Current & Pakistan Affairs
 

Dear all,

As we take up this difficult yet surmountable endeavor, I believe it is of critical importance that we come together and help each other out. For that matter, I have a proposition to make. I want to start a discussion thread where all of us can come together, discuss and debate about issues of importance to the world in general, and Pakistan in specific. For that reason, I would like to make this thread into one where we must strive to indulge and spark discussions on different topics. I believe by doing so, we can hit two (in fact, 3-4) birds with one stone - we can not only learn, discuss and refine our views about current & Pakistan affairs, we will also be able to practice our English writing skills on a daily basis by contributing productively to this thread (which in turn would benefit us for English essay and grammar papers). Hence, I propose the following rules:

1. Please bring up a topic which is relevant to Current & Pakistan affairs. Don't post generic topics. Be specific - pose a specific question, if you possibly can, to spark a debate.

2. Be respectful. There is a thin line between productive discussion and arguing just for the sake of argument. Our great goal must be learn and improve by indulging in such an exercise.

3. Seek others' help. There is no shame in admitting that you aren't as knowledgable about one topic as you might be for others. Don't hesitate to pose questions and ask for clarifications. However, the goal must not be to learn off more active members. If you don't know about an issue, do you research, brainstorm the topic, and eventually indulge in debate to form a refined opinion.

4. Please only post in English. Don't interpret this statement as me beng disrespectful towards our national and regional languages. However, if you are no opting for these languages in your optional subjects, you won't be using them in your exams at all. Hence, let us grab this opportunity to not only learn more about current affairs, but also practice and improve our writing skills.

5. Please bring others into the discussion. More viewpoints will provide you with more food for thought. And the more you have to consider, more opportunities you'll have to learn and form a solid opinion.

Please feel free to provide your feedback to my proposition. For all those who are in favor of this proposition, let us not waste time and get started. In my next post, I will provide you with my (brief) background and pose a question for the sake of discussion. In your posts, kindly provide your background as well and then leave your thoughts on the subject I bring up. Feel free to include other ideas and topics of discussion.

Thank you.

Regards,
Ahmed

P.S: Thoughts, suggestions, feedback and guidance from the seniors and moderators will be much appreciated.

Background:

My name is Ahmed Jawad and I am from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. I am currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Economics and Political Science (with a concentration in International Relations) from a liberal arts college in the U.S. I am graduating in May 2013 and as the group suggests, planning to take my CSS exams in 2014. I haven't firmly decided on my optional subjects but with every passing day, I am tilting more and more towards opting the following:
1. Islamic History and Culture
2. Psychology
3. Business Administration
4. Journalism

I aspire to get into the Foreign Service of Pakistan and this cadre shall top my list of preferred cadre when I am filling out the application form. I am very confident that my second choice would be DMG. However, I haven't decided about my third choice and so on.

Proposed topic of discussion:

Do you believe that judiciary is justified in persecuting former President General Pervez Musharraf? Do you believe the charges against him are justified?

P.S: Once again, seniors and moderators are requested to intervene and guide us for our discussion. I am not very knowledgable about the kind of issues that we might get tested on, hence we would need all the guidance from you guys to nudge us in the right direction.

You can discuss Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs issues related to CSS in [URL="http://www.cssforum.com.pk/general/discussion/"]Discussion Section[/URL].

Dear Ahmad You are doing quite good job, keep it up as most of us will be benefitted from this thread.

Your suggestion to initiate debate and discussion in writing format is good. In fact, I agree that it will enhance not only our writing expression but also we will be able to exchange views regarding multiple issues.

Musharraf's Trial is a hot debate circulating in media and society. Whether it is justifiable or not? Musharraf is under trial on the basis of acts he did in his ruling period. Imposition of emergency, deposition of judiciary, and acts like attack on Lal Masjid were the common ones which played crucial role in the defamation of Musharraf. His return to Pakistan, after long time, thouhg he knew the expected reaction was a brave step. In my opinion, as long as, judiciary is playing role within its defined limits in the context of dealing with the cases of Musharraf, it is justifiable.

[QUOTE=Shooting Star;590291]You can discuss Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs issues related to CSS in [URL="http://www.cssforum.com.pk/general/discussion/"]Discussion Section[/URL].[/QUOTE]
Thank you for your response. I saw the aforementioned thread earlier. As interesting and informative that thread might be, I am under the impression that everyone (junior, senior CSP etc) are encouraged to post their views. I am looking for more of a forum where CSS 2014 aspirants can come together and exchange ideas and views. I hope that I'm not proposing anything against the policies of these forums.

[QUOTE=ajawad;590513]Thank you for your response. I saw the aforementioned thread earlier. As interesting and informative that thread might be, I am under the impression that everyone (junior, senior CSP etc) are encouraged to post their views. I am looking for more of a forum where CSS 2014 aspirants can come together and exchange ideas and views. I hope that I'm not proposing anything against the policies of these forums.[/QUOTE]

How can you manage so many topics in one thread? All the information will get hotch-potch and no one will be able to get the clue of whats going on.
I suggested that section because of several reasons. Sole purpose of that section is discussion. On going discussions and debates can be easliy tracked down in that section. You can make different threads for different topics which ensures that no information gets mixed up hence it will create less confusion.
It will be much better if everyone including CSP Officers, senior and junior members participate in those threads. But if you still want response of CE-2014 aspirants exclusively then you can mention this requirement in your posts.

[QUOTE=Shooting Star;590554]How can you manage so many topics in one thread? All the information will get hotch-potch and no one will be able to get the clue of whats going on.
I suggested that section because of several reasons. Sole purpose of that section is discussion. On going discussions and debates can be easliy tracked down in that section. You can make different threads for different topics which ensures that no information gets mixed up hence it will create less confusion.
It will be much better if everyone including CSP Officers, senior and junior members participate in those threads. But if you still want response of CE-2014 aspirants exclusively then you can mention this requirement in your posts.[/QUOTE]
Your reasoning does make a lot of sense. Thank you, I shall proceed with my discussion in the aforementioned thread.

[QUOTE=Shehla malik;590501]Your suggestion to initiate debate and discussion in writing format is good. In fact, I agree that it will enhance not only our writing expression but also we will be able to exchange views regarding multiple issues.

Musharraf's Trial is a hot debate circulating in media and society. Whether it is justifiable or not? Musharraf is under trial on the basis of acts he did in his ruling period. Imposition of emergency, deposition of judiciary, and acts like attack on Lal Masjid were the common ones which played crucial role in the defamation of Musharraf. His return to Pakistan, after long time, thouhg he knew the expected reaction was a brave step. In my opinion, as long as, judiciary is playing role within its defined limits in the context of dealing with the cases of Musharraf, it is justifiable.[/QUOTE]
Respecting the wishes of our moderator, I suggest we should take the discussion on the forum suggested. We shall continue the debate there.