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Is Pakistan ungovernable? (Dawn Editorial)

Officers Academy has made efforts to elaborate on various national and international articles, providing valuable insights to students that will aid them in their CSS/PMS exam preparation. Kindly follow the provided link to access the entire article.




Main Points

The provided text outlines several factors contributing to the challenges of governance in Pakistan:

  1. Political Polarization: Unprecedented political polarization has divided the society, families, and individuals based on their partisan preferences. The uncompromising stance of the political parties have eliminated middle ground and made political accommodation difficult.

  2. Parliamentary Confrontation: The confrontation between the parties has left the parliament without a functioning opposition. Laws are adopted without wider consensus, and finding political solutions to disputes becomes challenging.

  3. Attacks on State Institutions: State institutions, including the establishment, judiciary, and Election Commission, are increasingly targeted in the political battle. Institutions are praised or criticized based on their perceived alignment with political parties, leading to a loss of trust in these institutions.

  4. Economic Turmoil: The confluence of polarized politics and economic turmoil is pushing Pakistan into a danger zone. Dysfunctional economic policies, fiscal irresponsibility, and chronic financial crises have weakened the economy. Failure to mobilize domestic resources and low levels of savings and investment contribute to budget and balance of payments deficits.

  5. Institutional Erosion: Over the years, there has been an erosion in the state's institutional capacity, resulting in the deterioration of public service delivery. Postponed reforms, lack of efforts to depoliticize the civil service, and piecemeal tinkering have undermined public confidence in government institutions.

  6. Structural Economic Problems: Structural economic problems have been ignored, leading to recurrent financial crises. The reliance on domestic and foreign borrowing has created a debt trap, forcing the country to borrow more to pay off old debt.

  7. Regressive Economic Measures: Economic management relying on borrowing has led to regressive measures, such as transferring savings from the poor to the government. Structural sources of financial imbalances, including an inequitable tax regime, circular debt in the energy sector, and a narrow export base, remain unaddressed.

  8. Global Factors: While global economic factors and the Covid-19 pandemic have exacerbated Pakistan's economic plight, the weak economy's lack of resilience to shocks is attributed to poor economic management.

The combination of these factors poses a serious risk of Pakistan becoming ungovernable, with challenges in political stability, economic management, and public trust in institutions.


Vocabulary

  1. Mounted: To increase or intensify, often used to describe the rise or increase of a problem.

  2. Punctuated: Interrupted at intervals; broken up by occurrences.

  3. Turbulent: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; chaotic.

  4. Political Polarization: The divergence of political attitudes and positions to extreme opposites.

  5. Unprecedented: Never before known or experienced; without precedent.

  6. Divisive Politics: Politics that create disagreements and divisions among people.

  7. Partisan: Strongly supporting a particular party, cause, or person.

  8. Stance: A person's attitude or position on a particular issue.

  9. Sharpened Polarization: Intensified the division or conflict between opposing groups.

  10. Eliminated: Completely removed or gotten rid of.

  11. Political Accommodation: Reaching a compromise or agreement in politics.

  12. Bereft: Deprived or lacking something, often used to describe a situation of loss.

  13. Unbridgeable: Impossible to overcome or resolve.

  14. Ruled Out: Excluded or eliminated as a possibility.

  15. Paralyzing the System: Making the system unable to function or operate effectively.

  16. Casting a Shadow: Creating a negative influence or impact.

  17. Raging Political Battle: Intense and fiercely contested political conflict.

  18. Trolls: Individuals who intentionally provoke or harass others online.

  19. Assailing these Institutions: Criticizing or attacking these institutions.

  20. Accusations: Charges of wrongdoing or misconduct.

  21. Foreign Conspiracy: Alleged secret plan by foreign entities to undermine or harm.

  22. Beyond His Base: Extending to individuals outside of his core supporters.

  23. Breeding Cynicism: Encouraging a distrustful or pessimistic attitude.

  24. Deleterious: Harmful or damaging.

  25. Miring: Involving or causing someone to become stuck or entangled.

  26. Compounds: Makes a situation worse; intensifies.

  27. Defiance: Open resistance or bold disobedience.

  28. Undermining: Weakening or subverting from below.

  29. Bedrock: Fundamental basis or foundation.

  30. Integral: Necessary and essential to the completeness or functioning of a whole.

  31. Confluence: A merging or coming together of elements.

  32. Civil Discourse: Respectful and reasoned discussion in a society.

  33. Holds Sway: Exerts influence or control.

  34. Sober Debate: Serious and rational discussion.

  35. Demonize Political Rivals: Portray political opponents as evil or threatening.

  36. Venal: Showing a willingness to be bribed or corrupted.

  37. Erosion: Gradual decline or deterioration.

  38. Deterioration: The process of becoming worse or less valuable.

  39. Instruments of Governance: Tools or mechanisms used for governing.

  40. Piecemeal Tinkering: Making small and incremental changes without addressing fundamental issues.

  41. Onerous: Burdensome or oppressive.

  42. Fiscally Irresponsible: Acting without prudence or responsibility in financial matters.

  43. Fester: Become worse or more intense, typically due to neglect.

  44. Chronic Threat: Persistent and ongoing danger or risk.

  45. External Account: The financial transactions and balances with other countries.

  46. Tranche: A portion or slice, often used in the context of financial disbursements.

  47. Regressive Measure: A policy or action that moves backward or has a negative impact on progress.

  48. Pernicious: Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way.

  49. Viable Path: A feasible or workable course of action.

  50. Rentier Economy: An economy that relies on income derived from property or investments.

  51. Inequitable Tax Regime: An unfair or unjust system of taxation.

  52. Circular Debt: A situation where debts accumulate and circulate within a system.

  53. Chickens Have Now Come Home to Roost: The negative consequences of past actions are now being faced.

  54. Throes: Intense or violent pains, struggles, or upheavals.

  55. Sought: Attempted or tried to obtain.

  56. Avert: Prevent or ward off.

  57. Exacerbated: Made a situation worse or more severe.

  58. Plight: A difficult or challenging situation.

  59. Soaring: Rising rapidly or to a great height.

  60. Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

  61. Cushion: Soften the impact or blow of something.


Strong vocabulary is indispensable for students preparing for the CSS exam, as it serves as a fundamental tool for effective communication and expression. The CSS exam, known for its comprehensive and challenging nature, requires candidates to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely on a wide range of topics. A rich vocabulary not only enhances the quality of their written responses but also allows them to navigate complex passages and comprehend nuanced ideas presented in the exam materials. Additionally, a robust vocabulary empowers students to craft compelling essays, analyze intricate scenarios, and demonstrate a depth of understanding that is crucial for success in the competitive CSS examination. In essence, a good command of vocabulary is an essential asset that equips students to meet the intellectual demands of the CSS exam with confidence and proficiency.


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