FPSC definitely targets subjects ; existence of this is beyond any doubt. Examiner does not want too many students to opt one subject. So, IR remained top priority in the year 2016. After which examiner targeted IR to discourage aspirants opting it. So, by now, a lot of aspirants have shifted from IR and it is safe, as per my assumptions, now to opt IR.
@Muhammad , you will get to know this subject target phenomenon once you take exam for once or twice.