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
Who represents the 'Caretaker Government' that oversees the country between the dissolution of the National Assembly and the new elections?
Answer:
A Caretaker Prime Minister and Cabinet
Under Article 224, a Caretaker Prime Minister is appointed by the President in consultation with the outgoing PM and the Leader of the Opposition. Their sole purpose is to run the daily administration and ensure neutral, fair elections.
12
Which Provincial Assembly elected Maryam Nawaz Sharif as the first female Chief Minister in Pakistan's history in 2024?
Answer:
Punjab Assembly
In February 2024, the Punjab Assembly elected Maryam Nawaz Sharif as the Chief Minister of Punjab. This was a historic event as she became the first woman to lead a provincial government in Pakistan.
13
What happens if the National Assembly is dissolved when the Senate is still in session?
Answer:
The Senate continues to function as a permanent body
The Senate is a permanent legislative body and is not subject to dissolution. Even when the National Assembly is dissolved for new elections, the Senate remains functional, providing institutional continuity.
14
Who was the first female Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan?
Answer:
Dr. Fehmida Mirza
Dr. Fehmida Mirza, representing the PPP from Sindh, was elected as the first female Speaker of the National Assembly in 2008. She served a full five-year term until 2013.
15
Which National Assembly passed the 18th Amendment, which removed the President's power to dissolve the assembly (58-2b)?
Answer:
13th National Assembly
The 13th National Assembly (2008–2013) passed the 18th Amendment in 2010. This amendment was a landmark for parliamentary democracy as it restored the 1973 Constitution to its original spirit by making the President a ceremonial head.
16
How is the 'Leader of the House' (Prime Minister) elected in the National Assembly?
Answer:
By show of hands or division of the house
The election of the Prime Minister in the National Assembly is conducted through an open 'division' (members move to different lobbies or stand to be counted). A candidate must secure a majority of the total membership (currently 169 out of 336) to be elected.
17
Which article protects the members of the National Assembly from any legal proceedings regarding anything said or any vote given by them in the Assembly?
Answer:
Article 66
Article 66 defines the 'Privileges of members'. It grants members of Parliament immunity from court proceedings for their speech or votes within the house, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of legal reprisal.
18
Who was the Speaker of the National Assembly who famously declined to dissolve the assembly in 1954, leading to a major court case (Federation of Pakistan v. Tamizuddin Khan)?
Answer:
Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan
Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan challenged the dissolution of the First Constituent Assembly by Governor-General Ghulam Muhammad in 1954. Although the Sindh High Court ruled in his favor, the Federal Court later overturned it under the 'Doctrine of Necessity'.
19
Which constitutional body is responsible for conducting the elections of the National and Provincial Assemblies?
Answer:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
The ECP is an independent and autonomous constitutional body charged with the responsibility of organizing and conducting elections to the National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies, and Local Governments in Pakistan.
20
How many 'Joint Sittings' of the Parliament (NA and Senate) are generally held to resolve legislative deadlocks?
Answer:
Whenever required by the President on the advice of the PM
A joint sitting is summoned when there is a disagreement between the National Assembly and the Senate over a bill. If the bill is passed in the joint sitting by a majority of the total membership of both houses, it is sent to the President for assent.