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
The 'Triple Power Axis' in the 1990s described the power-sharing between the President, the Prime Minister, and which other figure?
Answer:
The Army Chief
Throughout the 1990s, political scientists used the term 'Troika' to describe the three pillars of power in Pakistan. Stability was only possible when the President, the PM, and the Army Chief were in alignment; conflict between any two often led to the dismissal of the government.
12
Which military ruler held a 'Referendum' in 2002 to extend his term as President for five years?
Answer:
General Pervez Musharraf
General Pervez Musharraf held a controversial national referendum in April 2002 to legitimize his rule and extend his presidency. Although he claimed a 98% 'yes' vote, the process was criticized by domestic and international observers for lack of transparency and coercion.
13
The 'NPT' (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) stance of Pakistan is largely driven by which institution?
Answer:
The Strategic Plans Division (SPD) under the military
While foreign policy is technically a civilian domain, Pakistan's strategic assets and nuclear policy are managed by the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), which is part of the military establishment. This ensures that the military retains a 'veto' or primary say in nuclear-related diplomacy.
14
Who was the first Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Pakistan? (Note: The title changed from C-in-C to COAS in 1972).
Answer:
General Tikka Khan
Following the 1971 war, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto restructured the military command. He changed the title 'Commander-in-Chief' to 'Chief of Army Staff' to reduce the colonial-era 'glamour' of the post and make it more aligned with a democratic structure. General Tikka Khan was the first to hold the COAS title.
15
The 1990 elections were later investigated in the 'Asghar Khan Case' for alleged funding of which alliance by the ISI?
Answer:
Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI)
In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled in the Asghar Khan case that the 1990 general elections were rigged. The court found that the ISI had distributed millions of rupees to politicians of the IJI to prevent the PPP from winning, a major revelation of 'political engineering'.
16
Which article of the Constitution was amended in 2017 (23rd Amendment) to extend the tenure of military courts?
Answer:
Article 175
The 23rd Amendment extended the military courts for another two years. These courts were seen as an 'extraordinary measure' for 'extraordinary times,' though their existence remained a point of debate regarding the separation of powers and fair trial standards.
17
What happened to the 'National Security Council' (NSC) under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s?
Answer:
It was abolished/downgraded to assert civilian supremacy
Bhutto, attempting to re-establish civilian control after the 1971 defeat, avoided institutionalizing the military's role in policy-making. He preferred a direct command structure and avoided forums like the NSC that gave generals a formal seat at the cabinet table.
18
The 'Bajwa Doctrine' was a term used by journalists to describe the perspective of former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on:
Answer:
Re-balancing regional relations and internal political stability
The 'Bajwa Doctrine' referred to the General's alleged view that Pakistan needed internal stability, better relations with neighbors (including India), and a functional relationship between the government and the establishment to navigate economic crises.
19
Which of the following describes 'Operation Zarb-e-Azb' launched in 2014?
Answer:
A major military offensive against militants in North Waziristan
Launched in June 2014, Operation Zarb-e-Azb was a decisive military campaign against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and foreign militants. It reinforced the military's central role in the 'War on Terror' and its domestic influence through the subsequent National Action Plan.
20
The 'ISPR' is the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces. What is its full form?
Answer:
Inter-Services Public Relations
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is the official mouthpiece of the military. In recent decades, it has played an expanded role in managing the military's public image, countering 'hybrid warfare,' and projecting the military's perspective on national security and politics.