Dear 45%-50% is the pass rate for Level 2 and Level 3 CFA exam on standalone basis; however, only 20% of the candidates clear all three exams. And with all due respect to all of us, the candidate pool of CFA exam is much more sophisticated than our exams. Anyways, comparing these test specifics was not the purpose of my question. I am actually interested to know what attraction these FPSC jobs offer and whether it seems appropriate to consider FPSC jobs if one has high earning job as mentioned before.

PhD is better

The IB is presented here like it's of no use. I have seen comments here on the forum about the agency, however, those are outdated. There needs to be re-examination of the role of IB; specifically post 'Mush' period.

For dictators it was a 'Useless' body. Neither Ayub nor Zia invested much in it. In Zia's reign ISI flourished because of Afghan Jihad and the doctrine of 'Strategic Depth'. Meanwhile, in 90s ISI took charge of the Mission Kashmir, giving less room to IB.

In Mushi's era of enlightened moderation even ISI was neglected. Mushi rather favored and trusted the MI more. Ahmed Shuja Pasha of 'Cross Swords' claims that on 'Lal Masjid' Mushi and ISI were not on same page. Similarly, Mushi also ditched his own Corp Commanders specifically the ISI chief then in 2001, General Mahmood I guess, who wasn't in favor of surrendring completely to the demands of the US. In such scenario MI was favored more, its powers enhanced. MI used to call shots and ISI was not even taken into account, as Mushi feared the rightists in it. IB then was no more than a 'Sarkari Akhbar' as pointed by a story of Dawn in 2009.

What's the role post Mushi?

The democratic set up has tried to revamp it. The body lacked staff, and we're witnessing hiring in it for last some years now. PPP even used it in Punjab against PML-N. Currently, Mian is enhancing the capacity of the agency by providing new technology, the agency has opened a fund as well for the employees that will cater their medical, educational and post retirement life.

The IB is the only agency which can eradicate terrorism, extremism from the state. It's their duty to secure the interior, provide not only actionable intelligence but also policy guide-lines on the internal security matters. Unfortunately, it was never allowed to flourish. Yunas Samad, a Professor of IR in Britian opines that unless it's empowered no matter how much you legislate and use Army, you won't achieve the desired results; complete halt of terrorist activities.

In simple terms: domain of the IB; internal. ISI; external. And MI; related to Military.

IB officials have to report directly to the PM. No intermediary. This makes the agency powerful than any other agency; even ISI in theory.

Why it couldn't work properly?

It lacked resources, staff, and power; as dictators undermined it.

What is expected now?

The recent news reports state that Mian is turning it into a 'Super Spy' body. The government has arranged equipment from Germany, the US and the UK. It's also reported in a story of Express Tribune that further resourses would be allocated to the officers in field. Minister for Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal recently in a media talk mentioned opening of IB offices in Gwadar, Hazara and GB.

To sum up, IB can play very effective role if it's domain & scope are clear. And further, other agencies also remain in their domain. The powers with IB are unique, however, it needs a strong boss who is the PM. If he's clear in vision IB would be automatically turned into a Super Spy.

The IB is presented here like it's of no use. I have seen comments here on the forum about the agency, however, those are outdated. There needs to be re-examination of the role of IB; specifically post 'Mush' period.

For dictators it was a 'Useless' body. Neither Ayub nor Zia invested much in it. In Zia's reign ISI flourished because of Afghan Jihad and the doctrine of 'Strategic Depth'. Meanwhile, in 90s ISI took charge of the Mission Kashmir, giving less room to IB.

In Mushi's era of enlightened moderation even ISI was neglected. Mushi rather favored and trusted the MI more. Ahmed Shuja Pasha of 'Cross Swords' claims that on 'Lal Masjid' Mushi and ISI were not on same page. Similarly, Mushi also ditched his own Corp Commanders specifically the ISI chief then in 2001, General Mahmood I guess, who wasn't in favor of surrendring completely to the demands of the US. In such scenario MI was favored more, its powers enhanced. MI used to call shots and ISI was not even taken into account, as Mushi feared the rightists in it. IB then was no more than a 'Sarkari Akhbar' as pointed by a story of Dawn in 2009.

What's the role post Mushi?

The democratic set up has tried to revamp it. The body lacked staff, and we're witnessing hiring in it for last some years now. PPP even used it in Punjab against PML-N. Currently, Mian is enhancing the capacity of the agency by providing new technology, the agency has opened a fund as well for the employees that will cater their medical, educational and post retirement life.

The IB is the only agency which can eradicate terrorism, extremism from the state. It's their duty to secure the interior, provide not only actionable intelligence but also policy guide-lines on the internal security matters. Unfortunately, it was never allowed to flourish. Yunas Samad, a Professor of IR in Britian opines that unless it's empowered no matter how much you legislate and use Army, you won't achieve the desired results; complete halt of terrorist activities.

In simple terms: domain of the IB; internal. ISI; external. And MI; related to Military.

IB officials have to report directly to the PM. No intermediary. This makes the agency powerful than any other agency; even ISI in theory.

Why it couldn't work properly?

It lacked resources, staff, and power; as dictators undermined it.

What is expected now?

The recent news reports state that Mian is turning it into a 'Super Spy' body. The government has arranged equipment from Germany, the US and the UK. It's also reported in a story of Express Tribune that further resourses would be allocated to the officers in field. Minister for Planning Commission Ahsan Iqbal recently in a media talk mentioned opening of IB offices in Gwadar, Hazara and GB.

To sum up, IB can play very effective role if it's domain & scope are clear. And further, other agencies also remain in their domain. The powers with IB are unique, however, it needs a strong boss who is the PM. If he's clear in vision IB would be automatically turned into a Super Spy.

Ahmed this is exactly what I want to understand. Why do you say so? I'd appreciate if you can see my earlier post and advise what is the attraction of these AD IB, AD MoD jobs versus what I have. And if it is not attractive overall than why so many candidates in Pakistan go after these exams? Thanks.

Dear PhD is even better than CSS. The reason is simple; CSS is at national front while PhD is international. PhD makes you an international elite (academic).

Why candidates go after such exam?

These are better than any other job within Pakistan. Though we're living in a liberal world order where privare sector is booming, however, Pakistan has yet to achieve maturity. It's in the transition phase. State is still powerful and rich. Its jobs are stable compared to private sector that works on different projects only. So, people prefer state.

Further, some candidates are deeply motivated to do something for their state. Notwithstanding, these are very few.

AD MoD: ISI should be headed by a Civilian, however, there is a monopoly of Military. All important posts are reserved by those. In theory, they should report to PM. But in practice they report to Army Chief. My friends within Army say; "Jis fouji ne kuch nai karna hota wo ISI chala jata ha."

IB: Yet to be seen whether it's allowed to work freely.

If you have a chance of PhD you must avail it. Raza Rumi, Moeed Pirzada, Musharaf Zaidi and few others have even left the CSS the most sought after thing in Pakistan. Probably, they could earn more in the private sector and their soul wasn't corrupt.

Anyhow, by saying this it doesn't mean that I am demotivating aspirants. I have just compared few things. CSS, IB, MoD, FIA will remain best jobs in Pakistan. And many clean souls are satisfied withing the pay package provided by the state.

Yeah, I know doctors earn round 10,000 $ a month in US and very early in their career. It doesn't make any sense for these persons to do CSS he's already earning more than a grade 22 Secretary.