrative and executive body responsible for implementing OIC decisions and coordinating its activities.

Specialized and Affiliated Institutions

The OIC operates through various institutions working in areas such as:

Economic development

Education and culture

Science and technology

Humanitarian assistance

Human rights

The organization also includes bodies such as the Al-Quds Committee and several standing committees.

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5. Importance of the OIC

The OIC provides a platform for Muslim-majority countries to develop collective positions on international issues.

Its importance lies in connecting:

Islamic Solidarity + Diplomacy + Development + Security

It can help member states coordinate their positions on issues such as:

Palestine and Al-Quds

Islamophobia

Armed conflicts

Humanitarian crises

Economic cooperation

Food and energy security

Science and technology

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6. OIC and Pakistan

Pakistan is a founding member and has historically played an important role within the OIC.

Lahore Islamic Summit, 1974

The Second Islamic Summit was held in Lahore, making it one of the most significant events in Pakistan's diplomatic history.

For Pakistan, the OIC remains important for:

Diplomatic support on Kashmir

Cooperation with Muslim countries

Economic and trade opportunities

Strengthening ties with the Middle East

Collective engagement on Palestine and other issues affecting the Muslim world

Pakistan's OIC diplomacy reflects its broader objective of strengthening political and economic cooperation among Muslim states.

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7. Major Challenges Facing the OIC

Despite its large membership, the OIC faces several limitations:

1. Lack of Unity

Member states often have different geopolitical and national interests.

2. Sectarian and Political Rivalries

Regional tensions can weaken collective decision-making.

3. Limited Enforcement Power

The OIC can issue resolutions and mobilize diplomatic pressure, but its ability to enforce decisions is limited.

4. Economic Disparities

Member states have vastly different levels of economic development.

5. Conflict Resolution

The organization faces difficulties in responding effectively to conflicts involving or affecting Muslim countries.

6. Palestine

The Palestine issue remains central to the OIC's agenda and continues to test its diplomatic effectiveness.

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8. CSS/PMS Exam Relevance

Relevant Subjects

Current Affairs

Pakistan Affairs

International Relations

International Organizations

Islamic Studies

Global Governance

Possible Questions

Critically evaluate the role of the OIC in promoting unity among Muslim states.

Why has the OIC failed to emerge as an effective collective force in international politics?

Discuss Pakistan's role in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Can the OIC play an effective role in resolving contemporary challenges facing the Muslim world?

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One-Line CSS Takeaway

> The OIC represents the collective aspirations of the Muslim world, but its effectiveness ultimately depends on translating Islamic solidarity from political rhetoric into institutional cooperation and collective action.

CSS Answer Tip

In a critical answer, avoid portraying the OIC as either a complete success or failure. Discuss both sides:

Strengths: Large membership, diplomatic platform, collective voice and development cooperation.

Weaknesses: Political divisions, competing national interests and limited enforcement capacity.

اہم خبر: عاصم افتخار پاکستان کے نئے سیکرٹری خارجہ مقرر، نوٹیفیکیشن

What is the most important requirement of a CSS essay?
A) Using difficult vocabulary
B) Writing a long introduction
C) Presenting a coherent and well-argued thesis
D) Using maximum quotations

*Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) — CSS Aspirants’ Summary*

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is one of Pakistan’s key mechanisms for economic decision-making and coordination. It deals with urgent economic issues and coordinates policies among different government ministries and divisions.

1. What is the ECC?
ECC = Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet
It serves as a forum where major economic, financial, energy, trade, agriculture and price-related issues are considered and coordinated at the federal level.

2. Historical Background
The ECC was established in 1965.
It was initially created in the context of economic challenges faced by Pakistan during that period.
Over time, its mandate evolved into a broader mechanism for economic governance and policy coordination.

3. Chairmanship
The ECC is generally chaired by the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue.
Recent official ECC meetings have been chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

> CSS Tip: Don't confuse the ECC with the National Economic Council (NEC) or ECNEC.

4. Major Functions of ECC
A. Economic Policy Coordination
Coordinates economic policies initiated by different government ministries/divisions.

B. Urgent Economic Matters
Deals with urgent and day-to-day economic issues requiring federal-level coordination.

C. Inflation & Prices
Monitors the price situation and considers measures aimed at price stability, particularly for essential goods.

D. Trade & Imports
Reviews import policy and its impact on domestic production and investment.

E. Exports
Evaluates export performance and considers measures for export promotion.

F. Agriculture & Industry
Considers policies affecting the future growth of agriculture and industry.

G. Energy
Reviews the country's energy requirements and their implications for production and investment.

H. Monetary & Credit Situation
Keeps watch over monetary and credit conditions and may propose measures concerning credit regulation to support production, exports and inflation control.

I. Fiscal & Tariff Issues
Deals with tariff problems and fiscal anomalies.

J. Government Funding
ECC frequently considers requests for Technical Supplementary Grants (TSGs) and other financial allocations. Recent examples include allocations for housing, skills development and public-sector requirements.

5. Areas Commonly Appearing in ECC Decisions
For CSS Current Affairs, remember:
ECC →
💰 Finance
📈 Inflation
🌾 Agriculture & food security
⚡ Energy
🛢️ Petroleum
🚢 Imports & exports
🏭 Industry
💵 Subsidies
📊 Tariffs
🏦 Credit/monetary conditions
🏗️ Development expenditure
🧾 Supplementary grants

6. ECC vs NEC vs ECNEC
Institution Main Focus
ECC Economic coordination & urgent economic matters
NEC Overall national economic planning/policy
ECNEC Approval/supervision of major development projects

Easy CSS memory trick:
ECC = Economy Coordination
NEC = National Economic Policy
ECNEC = Economic Development Projects

7. Why is ECC Important for CSS?
ECC is important for Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, Governance and Essay because its decisions directly affect ordinary citizens.
For example, ECC decisions can influence:
electricity and energy policies
food and wheat availability
fertilizer subsidies
petroleum-related measures
import/export policies
inflation
government expenditure
industrial policy
development projects

Recent ECC decisions demonstrate its role in issues ranging from wheat stocks and price stability to housing finance and supplementary grants.

⭐ CSS Exam One-Liner
> “The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet is a key federal forum responsible for coordinating economic policies and addressing urgent economic, fiscal, trade, energy, agricultural and price-related matters.”

Possible CSS Question
Q. Discuss the role of the Economic Coordination Committee in Pakistan's economic governance. How does it contribute to macroeconomic stability?

> For a strong 20-mark answer, connect ECC → policy coordination → inflation → energy → food security → trade → fiscal management → macroeconomic stability.

Nourishing Pakistan:

Source: Dawn Editorial, “Nourishing Pakistan”, published September 6, 2026.

Core Issue
Pakistan’s nutrition crisis is not primarily a lack of knowledge. The major problem is weak institutional coordination, inadequate accountability and insufficient political commitment to implement existing policies.

Key Facts
Over 4 in 10 children under five are stunted.

Malnutrition is estimated to cost Pakistan around $17 billion annually.

Around 30–40% of stunting occurs before birth, highlighting the importance of maternal nutrition and antenatal care.

The first 1,000 days of life are crucial for preventing malnutrition and stunting.

Pakistan still relies heavily on the 2018 National Nutrition Survey for its headline stunting figure, reflecting a serious data gap.

Major Causes & Dimensions
Nutrition cannot be treated merely as a health-sector issue. It is connected with:
Health + Agriculture + Education + WASH + Family Planning + Social Protection + Poverty

Contaminated water and poor sanitation can cause repeated infections, undermining children's nutritional gains. Therefore, targeted WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) investment is essential in high-burden areas.

Government & Policy Response
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal indicated that the Planning Commission would take ownership of nutrition and early childhood development.

The Benazir Nashonuma Programme provides an example of a potentially effective intervention. According to the editorial, children enrolled in the programme were found to be 22% less likely to be stunted at six months.

What Pakistan Needs

The editorial calls for:
1. A fresh national nutrition survey
2. Dedicated nutrition budget lines
3. Provincial and district-level targets
4. Clearly designated officials responsible for implementation
5. Regular public reporting and accountability
6. Integration of nutrition programmes with primary healthcare, family planning, WASH and social services.

CSS Relevance
Relevant Subjects:

Pakistan Affairs
Current Affairs
Governance & Public Policies
Social Issues
Human Development
Health & Population

Essay Themes:
Malnutrition: A Silent Barrier to Pakistan's Human Development

Human Capital: The Missing Link in Pakistan's Development

From Policy Formulation to Implementation: Pakistan's Governance Challenge

One-Line Takeaway
> Pakistan's nutrition crisis is no longer a crisis of diagnosis; it is a crisis of implementation, coordination and accountability.

CSS Answer Tip: Use nutrition as a human-capital issue, not merely a health issue. Connect it with education, productivity, poverty, WASH, maternal health and economic development.

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اقوام متحدہ کی سلامتی کونسل کے مستقل ارکان کی تعداد کتنی ہے؟
A) 5
B) 10
C) 15

National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is Pakistan’s principal national body responsible for coordinating and strengthening the country's efforts against terrorism and extremism.

Key Points
Established: 2009 under the NACTA Act, 2013
Headquarters: Islamabad
Main Purpose: To develop and coordinate a unified national strategy against terrorism and violent extremism.
Coordination Role: NACTA connects and coordinates federal and provincial law-enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and other relevant institutions.
Policy Development: It prepares national counterterrorism policies, strategies, and action plans.
Intelligence Coordination: It facilitates the sharing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence related to terrorism.
Countering Extremism: NACTA also works on preventing violent extremism and addressing factors that contribute to radicalization.
National Action Plan (NAP): NACTA has played an important role in coordinating the implementation of Pakistan's counterterrorism policies, including the National Action Plan.
CSS/PMS Perspective
NACTA represents Pakistan's institutional approach to counterterrorism, focusing on coordination, intelligence sharing, policy formulation, capacity building, and preventing violent extremism.
One-line summary:
NACTA is Pakistan's central coordinating authority for developing and implementing national strategies against terrorism and violent extremism.




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