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
In the '21st Amendment Case' (2015), the Supreme Court ruled that it has the power to review:
Answer:
Even Constitutional Amendments if they violate the 'Salient Features' of the Constitution
The court ruled that it could strike down a constitutional amendment if it violated the 'Basic Structure' or 'Salient Features' (like democracy or judicial independence), a peak claim of judicial power that even the Parliament cannot override.
12
The 'National Reconciliation Ordinance' (NRO) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2009. This move was significant because it:
Answer:
Reopened thousands of corruption cases against politicians, including the President
Striking down the NRO was one of the first major acts of the restored Iftikhar Chaudhry court. It was a massive wave of 'accountability activism' that destabilized the PPP government and set the stage for a decade of judicial-executive conflict.
13
Which Chief Justice authored the landmark 'Ahmadis' judgment in 1993 (Zaheeruddin v. State)?
Answer:
Justice Nasim Hasan Shah
Justice Nasim Hasan Shah led the bench in this controversial judgment. While activism often protects rights, this case limited the religious freedoms of the Ahmadiyya community, showing that 'judicial power' can be used in various ideological directions.
14
The 'Supreme Judicial Council' (SJC) is the only body empowered to:
Answer:
Remove a Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court for misconduct
Under Article 209, the SJC consists of the CJP, the two next most senior SC judges, and the two most senior High Court CJ's. It ensures internal accountability within the judiciary, though its proceedings are often seen as slow or controversial.
15
Who was the 'Caretaker Prime Minister' in 2018 who had previously served as a Chief Justice of Pakistan?
Answer:
Justice (R) Nasirul Mulk
Justice Nasirul Mulk served as the 7th caretaker PM. The appointment of retired judges as caretakers is a common political practice in Pakistan, intended to use the 'neutral' image of the judiciary to ensure fair elections.
16
The 'Separation of the Judiciary from the Executive' was a key goal of which article?
Answer:
Article 175(3)
Article 175(3) mandates that 'The Judiciary shall be separated progressively from the Executive within fourteen years from the commencing day.' This process was slow and often required judicial interventions to ensure administrative independence.
17
Which High Court took a leading role in 2024 in protecting the rights of social media users and challenging 'firewall' implementation?
Answer:
Islamabad High Court
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been at the forefront of digital rights activism in 2024. Judges have repeatedly questioned the PTA and the government regarding internet shutdowns and surveillance, acting as a shield for digital freedoms.
18
The 'Haj Corruption Case' (2010) was a Suo Motu action that led to the removal of which federal minister?
Answer:
Hamid Saeed Kazmi
The Supreme Court's intervention in the Haj scam was a significant case of executive accountability. It resulted in the arrest and conviction of the then Minister for Religious Affairs, highlighting the court's role in tackling high-level corruption.
19
The 'Full Court' meeting is often called to:
Answer:
Address internal judicial crises or decide matters of extreme public importance
A full court meeting involves all judges of the Supreme Court. It was used by Justice Qazi Faez Isa to bring transparency to the court's functions and to decide on the validity of the Practice and Procedure Act.
20
Which document was used by military regimes to force judges to take a fresh oath, thereby purging 'activist' judges?
Answer:
Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO)
A PCO is an extra-constitutional document used by military rulers (like Zia or Musharraf) to override the Constitution. Judges who refused to take an oath under a PCO were dismissed, leading to historical struggles for judicial independence.