Features of a Professional and Apolitical Bureaucracy

    For effective and good governance, professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is prerequisite. A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is composed of skilled, experienced, neutral, expert, experienced and efficient individuals. In addition to this, the bureaucracy is trained to deliver excellent public service to ensure welfare of the people and to make a law and order environment in the country. Here are salient features of a professional and an apolitical bureaucracy:
  • Neutrality: A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy has no political involvement and tries hard to expel political pressure. Moreover, a professional and an apolitical bureaucrat doesn’t let politics be involved in his decision making and administration working.
  • Merit based recruitment: A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is recruited through a merit based system. It has been observed that a candidate recruited on merit works on merit. It is pertinent to mention here that a bureaucrat is selected after a strict, transparent and uncompromising selection procedure. Moreover, a professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is trained in such a manner that they can ensure merit, justice, good governance and grievance redressal through administration.
  • Equity: A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy ensures fairness and equity while serving the country. They ensure equal distribution of resources, maintaining law and order, and justice at the disposal of the citizen.
  • Good governance: The most prominent feature of a professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is good governance. They ensure distribution of resources with the use of power in such a manner that justice would prevail for everyone irrespective of any conditionality.
  • Accountability: A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is accountable before the law and is committed to ensure accountability procedure in the state.
  • Transparency: A professional and an apolitical bureaucracy works transparently so that institutes could enjoy the confidence of the people in the public offices and the government.
In a nutshell, a professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is the backbone to good governance, efficiency, accountability, transparency and smooth service delivery. Moreover, a professional and an apolitical bureaucracy is a prerequisite in the contemporary world to meet the challenges of modernization and globalization.

CSS English Precis & Composition Paper 2023 Complete Solution

Question No.2. Write a precis of the following passage and suggest a suitable title:

On the question of freedom in education there are at present three main schools of thought, deriving partly from differences as to ends and partly from differences in psychological theory. There are those who say that children should be completely free, however bad they may be; there are those who say they should be completely subject to authority, however good they may be; and there are those who say they should be free, but in spite of freedom they should be always good. This last party is larger than it has any logical right to be; children, like adults, will not all be virtuous if they are all free. The belief that liberty will ensure moral perfection is a relic of Rousseauism, and would not survive a study of animals and babies. Those who hold this belief think that education should have no positive purpose, but should merely offer an environment suitable for spontaneous development. I cannot agree with this school, which seems to me too individualistic, and unduly indifferent to the importance of knowledge. We live in communities which require co-operation, and it would be utopian to expect all the necessary co-operation to result from spontaneous impulse. The existence of a large population on a limited area is only possible owing to science and technique; education must, therefore, hand on the necessary minimum of these. The educators who allow most freedom are men whose success depends upon a degree of benevolence, self-control, and trained intelligence which can hardly be generated where every impulse is left unchecked; their merits, therefore, are not likely to be perpetuated if their methods are undiluted. Education, viewed from a social standpoint, must be something more positive than a mere opportunity for growth. It must, of course, provide this, but it must also provide a mental and moral equipment which children cannot acquire entirely for themselves. (311 worlds)


Precis: Regarding freedom in education to the children, the first party advocates complete freedom; the second party advocates complete absence of freedom; and the third and the majority party is in favor of freedom, but only for the good.  Author doesn’t like individualism, because individualism says that education is only for development. Whereas, positive education is a prerequisite for a cooperative society. Some pro-freedom educators are successful due to their exceptional judgment, which is impossible to create. Moreover, from a social viewpoint, the moral aspect is more important than the development aspect of education. Therefore, education should provide developmental as well as moral training to the children. (106 words)

Title: Freedom in education OR Freedom in education to the children



Question No.3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end.

The majority of people have always lived simply, and most of humanity still struggles on a daily basis to eke out a meager existence under dire circumstances……………………… more enjoyment and more fulfillment in life.


Questions:

  1. How important is happiness to most people, and what is the relationship between material wealth and happiness?
    Answer: Most of the people live under dire circumstances and for them happiness is an availability of more goods and services, whereas those who are bestowed with more goods and services are also not happiest people on earth. Thus, there is no clear relationship between wealth and happiness.

  2. How does the author characterize the concept of ‘Voluntary Simplicity’ as a movement and as a philosophy?
    Answer: According to the author, voluntary simplicity is a growing awareness of the environmental consequences of consumerism, the voluntary simplicity movement sought to reduce the consumerism of goods and energy and to minimize one’s personal impact on the environment.

  3. What impact is feared by the growing consumerism of modern society?
    Answer: It is feared that growing consumerism would negatively impact the environment, resources, health and happiness.

  4. What influences make it difficult for people to reduce their consumption patterns?
    Answer: Advertisements give an impression that without advertised products people are unsuccessful. Thus compel us to consume products unnecessarily.

  5. What are the challenges and rewards of voluntary simplicity?
    Answer: Advertisements are a  big challenge of voluntary simplicity. Moreover, less consumption is equated with poverty and social inferiority. However, rewards of voluntary simplicity are; more time for loved ones, less stress, more relaxation, better health, more enjoyment and fulfillment in life.


Question No.4. Correct only FIVE of the following:

  1. His knowledge of languages and international relations aids him in his work.

  2. The ambassador, with his family and staff, invites you to a reception at the embassy on Tuesday afternoon.

  3. This year, he will sit for the CSS examination.

  4. The Chief Executive will let us know whether or not he can attend the meeting.

  5. When he came back from vacation, Aslam and I had planned to look for another apartment.

  6. If some of you make a noise, you shall be punished.

  7. He came to me to enquire what the salary attached to the appointment is.

  8. I am too tired that I do not to hunt words and idioms in my English bool.



Question No.5. (a) Punctuate the following text, where necessary.

While taking a nap on the porch one hot summer day, Hodga dreamed that a stranger promised to give him ten pieces of gold. The stranger placed them in Hodga's hand one by one until he reached the tenth piece, which he hesitated to give him. "Come on, what are you waiting for?" said Hodga. "You promised me ten." Just then he woke up. He immediately looked at his hand and saw that it was empty. He quickly shut his eyes again, stretched out his hand and said, "all right, I'll settle for nine."


(b) Re-write the following sentences (ONLY FIVE) after filling in the blanks with appropriate prepositions.

  1. The neighbors came __into__ my house to see what’s going on in the house.

  2. She sat __in__ the shade of the tree.

  3. The moon does not shine __by__ its own light.

  4. The burglar jumped __over__ the compound wall.

  5. She entered __into__ an agreement with them.

  6. I have been working hard __for__ arithmetic.

  7. He got __on__ his bicycle.

  8. It cannot be done __without__ offense.



Question No.6. Use only FIVE pairs of words in sentences clearly illustrating their meanings.


    1. Antic: Comedians made their viewers laugh at their antic face expressions.

    2. Antique: Topkapi Museum in Turkey has a lot of antique objects.


    1. Draught: She is shuddering due draught air passing through the window.

    2. Drought: World could face droughts due to climate change.


    1. Quaint: He made up a quaint story to escape prosecution.

    2. Queer: He is disliked for his queer behavior.


    1. Momentary: It is a momentary pain, soon you will have a sigh of relief.

    2. Momentous: Objective Resolution was a momentous event in the Subcontinent history.


    1. Compliment: She gave a compliment for my dress.

    2. Complement: Your eloquence is a complement to your beauty.


    1. Eminent: Imam Ghazali was an eminent Muslim philosopher.

    2. Imminent: The victory of Imran Khan is imminent.


    1. Faint: There was a faint conversation between them, so I couldn’t hear.

    2. Feint: The boxer made a feint with his left, then with right.


    1. Immigrant: My friend is an immigrant in China.

    2. Emigrant: Most of the students in China are migrated from other countries.



Question No.7. Translate the following into English by keeping in view figurative/idiomatic expressions.

بزرگ نے بتایا کہ جنگل کے پار ایک پہاڑ ہے جہاں وہ پھول اُگتا ہے جس کی خوشبو سے آنکھوں کی کھوئی ہوئی روشنی لوٹ آتی ہے، مگر پہاڑ بہت بلند ہے اور اس پر بے شمار چٹانیں ہیں، کانٹے دار جھاڑیاں ہیں اور بڑے بڑے پتھر ہیں جو راستہ روک لیتے ہیں۔ اِس پہاڑ پر جانے کے لئے کئی لوگ آئے اور چلے گئے مگر ایسا کوئی شخص نہیں آیا جو پھول تک پہنچا ہو۔ شاید اسی لئے دنیا میں دُکھ اور تکلیف ہے اور انسان روشنی کی تلاش میں ہے۔

Translation: The old man said that across the forest there is a mountain where the flower grows whose fragrance restores the lost light of the eyes, but the mountain is very high and there are many rocks, thorn bushes and huge stones on it, which block the way. Many people came and went to go to this mountain, but no one came to reach the flower. Perhaps that is why there is pain and suffering in the world and man is searching for light.

Kashmir issue | History & Solution

Kashmir was ruled by Afghan Durran and in 1819 was conquered by the Sikh Empire under Ranjit Sindh. Following the first Anglo-Sikh War (1845-46) Kashmir was ceded under the Treaty of Lahore to the East India Company, which transferred it to Gulab Singh (in 7.5 million nansakhee rupees) through the Treaty of Amritsar. From 1846 till the partition of India, Kashmir was ruled by Maharaj Gulab Singh's Dogra Dynasty as a princely state under British. The British managed defense, foreign affairs and communications and stationed a British Resident in Srinagar to oversee the internal administration.

According to the 1941 census, the state's population was 77% Muslim, 20% Hindu and 3% others (Sikhs and Buddhists). The Muslim majority suffered under the high taxes of the administration and had few opportunities.

After partition, princely states were to choose whether to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh choosed 3rd option. When Muslim population demanded to join Pakistan, Maharaja suppressed them with Hindu Dogra troops including members of RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). Brutal killings of Muslims resulted in rebellion by Muslims of western districts of Jammu and Kashmir against the Maharaja. Pakistan's border Pashtun tribal men entered into Jammu and Kashmir to help the vulnerable Muslims. They soon controlled most of the western parts of the state and formed a provisional Azad Kashmir Government on 24.10.1947.

Being helpless, Maharaja asked India for help, but the government of India required accession to send troops. Accordingly, the Maharaja signed a provisional instrument of accession on 26 Oct 1947, which was accepted by Governor General Lord Mountbatten the next day. Only defense, foreign affairs and communications were ceded to the Government of India, and others to be discussed after the state is cleared of the invaders. While the Government of India accepted the accession, it added the provision that it would be submitted to a reference to the people after law and order prevails. Since only the people, not the Maharaja, could decide where the Kashmiris wanted to live; it was a provision of accession. In the north of the state, Gilgit-Baltistan was joined to Pakistan according to the wishes of its inhabitants.

Moreover, in response to Indian Forces, Pakistan nationals joined Pashtun Tribals for helping the vulnerable Muslims. Being helpless to halt the invasion, the Government of India went to the United Nations.

United Nations Security Council passed its Resolution 47 in April 1948, which resulted in a ceasefire and ceasefire line(LOC-Line of Control in 2-July 1972 Shimla Agreement after 1971 Indo-Pak war) between India and Pakistan. India gained roughly 2/3rd of Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh) and Pakistan gained roughly 1/3rd third of Kashmir (Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir).

Moreover, UNSC established a Commission and instructed it to go to the subcontinent to help the Government of India and Pakistan to restore peace and prepare for a plebiscite to decide the fate of Kashmir.

The Commission recommended a three step process:

  1. Pakistan was asked to withdraw all nationals.

  2. India was asked to reduce its forces to a minimum level required for law and order.

  3. India was asked to appoint a plebiscite administrator nominated by the UN, who would conduct a free and impartial plebiscite.

Through Presidential Order 1950, Indian Government gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article-370 of the Indian Constitution, conferring it with the power to have a separate Constitutional Assembly to make a separate Constitution (would define that to what extent the Indian Constitution would apply to the state), a state flag and autonomy over the internal administration of the state. Moreover, The Presidential Order 1954 added Article-35A under Article-370, which empowered the state legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state and provide special rights and privileges like; the ability to sale/purchase land and immovable property; vote and contest elections; government employment; higher education; and health care.

After the Indo-Pak war of 1971, both the Governments signed the Shimla Agreement on 02 July, 1972. According to it, both the countries will "settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations".

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India issued a Presidential Order(Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019), superseding the 1954 order to abolish Article 35A.

Why is the Kashmir dispute not resolved yet?

  • Lack of unity within the Kashmir resistance: Kashmiri resistance divided between Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and Hizbul-Mujahideen, and some others. JKLF wants independence but Hizbul-Mujahideen wants the implementation of UN Resolution of Kashmir and eventual accession to Pakistan.

  • Indian Intransigence: India is using delaying tactics to implement the UN Resolution regarding plebiscite. Moreover, India wants to change the LOC into an international border. Moreover, India has refused any kind of mediation in the pretext of Shimla Agreement's provision that Kashmir dispute will be resolved through bilateral negotiations. Furthermore, India has labeled the Kashmiri freedom fight as terrorism at international forums.

  • Unbalanced Pakistan policy: Pakistan hadn't maintained a long-term policy regarding Kashmir dispute. Moreover, Muslilm world has never openly supported Pakistan in this regard. However, the Shimla Agreement has sabotaged the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

  • Inhospitable International Environment: UNO has shown non seriousness since the first day because of strong trade relations of India with USA and European countries.

Solutions and constraints over them:

  • Independence: An idea favored by JKLF, but rejected by Hizbul-Mujahideen (dominant group). Moreover, Independence is thought as the third option by India and Pakistan, because India, Pakistan and China believe that an independent Kashmir would set a bad precedent for the balkanization of other restive areas of ethnic minorities in their respective states, and would become the hot bed of Western powers.

  • Division: India favors the division of Kashmir along the present Line of Control, but this proposal is not acceptable to Kashmiris and Pakistan. Another option is to divide on religious grounds, which seems much better and practicable because Kashmir's population is much polarized on religious grounds.

  • UN Trusteeship: Some scholars want to put Kashmir under trusteeship of the UN for five or ten years, to arrange a plebiscite. But Past record of the UN is not good in settling issues of third world countries like Iraq, Palestine etc. Moreover, both the countries would not agree on it.

  • UN Resolution: UNSC's Resolution of April 21, 1948 proposed a package deal comprising three sections; withdrawal of forces, plebiscite and interim government in Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan raised several objections to the plebiscite scheme.

Conclusion: Kashmir has been a bone of contention between two nuclear countries polarized in the name of the religion. It is the duty of the United Nations, European Union, Russia, China and Muslim world to resolve the Kashmir issue for the sake of international peace. Various solutions have been tried but failed. That’s why there is only one option left to apply; division on religious population base as of India in 1947.

Separation of Powers by Montesquieu | Checks and Balances system

    Separation of Powers theory was firstly given by the French political scientist Montesquieu in his book The Spirit of the Laws. After revolution and independence from the British, the founding fathers of America included the system of separation of powers in their Constitution.

Separation of Powers: As we know, every government consists of three branches; legislative, executive and judiciary in a government. According to the theory of Separation of Powers every branch of the government is separated from other two branches and is free from their interference. It prevents the concentration of powers in one branch or the dictatorship of one branch over others. This theory provides the bases for the Checks and Balances system. 


Checks and Balances: According to the Checks and Balances system principle, every branch has power to to limit the power and influence of the other two branches This creates a balance among three branches of the government and prevents the hegemony of the one branch over the others.


How does the Checks and Balances system work in the USA?

  • Congress (Legislative) can impeach the President, civil servants and the judges for their misconduct. Appointment of judges and approval of the treaties, meetings and appointments by the President require approval by the Senate. Moreover, the Congress can override a Presidential veto with 2/3rd majority.
  • The President (Executive) can veto a bill and appoints supreme court judges.
  • The Supreme Court (Judiciary) has the power of Judicial Review. Hence the Supreme Court has power to declare a law unconstitutional, if it contradicts the Constitution.

Conclusion: Above discussion proves the upper hand of the Congress over all the departments. This is a good thing that the public elected representatives hold power more than the other departments which is a good sign for a healthy democracy. Moreover, the separation of powers is suitable in the USA's (United States of America) Presidential system for maintaining a checks and balances system.


Energy Crisis in Pakistan | Critical Analysis

Shortage of energy in Pakistan has been a hot issue since her birth. In contrast to the evils of the Cold War between the USA and Russia, there were some opportunities too, and the construction of dams in Pakistan was one among these. Pakistan has been facing an energy crisis for many years. High cost of fossil fuels has increased the energy price and caused an economic crisis.

There are multiple causes behind the energy crisis in Pakistan, some of these are the following;

  • Poor economy since 1947

  • Lack of political will

  • High cost of fossil fuels

  • Overpopulation

  • Luxury lifestyle

  • Electricity theft

  • Less Dams

  • Lag behind Science & Technology

  • Absence of solar panel manufacturing industry in the country.

According to the NEPRA’s current report, Pakistan is generating energy from the following resources;

Source

Percent

Thermal (fossil fuels - oil, gas, coal, etc.)

63%

Hydro (Dams)

25%

Nuclear

6.5%

Renewable (solar, wind, biomass)

5.5%

To counter the energy crisis, the Government of Pakistan aims to achieve 60% energy from renewable resources and hydro power plants by 2030. In this regard, wind power plants are being installed in coastal areas of the country. It is pertinent to mention here that public and private buildings are converting to renewable energy i.e. solar energy. Moreover, net-metering policy by the government has encouraged the citizens to share their extra energy to the national grid.

For convenience, import duty tax has decreased or ended on renewable energy related material. Moreover, the government is subsidizing the renewable energy sector for the promotion of renewable energy in the country, so that the said target could be achieved by 2030.

     Furthermore, political will is the prerequisite to end the energy crisis in Pakistan. Current political activism by the youth of the country has proved that the public has started to participate in state affairs and for the development of the country. New dams are being constructed and soon they will be ready to bear the burden of heavy load. Moreover, the CPEC project will provide energy opportunities alongside economic opportunities. Although, manufacturing industries should be installed in the country for the construction of high quality solar panels at a low price.


      The above article covers the answers to the following past papers of CSS i.e. Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs;

  • Discuss the significance of renewable energy resources for Pakistan. (Pakistan Affairs-2021)
  • Pakistan's energy crisis was due to the lack of strategy and political will. Discuss. (Pakistan Affairs-2020)
  • What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Pakistan? What measure do you recommend to address it? (Pakistan Affairs-2019)
  • Explore the option of alternative energy resources to overcome the energy crisis in Pakistan. (Pakistan Affairs-2017)
  • Give a critical review of Pakistan Energy Policy 2013 – 2018. (Current Affairs-2019)
  • Critically appreciate the decision making in Pakistan regarding the energy crisis in Pakistan. (Current Affairs-2014)
  • Critically evaluate the causes of the Energy crisis in Pakistan and its consequences for the economic growth and social fabric in the country. (Current Affairs-2013)
  • How can the energy crisis of Pakistan be resolved? (Current Affairs-2012)