Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
11
Which constitutional amendment is credited with 'revitalizing' the CCI from a dormant body to a powerful federal institution?
Answer:
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment (2010) was the turning point. By abolishing the Concurrent List and moving vital subjects to FLL Part II, it forced the Center and Provinces to use the CCI as the primary engine for federal governance.
12
The CCI decisions are usually implemented by:
Answer:
The respective Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments
Once the CCI makes a policy decision, it is the duty of the relevant federal ministries (like the Ministry of Energy or Railways) and the provincial departments to implement those decisions within their jurisdictions.
13
Which of these is a 'Regulatory Authority' overseen by the CCI?
Answer:
OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority)
Since Mineral Oil and Natural Gas are Part II subjects, OGRA—the body that regulates these sectors—falls under the policy oversight of the CCI.
14
In 2021, the CCI made a significant decision regarding the 'Higher Education Commission' (HEC). What was it?
Answer:
Standards in higher education were affirmed as a CCI subject to maintain national uniformity
Following the 18th Amendment, there was confusion over HEC's role. The CCI affirmed that while provinces can have their own commissions, the 'Standards in institutions for higher education' is a CCI subject (Part II), allowing the Federal HEC to maintain national quality standards.
15
How many Chief Ministers must be present for a CCI meeting to be considered valid (Quorum)?
Answer:
At least three
While the Constitution is silent on the specific quorum in the text of Article 153, the Council's own 'Rules of Business' generally require a majority representation from the provinces to ensure the decisions are seen as federating and legitimate.
16
The CCI's role in 'Industrial Development' is confined to which list?
Answer:
Federal Legislative List Part II
Industrial development, specifically where it is funded or managed by federal agencies but located in provinces, often falls under the coordination and policy oversight of the CCI to ensure balanced regional growth.
17
What is the primary difference between the National Finance Commission (NFC) and the CCI?
Answer:
NFC is for money; CCI is for policy and disputes on Part II subjects
The NFC (Article 160) specifically deals with the distribution of financial resources from the divisible pool. The CCI (Article 153) handles policy, supervision, and dispute resolution regarding shared legislative subjects like energy, water, and census.
18
Which article prohibits the Federal Government from taking any action on water that might prejudice provincial interests without CCI consultation?
Answer:
Article 155
Article 155 provides a protective mechanism where if a province feels a federal action (like building a dam or diverting a river) will harm its water interests, it can trigger a CCI investigation and decision-making process.
19
Which body has the final say in the 'Privatization' of entities like Pakistan Railways or DISCOs?
Answer:
The Council of Common Interests
Since Railways and Electricity (DISCOs) are Part II subjects, any policy decision regarding their privatization must be brought to the CCI. Provinces often resist privatization if they feel it will lead to higher tariffs or job losses in their region.
20
The 'Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Ministry' serves what role for the CCI?
Answer:
It acts as the administrative channel/Secretariat for CCI affairs
The IPC Ministry (and its division) historically managed CCI affairs. However, after the 18th Amendment and subsequent demands for autonomy, a more independent and permanent CCI Secretariat was strengthened to handle the Council's increasing workload.