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 project on the Indus River is being discussed in 2025 as a potential site for a 'Small Modular Reactor' (SMR)?
Answer:
Diamer-Bhasha Dam
In 2025, Pakistan has explored deploying SMRs at major project sites like Diamer-Bhasha. These reactors would provide localized, clean energy for construction and industrial zones, reflecting Pakistan's push for clean energy under its NDCs submitted to the UN.
12
The 'SAARC' organization has remained stagnant since 2016 primarily due to the dispute between which two members?
Answer:
Pakistan and India
The SAARC summit process has been paralyzed because India refuses to attend meetings held in Pakistan, and Pakistan's charter requires the presence of all members. This deadlock has prevented South Asia from becoming a truly integrated economic bloc like ASEAN or the EU.
13
What percentage of the 'divisible pool' in Pakistan's NFC is determined by population, a metric used to argue for resources in demographic diplomatic debates?
Answer:
82%
Under the 7th NFC Award, population carries a weight of 82%. Pakistan, with its massive population of 240 million, uses this weight to demand more representation and climate funding in international forums, arguing that the welfare of its people is a global priority.
14
The 26th Constitutional Amendment passed in 2024 in Pakistan was presented to international investors as a way to ensure:
Answer:
Judicial predictability and efficiency through Constitutional Benches
The 26th Amendment was framed by the government as a reform to ensure a more efficient and predictable judicial system through specialized benches. For foreign investors, judicial predictability is essential for making long-term commitments to projects like Reko Diq and CPEC.
15
Which international boundary line was drawn by a British lawyer in 1947 and remains the formal border between Pakistani and Indian Punjab?
Answer:
Radcliffe Line
The Radcliffe Line defined the borders of Punjab and Bengal during the partition of India in 1947. While it is a settled international border in those regions, it remains a point of historical trauma and ongoing border management challenges for both nations.
16
The 'Niazi' era of foreign policy (2018-2022) was noted for its focus on 'Internationalizing' which regional dispute?
Answer:
Jammu and Kashmir (post-2019)
Under the government of Imran Khan, Pakistan used global forums like the UN General Assembly to highlight India's move in Kashmir. This period saw the first closed-door meetings of the UN Security Council on Kashmir in nearly 50 years, aiming to keep the dispute active on the global agenda.
17
Which international body's 'Loss and Damage' fund established at COP27 was a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan during its chairmanship of the G77?
Answer:
UNFCCC (United Nations)
Following the 2022 floods, Pakistan led 134 developing nations at the UN climate talks. The establishment of the fund was a historic achievement, as it forces developed nations to provide financial compensation to climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan for disasters they did not cause.
18
The 'Baglihar Dam' dispute required the appointment of a 'Neutral Expert' by the World Bank in which year?
Answer:
2005
Pakistan objected to the design of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, fearing India would gain the capacity to control water flow. Raymond Lafitte was appointed as the Neutral Expert in 2005 and gave a determination in 2007. This was the first time a technical difference under the IWT was resolved by an external expert.
19
Which international body provided a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility to Pakistan in 2024, emphasizing economic and regional stability?
Answer:
IMF
In September 2024, the IMF Executive Board approved a $7 billion program for Pakistan. A prerequisite for this bailout was the assurance of financial support and debt rollovers from regional partners like China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, highlighting the link between economic diplomacy and regional alliances.
20
The 'Trans-Afghan Railway' project discussed in 2025 aims to connect Pakistan primarily with which landlocked neighbor?
Answer:
Uzbekistan
The railway project (Termez–Kabul–Peshawar) is a trilateral initiative with Uzbekistan. It aims to provide Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states with access to the Arabian Sea via Pakistani ports like Gwadar and Karachi. This project is a pillar of Pakistan's 'Geo-economics' doctrine to move toward regional connectivity.