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
21
The 'Habeas Corpus' petition is primarily used for:
Answer:
Protecting individuals from illegal detention
Habeas Corpus is a fundamental writ used by courts to ensure a person's liberty. In the context of activism in Pakistan, it has been used frequently to address the issue of 'missing persons' and enforce state accountability.
22
Which Chief Justice oversaw the restoration of the 1973 Constitution after the 18th Amendment was challenged?
Answer:
Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry
When parts of the 18th Amendment were challenged (especially regarding judicial appointments), the court under Iftikhar Chaudhry forced the Parliament to pass the 19th Amendment to accommodate the judiciary's concerns, a rare instance of a court 'shaping' a constitutional amendment.
23
What is 'Locus Standi' in the context of traditional vs. activist law?
Answer:
The right of a party to show the court that they are sufficiently affected by the matter
Traditionally, only an 'aggrieved person' could file a case. Judicial activism in Pakistan relaxed this 'Locus Standi' requirement, allowing any citizen to file a petition under Article 184(3) for the benefit of the general public.
24
The 'PKLI Case' (Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute) under Justice Saqib Nisar was criticized for:
Answer:
Damaging a state-of-the-art medical institution through excessive interference
Justice Saqib Nisar's intensive scrutiny of PKLI, including summoning its head and freezing funds, was cited by many medical professionals and analysts as an example of activism that harms functional institutions and discourages professional expertise.
25
Which concept allows the judiciary to review and strike down legislation that violates the Constitution?
Answer:
Judicial Review
Judicial Review is the power of courts to check the constitutionality of the acts of other branches of government. In Pakistan, this power has been used to strike down several laws and executive orders during periods of activism.
26
The 'Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Reference' (2024) resulted in the Supreme Court acknowledging that his trial was:
Answer:
Unfair and lacked due process
In 2024, a larger bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa gave an opinion on a reference filed years ago, admitting that the 1979 trial and execution of Bhutto did not meet the standards of a 'fair trial.' This was a form of 'historical' judicial activism to correct past wrongs.
27
Under the '26th Amendment', the Chief Justice of Pakistan is now selected by a parliamentary committee from the top ______ senior judges.
Answer:
Three
The 26th Amendment ended the seniority-based promotion rule. Now, a 12-member parliamentary committee selects the CJP from a panel of the three most senior judges, which critics say allows the executive to choose more 'favorable' judges.
28
The 'Public Interest Litigation' (PIL) movement in Pakistan was heavily influenced by the legal developments in which neighboring country?
Answer:
India
Pakistan's judicial activism and PIL culture were inspired by the Indian Supreme Court's experiments in the 1980s. Both judiciaries expanded 'Locus Standi' rules, allowing individuals to file cases on behalf of the poor or the environment.
29
Which Chief Justice oversaw the 'Election Delay Case' (2023) regarding the Punjab and KP assemblies?
Answer:
Justice Umar Ata Bandial
Justice Umar Ata Bandial led the bench that ordered the ECP to hold elections in Punjab within 90 days of dissolution. This was a highly political form of activism that led to a standoff between the judiciary and the PDM government, which refused to provide funds for the elections.
30
The 'Contempt of Court' power is found in which article of the Constitution?
Answer:
Article 204
Article 204 gives the Supreme Court and High Courts the power to punish any person who abuses, interferes with, or obstructs the process of the court or disobeys its orders. This power has been used against politicians and journalists during waves of judicial activism.