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
Which article prohibits 'High Treason' and defines it as the subversion of the Constitution?
Answer:
Article 6
Article 6 defines high treason as any act of abrogating, subverting, or suspending the Constitution by use of force or show of force. The 18th Amendment strengthened this by stating that such acts cannot be validated by any court.
22
The 18th Amendment (2010) removed which controversial power of the President, thereby changing the constitutional balance?
Answer:
Power to dissolve the National Assembly (58-2b)
By repealing Article 58-2(b), the 18th Amendment stripped the President of the power to unilaterally dissolve the National Assembly. This shifted the constitutional basis back to a pure parliamentary system where the Prime Minister is the real head of government.
23
The 'Parity' principle between East and West Pakistan was a central feature of which constitution?
Answer:
1956 Constitution
The 1956 Constitution was based on the 'Principle of Parity,' where the more populous East Pakistan agreed to equal representation (150 seats each) with West Pakistan in a unicameral legislature. This was a fragile guiding principle of the early federation.
24
Under the guiding principles of the state, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces?
Answer:
The President
Article 243 of the Constitution states that the 'Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President.' However, he exercises this command on the advice of the Prime Minister, reflecting the parliamentary nature of the system.
25
The '2nd Amendment' (1974) changed the constitutional basis of Pakistani citizenship by defining a Muslim as someone who believes in the finality of the prophethood of:
Answer:
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)
In 1974, the Parliament passed the 2nd Amendment, which defined a 'Muslim' for constitutional purposes. It specifically included the belief in the absolute and unqualified finality of the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims.
26
Which principle was used by the Supreme Court in the 1950s and 1970s to validate military coups, though it was later discarded?
Answer:
Doctrine of Necessity
The 'Doctrine of Necessity' was a controversial legal principle used by the judiciary to validate extra-constitutional takeovers. It was famously used in the 1958 Dosso case and the 1977 Nusrat Bhutto case, but was later repudiated after the 2009 judicial restoration.
27
The 1973 Constitution's guiding principle of 'Bicameralism' refers to:
Answer:
A parliament with two houses (National Assembly and Senate)
Bicameralism was introduced in 1973 to ensure provincial parity. The National Assembly represents the people based on population, while the Senate represents the federating units equally, which is a key principle of Pakistani federalism.
28
The 'Rule of Law' is a guiding principle that ensures that every citizen is subject to the law under which article?
Answer:
Article 4
Article 4 of the Constitution states that to enjoy the protection of law and to be treated in accordance with law is the inalienable right of every citizen. This is the cornerstone of the rule of law in Pakistan.
29
Which constitutional amendment officially changed the basis of the tribal areas' governance by merging FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2018?
Answer:
25th Amendment
The 25th Amendment ended the colonial-era special status of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). By merging them with KP, it brought the region under the jurisdiction of the national constitution and high courts, changing its administrative and judicial basis.
30
The guiding principles regarding 'Women's Rights' in the 1973 Constitution are primarily found in which article prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex?
Answer:
Article 25
Article 25 guarantees equality before law and equal protection of law. Crucially, Article 25(2) states there shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex alone, while Article 25(3) allows the state to make special provisions for the protection of women and children.