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
If an NFC Award is not reached, what is the constitutional provision for funding?
Answer:
The President may extend the previous award by order
Under the 'NFC (Amendment) Act' and constitutional conventions, the President has the power to extend the existing Award if a new consensus is not reached. This is why the 2010 Award is still in effect in 2024.
12
Which body is the 'Custodian' of the provincial funds before they are transferred to provincial accounts?
Answer:
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
The SBP manages the 'Federal Consolidated Fund' and the 'Provincial Consolidated Funds.' As the FBR collects taxes, the money is held at the SBP and then transferred to the provinces based on the NFC formula instructions from the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues (AGPR).
13
Under the current 7th NFC Award, what percentage of 'Customs Duties' goes into the divisible pool?
Answer:
100% of net proceeds
The entire net proceeds of customs duties (after deducting the 1% collection charge) are part of the divisible pool. These are then split 42.5% to the Center and 57.5% to the Provinces collectively.
14
The 'weighted average' of population in the 2010 NFC was based on which census?
Answer:
1998 Census
The 7th NFC Award in 2010 used the data from the 1998 Census, which was the latest officially notified census at that time. One of the reasons for the delay in the new award is the dispute over the 2017 and 2023 census results.
15
After the 25th Amendment (FATA-KP merger), there have been demands to increase the provincial share for KP. Why?
Answer:
To cover the development and administrative needs of the newly merged districts (FATA)
The merger of FATA into KP has increased the province's population and land area, along with a massive need for developmental funding in the war-torn tribal regions. KP argues that its 14.62% share is no longer sufficient to cover these new responsibilities.
16
Which of these is NOT a member of the NFC?
Answer:
Provincial Governors
While Governors may be consulted by the President during the appointment of provincial members (experts), they are not members of the Commission themselves. The core members are the five Finance Ministers (1 Federal + 4 Provincial).
17
What is the 'Horizontal Share' of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the 7th NFC Award?
Answer:
14.62%
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's share is 14.62% of the provincial pool. This is separate from the 1% 'War on Terror' grant which it receives from the total divisible pool before the vertical split.
18
The 1991 NFC Award was notable because it included 'Sales Tax' in the divisible pool for the first time. Who was the Prime Minister then?
Answer:
Nawaz Sharif
The 1991 NFC Award was reached during Nawaz Sharif's first term. It was significant for expanding the divisible pool and providing a better share to the provinces compared to the 1974 arrangement.
19
Which document must the Federal Finance Minister present to Parliament regarding the NFC twice a year?
Answer:
The Biannual Monitoring Report of NFC Implementation
As a requirement of the 7th NFC Award, the Federal Finance Minister presents a monitoring report every six months to show the actual tax collections and the exact amounts transferred to each province, ensuring accountability.
20
A major criticism of the 7th NFC Award by Federal authorities is that it created a 'Vertical Imbalance.' What does this mean?
Answer:
The provinces have too much money but no responsibility, while the center has all the debt and defense costs
Federal critics argue that while 57.5% of resources go to provinces, the Center is left with 42.5% to pay for 100% of defense, 100% of national debt servicing, and federal administration, leading to a massive federal deficit while provinces often run surpluses.