Professional Academy for Competitive Examinations

Current Affairs (CSS-2025/PMS)

Demo Lecture # 02
By CSP Shah Faisal

Topic:
Economic Meltdown or Revival? Pakistan's Economic Challenges

Time: Nov 3, 2024 07:00 PM Islamabad, Karachi

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To excel in CSS essay writing, building a solid foundation of ideas, arguments, and critical thinking is essential. Many CSS aspirants wonder where to begin or how to refine their argumentation. One effective approach is to regularly read articles by renowned columnists and engage with books that offer deep insights into relevant themes. Here's a carefully curated list of columnists and authors whose writings are highly beneficial for CSS preparation, providing a blend of academic depth, simplicity, and analytical clarity.

Regards: CSP Shah Faisal

Columnists in Pakistani Newspapers

1. Zahid Hussain (Dawn, Express Tribune)
Known for his expertise on foreign policy, security, and South Asia's geopolitical dynamics.

2. Dr. Ishrat Hussain (Dawn)
Former governor of the State Bank, he focuses on economic policies, governance, and reforms in Pakistan.

3. Mosharraf Zaidi (The News)
Writes extensively on education, governance, and foreign relations, offering a balanced view of national and global issues.

4. Shahid Javed Burki (Express Tribune)
Writes about Pakistan’s economic and social policy, with insights on development

5. Maleeha Lodhi (Dawn, The News)
An experienced diplomat, she writes on international relations, global politics, and Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges.

6. Dr. Moeed Yusuf (Dawn)
Specializes in international relations, particularly Pakistan-U.S. relations and security policy.

7. Raza Rumi (Daily Times, The News)
Covers democracy, civil rights, and social issues, with a balanced approach to Pakistan’s socio-political landscape.

8. Huma Yusuf (Dawn, Express Tribune)
Focuses on human rights, gender issues, and governance with a thought-provoking and nuanced style.

9. Khurram Husain (Dawn)
An economic columnist, he writes about Pakistan's financial issues, giving readers a comprehensive view of economic challenges and policies.

10. Yasser Latif Hamdani (Daily Times)
Focuses on constitutional issues, secularism, and minority rights in Pakistan.

11. Marvi Sirmed (Daily Times)
A human rights advocate who addresses issues like gender, minorities, and civil liberties.

International Columnists

1. Thomas L. Friedman (The New York Times)
Known for his work on globalization, technology, and Middle Eastern affairs.

2. Fareed Zakaria (The Washington Post)
Writes on international relations, democracy, and global governance.

3. Paul Krugman (The New York Times)
An economist focusing on inequality, economic theory, and policy debates.

4. Gideon Rachman (Financial Times)
Covers geopolitics and global issues, with a clear analysis of international affairs.

Authors and Books for Argument Building

Education and Social Development

1. "Education in Pakistan: Developmental Milestones" by Shahid Siddiqui
Explores the challenges and potential of Pakistan’s educational landscape.

Governance, Democracy, and Institutions

1. "Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
Analyzes why institutions matter, providing insights on governance and democracy.

2. "The Pakistan Paradox" by Christophe Jaffrelot
Focuses on Pakistan’s institutional and political challenges, highlighting complexities within democracy.

Economy and Development

1. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty
Discusses economic inequality and wealth, with a critical view of capitalism.

Climate Change and Sustainability

1. "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate" by Naomi Klein
Discusses environmental challenges through the lens of economics and sustainability.

Social Justice and Gender Studies

1. "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A global perspective on gender equality and empowerment.

2. "Half the Sky" by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Highlights women’s rights issues globally, offering powerful narratives on empowerment.

Technology and the Future

1. "AI Superpowers" by Kai-Fu Lee
Discusses artificial intelligence and its implications for global economic shifts.

2. "The Fourth Industrial Revolution" by Klaus Schwab
Covers emerging technologies and their social, economic, and political impact.

Issues Of Pakistan

1. "The Idea of Pakistan" by Stephen P. Cohen
Looks at the foundational ideals of Pakistan and the ongoing issues of governance, identity, and security.

2. "Pakistan: A New History" by Ian Talbot
Provides a concise overview of Pakistan’s historical trajectory, highlighting socio-political challenges and transformations.

3. "The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics" by Ayesha Jalal
Explores Pakistan’s political evolution and international relations, explaining its struggles for and identity.

4. "Pakistan: Beyond the Crisis State" by Maleeha Lodhi
Analyzes Pakistan's political and economic issues, challenging the narrative of it being a failing state and discussing potential reforms.