NPC Elections 2026-27: How Hubris, Internal Divisions, and a Demand for Accountability Ended the Journalist Panel’s 20-Year Dominance

The surprise outcome of the National Press Club Elections for 2026-2027 has not only broken the two-decade-long monopoly of the Journalist Panel but has also ushered in a strict mandate for deliverance for The Democrats. With the newly elected panel now holding both the presidency and secretary slots, the outcome signals a sharp departure from business as usual, and places the incoming leadership under strict pressure to deliver tangible reform within a one-year tenure.

ISLAMABAD: The annual elections at the National Press Club (NPC) have upended decades of political continuity within one of Pakistan’s most influential journalist bodies. The results brought a definitive end to the Journalist Panel’s long-running dominance, elevating the opposition Democrats Panel to the club’s top slots.

Journalists from Dunya News, while talking to this scribe point to a convergence of structural failures, internal dysfunction, and shifting voter behaviuor that collectively sealed the panel’s fate. Below is a critical examination of the key factors behind its defeat.

Internal Dissidence: A House Divided

The Journalist Panel’s collapse was accelerated from within. Long-simmering discontent among its own ranks, voiced by figures such as Anwar Raza, Qurban Satti, and factions within the APP and Southern Punjab, shattered the appearance of unity. These internal fractures alienated core supporters and handed The Democrats a clear opening.

As Zafar Hashmi, chief reporter at Dunya News, noted, the Journalist Panel’s troubles were self-inflicted long before the first vote was cast. The panel’s presidential nomination was deeply controversial, with internal voices raising serious objections well ahead of election day, objections that were summarily dismissed by those at the helm. 

Rather than selecting a candidate capable of commanding broad-based support, the leadership doubled down on a choice that alienated key segments of their own voter base.

Even more damaging was the handling of the secretary slot. In a glaring lapse of judgement, the position was handed to a novice, selected not on merit or strategic calculation but through the influence of a few members within the panel. This decision reflected a broader pathology: the prioritisation of factional favouritism over electoral viability. 

The secretary candidate was not only politically inexperienced but also ill-equipped to shoulder the organisational weight of a campaign already under strain.

Crucially, both decisions were symptomatic of a unilateral decision-making structure in which Afzal Butt exercised near-total control, sidelining group members and disregarding their input and feedback.

Key choices were made in isolation, without the benefit of collective deliberation or internal accountability. Dissenting voices, far from being integrated into strategy, were treated as obstacles to be managed rather than signals to be heeded.

The result was predictable. The panel entered the election fragmented, its internal divisions laid bare, and its leadership politically exposed. In the absence of institutional checks within the group, there was no mechanism to correct course, no room for recalibration. By the time the campaign officially began, the damage had already been done, and the electorate took note.

A Campaign of Complacency

Where previous elections saw the Journalist Panel deploy structured campaigns, this year’s effort was strikingly lacklustre. No clear manifesto was presented. Outreach remained minimal, and messaging offered little beyond vague rhetoric. Voters, accustomed to promises of continuity, were given no compelling reason to remain loyal.

This strategic vacuum allowed The Democrats to frame themselves as the only credible alternative, one backed by a clear reform agenda and a visible commitment to institutional accountability.

Overconfidence After Two Decades of Control

Twenty years of uninterrupted rule bred a fatal complacency. The panel assumed traditional loyalties would carry the day, neglecting grassroots engagement and dismissing early signs of voter discontent. This arrogance left them unprepared for an electorate increasingly willing to break with old allegiances.

Accumulated Grievances: Years of Neglect Come Due

For nearly two decades, club members watched facilities decline, communication from leadership evaporate, and grievances accumulate without redress. Complaints about administrative neglect, elite capture, and detachment from rank-and-file journalists were routinely ignored. This reservoir of frustration made the electorate receptive to any opposition that promised accountability, a space The Democrats successfully occupied.

The Collapse of Panel-Based Voting

A fundamental shift in voting behaviuor further undermined the Journalist Panel. For the first time in years, journalists cast ballots based on individual credibility rather than panel affiliation. Personal reputation, accessibility, and track record outweighed traditional loyalties.

As Aslam Lurka, Syed Qaisar Abbas Shah, Sohail Khan, and SM Zaman observed, this marked a clear departure from past voting patterns, one that directly benefited The Democrats, who fielded candidates with strong independent followings.

Scrutiny of the Voters List: A Level Playing Field

Administrative reform played a decisive role. Rigorous scrutiny of the electoral roll led to the removal of thousands of fake journalist entries, a long-standing mechanism that had historically inflated the Journalist Panel’s vote bank. With genuine voters now forming the electorate, the panel could no longer rely on manufactured majorities.

Dr. Zahid Awan, sports journalist and columnist for Dunya News, noted that the results reflected a direct backlash from legitimate voters against the previous regime’s promotion of fake voters.

Failure to Defend Journalists’ Rights

Perhaps most damaging was the Journalist Panel’s perceived failure to defend press freedom and journalist welfare during critical moments. Last year’s controversial police raid on the Press Club, during which law enforcement entered the premises without authorisation and assaulted journalists, became a watershed.

Many members viewed the panel’s response as tepid and insufficient, eroding trust in its ability to protect institutional autonomy.

This failure became a rallying point for The Democrats, who campaigned on a promise of assertive leadership in defending the club’s dignity and its members’ rights.

Unity as the Democrats’ Strategic Advantage

In contrast to previous opposition efforts, often fractured by individual ambitions, The Democrats forged a rare and disciplined coalition under the leadership of veteran journalist Tariq Usmani. This unity allowed them to present a cohesive alternative, channeling widespread dissatisfaction into a focused electoral challenge.

The Results: A Historic Shift

The Democrats secured key victories across major positions:

Position	Winner	Margin / Context
President	Abdul Razaq Sial	15 votes (against Nayyar Ali)
Secretary	Dr. Furqan Rao	Significant victory
Vice Presidents	Two slots secured	Strategic wins in competitive races

With approximately 2,200 votes polled, the presidential margin of just 15 votes underscores how tightly contested the election was, and how each factor above proved decisive in tipping the balance.

Turnout stood at 65 percent, a figure considered resilient given that the elections were held during Ramadan, with many journalists unable to vote due to unavoidable circumstances.

Broader Implications: Accountability Arrives at the Press Club

This election transcends a simple change of office-bearers. It signals:

·         A demand for accountability: Journalists expect their own institutions to model the transparency they advocate for in governance.

·         The end of dynastic complacency: Long-term dominance is no longer a guarantee of electoral success.

·         The power of institutional reform: Cleaning the voters’ list fundamentally altered the electoral landscape.

·         A shift toward merit: Voting based on individual capability has overtaken blind panel loyalty.

A Mandate, Not a Gift

The Democrats’ victory carries weighty expectations. Members who voted for change will now demand visible improvements in club facilities, governance, communication, and the institution’s role as a defender of press freedom. Whether this moment becomes a genuine turning point or merely a change of faces will depend entirely on the new leadership’s ability to deliver.

What remains beyond dispute is the message sent by Islamabad’s journalist community: after two decades of unfulfilled promises and institutional drift, accountability has finally arrived at the National Press Club.

Mahtab Bashir is an Islamabad-based journalist and can be reached at 0333 53 63 248.

ISLAMABAD’S PRIDE: POPO FOOTBALL CLUB – WHERE LOCAL TALENT FINDS GLOBAL WINGS

KEY POINTS

• ‘Popo’: The moniker that evolved from university halls to football fields.
• Grassroots focus pays off as the club becomes a critical feeder for Pakistan U-19 and U-16 teams, instilling pride by seeing players don national colours.
• In 2022, a partnership with SKA Brasil sends two players and a coach to South America, offering life-changing global exposure unmatched by any other Pakistani club.
• Selected players receive world-class coaching, creating a nurturing environment where football dreams are built on a foundation of care. 

ISLAMABAD: In a country where cricket often drowns out the rhythm of other sports, a different kind of passion is being nurtured on the lush green fields of the federal capital.

In the world of football, where legends are born and legacies are built, there exists in Pakistan a club that stands unparalleled. It is a sanctuary for young, aspiring footballers, a place where the beautiful game is not just played but is lived with an unmatched fervour.

This is the story of Popo Football Club, a tale woven with threads of dedication, dreams, and the indomitable spirit of its founder.

A Labour of Love: More Than Just a Club

For the football-loving youth of Pakistan, the 21st century brought with it a new ray of hope. Nestled in the heart of Islamabad, the country's most beautiful city, lies POPO FC, a club that has become synonymous with exceptional, praiseworthy, and world-class training. It is a place where raw talent is chiselled into professional skill.

The respect for this institution is so profound that even rival clubs, in their own gatherings, sing praises of the remarkable work being done here. And the credit for this beacon of hope rests squarely on the shoulders of one man: a man of steel, known to the world as Haris bin Haroon, affectionately called Popo.

The Man Behind the Mission: From Lecturer to Mentor

The story of POPO FC is not one of corporate sponsorships or inherited wealth; it is a story of personal sacrifice and a deep-seated love for the game.

It began in 2012 with Haris bin Haroon, then a business lecturer at International Islamic University, Islamabad. It was here that his students, inspired by his teaching style, gave him the nickname 'Popo', a moniker that would one day become a symbol of footballing excellence in Pakistan.

What started as a small team participating in local Islamabad tournaments soon blossomed into a vision. Haroon saw beyond the makeshift goals and dusty grounds; he saw the potential in Pakistan's youth.

His vision was to create a formal academy, a home for young talent, leading to the official establishment of the POPO Football Club academy.

Nurturing Dreams, One Player at a Time

The true measure of POPO FC's success is not just in the trophies it holds, but in the hearts it has shaped.

The club’s primary focus has always been on grassroots development. This commitment bore fruit in 2019 when the club became a critical feeder for the national side, producing numerous outstanding players for both the Pakistan U-19 and U-16 teams as they prepared for the 2020 AFC Championship qualifiers.

The pride of seeing their boys don the national colours is a feeling that resonates deeply within the club's walls.

The professional debut in the 2020 PFF National Challenge Cup was a testimony to their youth-centric approach. They played with the fearless spirit of underdogs, securing a memorable 2-1 victory against Safe Tax in their very first match. Though they didn't advance past the group stage, they had made their mark, proving they belonged on the bigger stage.

A Dream Realised: The Brazilian Connection

For any footballer, playing in Brazil is a fantasy. For the young men at POPO FC, that fantasy became a breathtaking reality in 2022.

In a landmark partnership with Futebol Clube SKA Brasil, the club sent two of its finest, Waleed Khan and Muhammad Rizwan, along with coach Shehzad Anwar, to train and play with the Brazilian club's U-20 side.

It was a moment of profound validation, not just for the players, but for the entire POPO FC family, a tangible sign that their hard work was being recognised on a global scale. No other club in Pakistan has been able to offer its young talents such a life-changing opportunity.

The Heartbeat of the Academy: A Family Affair

Walk into a POPO FC training session, and you will witness a scene of pure, unadulterated passion. Coaches, trained in the club's own philosophy, work tirelessly side-by-side with their founder. They dedicate their body, mind, and soul ('tan, mann, dhan') to the boys.

For three hours every morning and evening, they don't just teach football; they mentor young men, sharing the intricate secrets and soul of the game.

The club’s commitment to its players goes beyond the pitch. Every year, trials are announced on social media, drawing the best talent from the four corners of the country.

The chosen few, aged between 16 and 23, are given a home. POPO FC covers all their expenses, accommodation, education, and food, so they can focus entirely on their dream.

This holistic, nurturing environment is the secret ingredient to the club’s success, a model of care and dedication that remains unmatched in Pakistan.

An Unmatched Legacy of Love and Labour

POPO Football Club is more than just a name; it is a movement. It is a testament to what can be achieved when one man’s passion ignites the dreams of many.

It is a story of Haris bin Haroon, the former lecturer who chose to invest in the future of Pakistan’s youth. His unique approach to preparing young talent for the world stage is an honor not just for him, but for the entire nation.

As the world watches the fruits of this labour unfold on international fields, one thing is clear: in the heart of Islamabad, a footballing revolution is being powered by love, dedication, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dreams.

All our love and support for POPO FC.

A LOVE'S ETERNAL SEAL: CRISTIANO RONALDO'S DEVOTED TRIBUTE TO GEORGINA ON HER BIRTHDAY

In a celebration that mirrored the warmth of their bond, Georgina Rodríguez’s 32nd birthday was adorned with tokens of deep affection and unwavering loyalty from her fiancé, a football star, Cristiano Ronaldo. The day transformed into a heartfelt sonnet, composed of cherished gifts and sincere devotion.

Marking her 32nd birthday, Portuguese legend pays a heartfelt tribute to Georgina Rodriguez

The most poignant symbol was a magnificent Rolex Lady-Datejust, a £45,000 emblem of timeless commitment. With a dial blooming in passionate red ombré, a bezel set with diamonds that sparkled like constant admiration, and a band of steadfast gold, the watch was presented in its iconic green box, a moment Georgina lovingly shared with the world.

Beside it, her stunning 30-carat engagement ring, a £2.6 million testament to eternal fidelity, shone brightly as their promise made tangible.

Cristiano, the epitome of a devoted partner, poured out his affection on social media with a tender photo from a candlelit embrace, captioned simply: “Happy birthday to the woman of my life!”,a public vow of the heart.

Their family, the very cornerstone of their shared life, infused the day with pure affection. The couple’s children presented a handmade pink sign declaring, “Happy Birthday Mama. Te Amo Mucho,” its innocent words a symbol of the love that surrounds her.

This new treasure will join Georgina’s collection, yet its true worth is sentimental, a lasting emblem of a chapter in a love story that began with a fateful meeting in 2016.

From that spark grew an unbreakable bond, a family, and a partnership built on mutual admiration and loyalty.

Cristiano once revealed the profound sincerity of their commitment, noting Georgina’s tears were not for the ring, but for the heartfelt emotion behind the proposal. Their engagement was sealed with Georgina’s own vow of eternal loyalty: “Yes I do. In this and all my lives.”

More than an exhibition of luxury, this birthday was a lavish, loving ode, a celebration of a devotion that is, in every sense, everlasting.

Mahtab Bashir is a journalist based in Islamabad, reachable at mahtabbashir@gmail.com or 0333 53 63 248.

IS YOUR RESEARCH ASSISTANT ACTUALLY SABOTAGING YOUR PAPER? THE HIDDEN RISK OF AI CHATBOTS

Mahtab Bashir

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Islamabad

Experts from academia, tech, and policy have warned that the reflexive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots is quietly undermining the integrity of research, cautioning that these tools, despite their utility, are propagating serious inaccuracies, encouraging intellectual complacency, and obscuring the path to trustworthy scholarship.

A recent UK survey underscores a seismic shift in higher education, revealing that a staggering 92% of students now regularly use generative AI tools, a dramatic surge from 66% just a year prior.

This integration into daily academic life presents a pressing question for researchers and institutions alike: is AI a transformative boon for scholarship or a fundamental threat to intellectual rigour?

In conversations with this scribe, a broad coalition of professionals, from educators and media figures to researchers, students, think tank officials, IT experts, and policymakers, shared a common fear. They worry that heavy reliance on AI-generated content could foster a generation skilled at compiling information but lacking the ability to analyse critically, synthesise concepts, or generate truly original ideas.

Dr. Tariq Banuri, former chairman Higher Education Commission Pakistan, an economist and expert on climate change, stated that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not new, the recent advent of Generative AI (GAI) tools marks a significant step toward human-like intelligence, or Artificial General Intelligence. 

He views this development as largely positive, though he acknowledges two categories of criticism: evaluative and apocalyptic.

Evaluative concerns, he explained, focus on the immediate difficulty of distinguishing between human creativity and machine-generated content. This poses challenges in areas like grading academic work or verifying digital evidence. His solution is to adapt our evaluation methods rather than reject the technology.

The apocalyptic criticism, while currently speculative, warns of a future where super-intelligent machines could surpass and endanger humanity, akin to dystopian science fiction. He noted this as a potential long-term issue but not an immediate reality.

Dr. Banuri described AI as a "stimulus technology" capable of boosting economic growth, productivity, and competitiveness. For Pakistan, he recommended two key policy responses: first, to stop disruptive internet shutdowns that drive businesses abroad, and second, to stimulate demand for GAI services, particularly in data generation and privacy.

While the private sector will naturally adopt GAI for efficiency, the government should modernise its own operations. Although some departments already use AI chatbots for drafting documents, resistance remains when it comes to enhancing transparency and reducing corruption, areas where Dr. TB urged proactive reform.

He emphasised that ethical guidelines for researchers, such as proper attribution of authorship, remain essential.

TORCH Global visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, UK, Dr. Fouzia Farooq, stated that acceptance of AI chatbots as research aids is essential for progress. 

She argued that instead of researchers exhausting effort to prove the originality of their work, they must acknowledge the reality of AI and focus on showcasing their unique intellectual contribution beyond automated outputs.

She noted that Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) has integrated AI detection into its anti-plagiarism policy, which has instilled caution among researchers. While this sets a baseline, Dr. Farooq believes regulatory measures can only go so far. 

According to her, AI has revolutionised research methodologies, especially in fields like statistical analysis and data projection, but its integration into qualitative domains such as literature and art will take longer. The advent of AI, she said, has fundamentally shifted global research metrics, demanding an evolution in academic values and methods.

Dr. Farooq emphasised that with AI handling preliminary tasks, researchers should now focus on higher-order thinking and innovation. However, in societies like Pakistan, where research culture is underdeveloped, there is a risk of over-dependence, outsourcing entire projects to AI, which she called 'very wrong'.

Her advice was to 'make AI our slave, not our master', acknowledging that while AI offers significant benefits, it also poses a danger of encouraging intellectual laziness, particularly in work-shy communities. 

A key challenge, she highlighted, is learning how to frame meaningful questions and interpret AI-generated answers critically. If the entire question-and-answer cycle becomes AI-mediated, research could become “lifeless and without experience.”

Dr. Ilhan Niaz, a senior professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, warned that for university students, AI chatbots have become an "ultimate cheat code." 

He cautions that by allowing AI to generate assignments, leaving students to only "tweak" the output, we risk creating a generation that loses the fundamental skill of writing, a key activity for developing brainpower and critical thinking. This could trap students in a vicious cycle where reduced intellectual effort leads to greater dependence on AI, progressively diminishing human analytical ability.

For academics, he observed, AI can similarly serve as a convenient tool for aggregating information and producing text that is then presented as original work. He described a dystopian vision of the near-future university: a place where professors use AI to create lectures, and students use AI to complete assignments, resulting in a hollow educational experience.

While acknowledging AI’s legitimate and powerful applications, such as in medical diagnostics and processing astronomical data, Dr. Niaz described it as the 'lazy person’s dream come true' for everyday research and education. He raised concerns about the internet becoming flooded with indistinguishable AI-generated content.

His prescription is strict, sector-specific regulation. He argued that to prevent harm, AI use must be limited to fields where it demonstrably does more good than harm, such as medicine and data science, while being restricted in humanities disciplines like history and philosophy. He also called for formal "AI co-authorship" crediting mechanisms.

Dr. Niaz asserted that without treating AI as a carefully rationed public good aimed at collective well-being, sustainable and effective governance of the technology will be impossible. He noted that Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) faces a significant challenge, as the current educational model is ill-equipped to adapt to AI's disruptive presence.

A faculty member of IT department of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Humza Farooq, explained that because AI tools are now hard to spot and control, many universities are stopping the use of take-home essays. Instead, some are bringing back oral exams, where students have to talk through and defend their ideas right then and there.

The reason is straightforward: AI can write neat essays, but it can’t answer unexpected follow-up questions or show it really understands a topic when put on the spot. With an oral exam, it’s much tougher for students to use outside help.

Humza also points out that AI-detection software has proven unreliable, sometimes flagging original student work incorrectly. Face-to-face assessment removes this uncertainty by focusing on direct interaction.

Beyond academic integrity, supporters argue this method builds essential real-world skills, such as clear communication, critical thinking, and the ability to explain complex ideas on the spot.

Dr. Munawar Hussain, an expert in international relations and social media, noted that AI has introduced a degree of laziness into today's student population. In the past, students dedicated significant effort to tasks like reading books, analysing research papers, conducting interviews, and performing content analysis. Today, similar information is accessible with just one click.

He recognised the advantages: AI saves both time and money for many, minimising the need for extensive manual research. 

However, Dr. Hussain highlights serious downsides. Primarily, the essential ability to work directly with raw data, verify facts, and discern patterns is being eroded. Secondly, researchers are growing less capable of producing original analysis, relying too heavily on AI-generated interpretations. Lastly, although AI is useful for brainstorming early research ideas, excessive dependence on it curbs independent thinking.

Dr. Hussain summarised AI's influence as a "mixed bag", offering clear efficiencies while posing significant threats to the cultivation of critical and analytical skills.

Saima Faheem, a researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, warns that a significant yet overlooked risk of using AI chatbots in research is cognitive rather than factual.

She explained that the quick, confident answers they provide can erode essential research habits, such as verifying sources, questioning assumptions, and tolerating uncertainty, by making inquiry feel deceptively smooth.

The core danger, Faheem noted, is not just AI errors, but the user’s declining vigilance in detecting them. She emphasised that AI chatbot remains valuable only when it critically supports, rather than replaces, human judgment.

A postdoctoral researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium, Dr. Faheem Siddiqui, argued that AI is fundamentally reshaping academic research. He believes that while the technology presents a mix of advantages and disadvantages, the overall benefits are greater.

He pointed to two primary ways academics can use AI effectively. First, by automating repetitive tasks to boost productivity and free up time for more complex, intellectually demanding work. Second, he highlighted the importance of understanding that AI tools are trained on existing data and can be prone to providing biased or user-pleasing answers. 

Mastering 'prompt engineering', the skill of crafting precise inputs, is therefore crucial for obtaining objective and useful results from these chatbots.

Siddiqui offered clear guidance for responsible use: researchers should utilise AI as an aid in their work and publications, but they must maintain ultimate responsibility for their final output. 

He warned against using AI in the peer review process, arguing that removing the essential human judgement from evaluating new research could be detrimental to scientific progress in the long term.

Muhammad Usman Farooq, an Islamabad-based Information Technology expert, characterised AI as an 'indispensable research assistant' for academics. For students and junior researchers, it functions as a 'tireless, instant co-pilot', streamlining tasks like literature reviews, paper summarisation, coding, and idea generation, thereby accelerating workflows and clarifying complex subjects.

However, this efficiency is not without significant pitfalls. Farooq pointed to AI's capacity to 'fantasise', generating plausible yet entirely fabricated citations and information, which jeopardises the integrity of academic work. 

He further cautions that excessive dependence on AI risks corroding the profound analytical reasoning that is the hallmark of genuine scholarship, potentially yielding results that are 'superficially competent but intellectually hollow.'

A media practitioner and expert on governance, AI, and security, Dr. Saeed Minhas Ahmed,  acknowledged that AI has dramatically increased research speed, enabling faster literature reviews, data synthesis, and methodological testing, while boosting overall productivity.

However, he warned that without proper oversight, its unchecked use threatens to produce superficial research, standardised thinking, and degrade critical analysis. The core problem, he argues, is not AI, but the lack of accountability in how it is used. 

For society to truly benefit, regulatory bodies, like Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), must set strict standards for quality, transparency, and intellectual ownership, similar to existing plagiarism policies.

He emphasised that AI must serve strictly as an assistant in scholarly work, not as a replacement for human judgement. Institutions should implement clear policies requiring the disclosure of AI use, limiting its role to technical tasks like language editing or data organisation, and strictly prohibiting AI from constructing arguments or generating theories without human verification.

The HEC, he suggested, could take a leading role by developing AI-audit systems, training reviewers to identify AI-generated content, and embedding ethical guidelines into research assessment.

Dr. Minhas advocated for a hybrid scholarly model, where human researchers lead theoretical development, fieldwork, and critical interpretation, supported by AI for efficiency and scalability. 

He insists that peer review, archival rigour, and methodological integrity must remain human-centred processes, with AI acting only as a tool to augment, not replace, research skill. This balanced approach, he said, maintains intellectual depth while adapting to new technologies.

Experts agreed AI is a transformative but double-edged tool for research. Its benefit depends entirely on human oversight. Moving forward, researchers must master this new skill, approaching AI with both excitement and sharp scrutiny, balancing its power with indispensable human judgement.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and holds an MPhil in International Relations from Quaid-i-Azam University.

DARE-RC SUMMIT CALLS FOR EVIDENCE-LED TRANSFORMATION IN PAKISTAN’S EDUCATION

• The two-day DARE-RC International Education Summit stressed that data, research, and classroom realities must guide education policy in Pakistan.
• Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted evidence-based planning and stable leadership as essential for sustainable education reform.
• British High Commissioner Jane Marriott warned that without quality teaching and strong schools, Pakistan’s children may reach only 41% of their potential.
• International experts and development partners emphasised equity, inclusion, and climate resilience as core education priorities.
• The summit concluded with a commitment to stronger collaboration between government, universities, and partners to translate research into real classroom impact.

Mahtab Bashir 

mahtabbashir@gmail.com

0333 53 63 248

ISLAMABAD: The two-day “International Education Summit 2025” held under the Data and Research in Education, Research Consortium (DARE-RC), concluded with one strong and shared message: Pakistan’s education system can only improve if decisions are guided by facts, research, and real classroom realities.

Organised at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, the summit (December 17-18, 2025) brought together policymakers, researchers, and development partners from Pakistan and abroad to talk about how education can become more inclusive, stronger, and fair for every child.

Participants of the DARE-RC International Education Summit gather for a memorable group photo, celebrating collaboration, innovation, and global learning.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistan cannot reach its development goals without using data and research in education planning. He said policies must be based on evidence so schools can better respond to the needs of children and young people across the country.

Referring to a well-known book The Knowing–Doing Gap: How Smart Companies Turn Knowledge into Action by Stanford University professors Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton, published in 2000, Ahsan Iqbal, said, Pakistan must move beyond ideas and focus on action.

He noted that political instability in the country has caused serious setbacks, as frequent changes in governments disrupt continuity and make it difficult for policymakers to carry forward reforms.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal addresses the summit

Recalling the nuclear tests of May 28, 1998, Iqbal shared a personal interaction with Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and his team, during which he asked how such a major achievement was made possible. According to him, Dr. AQ Khan explained that the success was built on six core principles: a clear sense of purpose, stable leadership, merit-based systems, investment in human resources, availability of necessary resources, and institutional autonomy.

Federal minister concluded that when these elements are in place, institutions can progress and succeed far more rapidly.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott on the rostrum

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE also pointed to the learning crisis facing many children in Pakistan. She said strong teaching, reliable institutions, and evidence-based decisions are essential, especially to help the most disadvantaged children succeed.

“Many children in Pakistan face the serious risk of achieving only 41 percent of their potential over a full lifetime,” she said.

Abdur Rauf Khan, Country Director, Oxford Policy Management, Pakistan, said, "DARE-RC is a unique initiative that brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share knowledge and experiences. We are proud to be part of this consortium and look forward to continuing our work together to improve education outcomes in Pakistan."

DARE-RC Team Lead Dr Ehtasham Anwar said the summit created an important space for key stakeholders to come together and discuss the major challenges facing education in Pakistan. He added that DARE-RC remains committed to working closely with the government and partners to ensure that evidence is used to shape both policy and practice.

DARE-RC Team Lead Dr. Ehtasham Anwar

Equity and Inclusion Take Priority

The summit opened with a keynote by Professor Kamal Munir from the University of Cambridge, who highlighted the need to put fairness and equity at the centre of education reform. Discussions on the first day focused on issues such as gender gaps, disability inclusion, poverty, and the growing impact of climate change on education.

Experts from the World Bank, UNICEF, Sightsavers, and global universities agreed that Pakistan’s education system must include every learner and be prepared for future challenges.

Turning Research into Real Change

On the second day, attention shifted from ideas to action. Sessions focused on how research can improve teaching, support teachers, and strengthen accountability and governance.

Speakers emphasised the need to move “from evidence to action.” Policymakers from all provinces joined international experts to discuss teacher recruitment, performance monitoring, and system-level reforms that can make a real difference in classrooms.

Universities as Key Partners in Reform

A major takeaway from the closing session was the important role of universities in shaping education reform. Academic leaders shared their commitment to producing research that helps policymakers and to training future leaders who understand both research and practice.

More than 30 research studies supported by DARE-RC were shared, covering inclusion, social justice, teaching quality, education governance, and system resilience.

Working Together for Lasting Impact

In closing remarks, Sam Waldock from the British High Commission highlighted that lasting education reform depends on strong partnerships. Governments, universities, and development partners must work together to turn research into real change.

A Shared Vision for the Future

The summit ended with a shared commitment to build an education system that is fair, inclusive, and guided by evidence. 

Journalists pose with Dr. Tariq Banuri

Participants agreed that continued cooperation, investment in research, and close links between policy and practice are key to improving learning outcomes for all children.

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the DARE-RC programme will continue to support research-led education reform and help shape a better future for education in Pakistan.

HOW AND WHY PAKISTAN'S TOUGHEST EXAM CSS CONTINUES TO CRUSH ASPIRANTS?

· Experts say the real CSS challenge is the huge gap between university learning and exam expectations.
· The government’s limited demand for officers keeps the pass rate stuck around 2%.
· Language gaps, rote-learning, and outdated curricula leave most candidates unprepared.
· Scholars call for bilingual exams, analytical testing, and modernized subject structures.
· Systemic decline in education, especially in public institutions, directly fuels low CSS success rates.

Mahtab Bashir
0333 53 63 248
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) exam, the highest-tier competitive examination for recruiting bureaucrats into the country’s elite civil service, has consistently recorded a pass rate of barely 2 percent over the last few years, sparking widespread debate among academics, policymakers, and aspirants.

The stubbornly low CSS success rate is now viewed not just as a measure of the exam’s toughness, but as a symptom of deeper cracks within Pakistan’s educational and administrative systems.

In an effort to untangle this complex picture, this scribe reached out to key stakeholders to ask the hard questions: Is the problem rooted in government policy, flawed teaching methods, candidates’ misunderstanding of the exam, the vested interests of preparatory academies, or a broader collapse of the education system itself? The discussions also explored the path ahead and the essential art of mastering this high-stakes examination.

Former Consul General of Barcelona, ambassador, and ex-Director of the Common Training Program at Civil Services Academy, Lahore, Imran Ali, explained that the CSS exam pattern itself is not flawed; the real issue lies in the vast gap between what students learn at the bachelor’s level and the expectations of the exam. For the average student, this gap makes the exam exceptionally challenging.

Imran highlighted that improving CSS pass rates requires high-quality liberal learning. Bachelor’s and master’s programs in liberal arts subjects, such as political science, literature, and economics, etc must reach a high standard before students attempt the exam. In the short term, there is no simple fix. Another approach could be to reduce the exam’s diversity: by making it shorter and more focused on specific subjects, pass rates might improve.

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He emphasised that the CSS remains a tough test, largely because its standard sits between BA and MA levels, whereas the quality of undergraduate and graduate programmes has generally declined, making the exam appear harder. Also, the exam’s breadth adds to the difficulty: candidates must cover Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamiyat, English language and literature, three optional subjects, and even Everyday Science, making it extremely diverse and demanding.

Dr. Muhammad Mubeen, Tenured Associate Professor of Humanities at COMSATS University Islamabad, explained that CSS pass rates are largely dictated by percentiles rather than absolute scores. He noted that government demand for officers is limited each year, as retirements dictate the number of new recruits. This means FPSC often aims to qualify only the top 5–10% of candidates, regardless of whether 500 or 700 appear fit. Many candidates fail in key subjects, English Essay, English Precis and Composition, Islamic Studies, or Urdu, while elective subjects generally see high pass rates. The decision to include or exclude a candidate often depends on the paper checker’s discretion, guided by instructions to keep the overall pass ratio low.

Dr. Mubeen emphasised that the small fraction of candidates who do pass, around 30–35 annually, are mostly from modest backgrounds, with a few from influential families, reflecting a carefully controlled induction process. The government typically requires only 150–160 candidates, so the 2% pass rate aligns with demand. If the need were larger, pass rates could easily be increased.

He described CSS as a high-pressure competency exam, with factors such as hard work, analytical ability, time management, luck, and the quota system all influencing outcomes. The exam’s intensity stems from having multiple papers in a single day and managing limited government slots.

Dr. Mubeen concluded that while the CSS exam is challenging, its strict passing ratio is a reflection of controlled demand and systemic design rather than arbitrary failure.

Dr. Ilhan Niaz, professor of history at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, contextualised the challenge by comparing it with China, which has the world’s oldest tradition of competitive public service recruitment. “Today, between 3 and 3.7 million candidates compete for 35,000–40,000 posts in China’s civil service exam, translating to 80–100 qualified candidates per post,” he said.

By contrast, Pakistan’s 2024 CSS written examination saw 15,600 candidates appear, with only 387 clearing the written stage and 229 finally allocated to services, roughly 68 candidates per post. Considering fewer than 7,000 CSS officers are in service at any time, Dr. Niaz believes Pakistan’s applicant-to-selection ratio is still reasonable.

Low Educational Standards and Language Barriers

Dr. Niaz highlighted that the real hurdle lies in Pakistan’s education system. “The quality of education, especially in public-sector schools, is insufficient to prepare students for competitive exams,” he explained.

He also pointed to the English-language requirement as a barrier that disqualifies many capable candidates. “Improving overall education is a long-term task, but the language barrier can be addressed immediately. Introducing bilingual exams (Urdu/English) for all papers and interviews, except for outward-facing services like Foreign Service or Commerce Group, is feasible and necessary,” he argued.

Rethinking Exam Structure

Dr. Niaz criticised the CSS system’s overreliance on rote learning. He suggested that most compulsory subjects should be removed, retaining only general knowledge/current affairs and a basic aptitude test. Optional subjects, he argued, should focus on analytical thinking and problem-solving, possibly conducted as open-book exams from specified texts. “The goal is to recruit officers who can think critically, reason through problems, and communicate clearly,” he said.

He also stressed the need for robust psychological screening, pointing out that many recruits quickly conform to group pressures in the bureaucracy, compromising ethics. “Academic brilliance alone is insufficient if it is used to harm citizens or serve unlawful interests,” he said.

Structural and Academic Challenges

Raza Bashir Tarar, former bureaucrat, ambassador, and foreign services officer, stated that Pakistan’s low CSS pass rates result from a combination of systemic, socio-economic, and exam-specific challenges.

He noted that years of rote-learning leave students with weak analytical and critical thinking skills, while the sudden shift to advanced English in the exams exposes a language gap. Uneven preparation in core subjects like Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and Essay further disadvantages candidates, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to libraries and expert guidance. He added that coaching centres often emphasize memorized notes over skill development, and challenging sections like the Essay and English Précis filter out most aspirants.

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Tarar suggested that introducing analytical writing courses, standardised English instruction, a National CSS Preparatory Framework, expanded digital resources, and a nationwide Digital CSS Academy could help bridge these gaps and improve pass rates without compromising standards.

He also noted that the number of applicants and those who actually sit for the exam fluctuates significantly from year to year, with around 18,000 applying in 2025 but only about 12,800 appearing. The consistent low pass percentage, which rarely exceeds 3%, underscores the rigorous and selective nature of CSS. 

Tarar elaborated that the high competition, coupled with the narrow gate for success, means that only a few candidates become civil servants through CSS, despite intense preparation. He also emphasised that clearing the written exam is just the first hurdle, and aspirants must clear multiple stages, requiring long-term preparation and resilience. 

Ultimately, the systemic selectivity of CSS ensures that those who succeed come from a small, elite pool, influencing the continuity and authority within the bureaucracy.

Systemic Decline in Education

Dr. Munawar Hussain of the Area Study Centre at Quaid-i-Azam University argued that CSS failures mirror a broader decline in Pakistan’s education system. “Once limited to peripheral regions, educational deterioration is now evident in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta,” he said.

Dr. Munawar highlighted the dominance of private institutions, concentrating talent within a small section of society, while public-sector institutions have deteriorated, and accountability has been largely ignored. Underfunding has further weakened research output and library facilities, leaving students ill-prepared. He also criticised the prevailing approach of promoting teachers on the basis of research rather than teaching effectiveness, which discourages graduates from pursuing academia.

He pointed out that CSS results were better when eligibility required a simple BA. The shift to a four-year BS programme, influenced by Western systems, has contributed to a drop in pass rates to just 1.5–2%.

Prof. Dr. Syed Habib Ali Bokhari, former vice chancellor of Kohsar University Murree, highlighted key reasons behind Pakistan’s persistently low CSS pass rates. He observed that many students emerge from rote-learning environments, lacking critical thinking, analytical writing, and reasoning skills, especially in Essay, English, and Current Affairs papers.

Dr. Bokhari pointed out that the fragmented education system worsens the issue: public-sector schools rarely align with CSS demands, university syllabi are outdated, and teachers often lack training in modern pedagogical methods like Bloom’s Taxonomy and inquiry-based learning. Rural and low-income candidates face additional hurdles, including limited access to libraries, newspapers, digital resources, and mentorship, compounded by weak English proficiency and poor time management during exams.

He recommended integrating subjects such as data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning, analytical writing, governance, and contemporary sciences into the curriculum, emphasising that a systemic overhaul could potentially raise CSS success rates above 5%.

Dr. Mariam Anees, Professor of Biochemistry at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, highlighted that a lack of strong analytical and writing skills remains a key barrier for CSS aspirants.

She observed that while graduates may shine in technical subjects, the exam demands sharp reasoning and effective expression, abilities seldom cultivated in current degree programs. Years are often wasted memorising facts instead of honing smart strategies and writing proficiency.

Language Barriers and Curriculum Gaps

Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, resonated concerns regarding English. “A large majority of CSS candidates fail in English, particularly in Essay and Précis & Composition,” he said.

Dr. Shah argued that English should not be compulsory, as many capable students fail solely due to language proficiency. He suggested offering candidates a choice of language courses, noting that advanced English is not essential in several professional roles.

Former Dean of Social Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, linked declining CSS performance to broader flaws in education policy. He explained that the mismatch between university standards and FPSC requirements, particularly after the shift to BS and MS programmes, has deepened the problem.

Dr. Hussain stressed that reforms must focus on raising eligibility standards to 16 years of education, bridging the language gap, and ensuring that policies do not favour the elite or influential groups.

Recent Policy Reform: Age and Attempt Relaxation

In May 2025, the National Assembly passed a resolution raising the CSS age limit from 30 to 35 years and expanding allowed exam attempts from three to five. Moved by PML-N lawmaker Nosheen Iftikhar, the resolution was widely welcomed by civil service aspirants struggling under strict eligibility constraints.

The development came after the 2024 CSS results, where only 395 out of 15,602 candidates passed, marking a success rate of 2.53 percent. While the measure provides relief, experts insist that it addresses only a minor part of the problem.

Calls for Comprehensive Reform

Professor Dr. Tahir Jamil of the Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad praised the age and attempt relaxation but stressed that deeper reforms are essential. He criticised overreliance on CSS academies and emphasised a modern, evolving syllabus with greater specialisation. “Outdated teaching methods, rote learning, and excessive dependence on guides undermine creativity and weaken communication skills, especially in English,” he said.

Experts collectively warn that CSS results are symptomatic of a broader crisis. Weak analytical foundations, poor reading habits, and outdated learning environments leave candidates ill-prepared despite their determination. 

Educationists argue that without reforming both the CSS preparation framework and Pakistan’s education system, administrative reforms alone will not bridge the gap. As a result, the country’s future bureaucracy continues to face challenges in recruiting competent, ethical, and analytically capable officers.

The CSS exam, long considered the gateway to Pakistan’s elite civil service, highlights the systemic weaknesses of the country’s education and administrative framework.

While recent policy tweaks, including age relaxation and additional attempts, offer temporary relief to aspirants, experts agree that meaningful change requires deep-rooted reforms, from improving foundational learning, teacher training, and curriculum quality to redesigning the exam structure and introducing ethical and psychological evaluations.

Without such measures, the aspirants’ ambitions and the nation’s bureaucratic efficiency may continue to suffer under the weight of structural neglect and outdated practices. 

Saeed Ahmed Minhas, a veteran journalist and educationist, argues that the current entire system requires a fundamental overhaul. He points out that the very structure was designed by colonial masters who never implemented it in their own countries; it was crafted solely to produce a loyal cadre of civil servants to serve the Crown. 

Today, however, this system has devolved into a tool for Kingmakers, churning out compliant bureaucrats who rarely question authority. Merit and competence are sidelined, numbers and credentials matter little to those in power, who are more concerned with loyalty than talent. 

Yet, as Minhas notes, numbers don't matter to these dwarfs who care not about who deserves and who not. At least the flaws are now documented, providing a record for future reformers to consider.