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
In 2025, which province introduced a digital 'Domestic Workers Registration' portal to protect home-based labourers?
Answer:
Punjab
The Punjab government has been a leader in implementing the 'Domestic Workers Act'. In 2024-2025, it launched a digital portal and mobile app to register domestic help (maids, drivers, cooks). This registration provides them with social security benefits, fixed working hours, and protection against harassment.
22
Which sector is currently seeing a 'Shortage of Labour' in Pakistan's urban centers like Karachi due to high emigration?
Answer:
Construction and Technical trades (Plumbers, Electricians)
Ironically, while Pakistan has high unemployment, it is facing a 'Skills Gap' and shortage in technical trades like plumbing, electrical work, and high-tech welding. Many master craftsmen have migrated to the Gulf, leaving the local market with a shortage of quality workers and driving up local labour costs.
23
The 'Welfare Fund' collected from emigrants is used by which body for their repatriation in case of death?
Answer:
Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF)
The OPF manages a welfare fund which is used for several emergency services. One of the most important is the 'repatriation of dead bodies' of Pakistani workers who die abroad. This service is provided free of cost to the bereaved families, covering the expensive international transport and burial arrangements.
24
What is 'Seasonal Migration' commonly seen in the Sindh province?
Answer:
Moving of farm workers during cotton and wheat harvesting
Seasonal migration is a common feature of Pakistan's internal labour market. In Sindh and Punjab, thousands of nomadic and landless families move from one district to another during the harvesting seasons of crops like sugarcane, wheat, and cotton, returning to their original homes once the work is finished.
25
The 'E-Migration' project launched in 2024 aims to:
Answer:
Make the entire emigration process paperless and transparent
E-Migration is a flagship digital initiative of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. It integrates the BEOE, Protector of Emigrants, and OEPs into a single digital loop. This allows workers to track their applications, verify their contracts, and report abuse online, reducing corruption and delays in the process.
26
Which Pakistani city serves as the headquarters for the 'Directorate General of Immigration and Passports'?
Answer:
Islamabad
Headquartered in Islamabad, this department manages the issuance of passports and visas. In 2024-2025, the department introduced 'E-Passports' with biometric chips to facilitate easier travel for Pakistani workers and to meet international aviation security standards.
27
The 'Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement' (PSLM) survey provides data for which labour-related indicator?
Answer:
Employment and Child Labour
The PSLM is a major survey conducted by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. It provides granular data on social indicators, including employment status, occupational health, and the prevalence of child labour, which are essential for formulating provincial and national labour policies.
28
In 2025, which new sector was identified for potential migration of 'IT Professionals' from Pakistan to Japan and Germany?
Answer:
Software Engineering and Digital Services
Under recent 'Specified Skilled Worker' agreements with Japan and skilled migration laws in Germany, Pakistan has started sending IT professionals and healthcare workers. This marks a shift from exporting only physical labour to exporting 'Knowledge Labour' in the 2024-2025 period.
29
What is 'Hundi' or 'Hawala' in the context of Pakistan's migration and labour?
Answer:
Informal and illegal channels for sending money
Hundi and Hawala are informal, trust-based money transfer systems that bypass formal banking channels. For years, these have been used by migrant workers because they sometimes offer better exchange rates and reach remote areas. However, the government has cracked down on these systems as they are linked to money laundering and deprive the state of essential foreign exchange.
30
The 'National Vocational and Technical Training Commission' (NAVTTC) helps in migration by:
Answer:
Standardizing skill certifications for international markets
NAVTTC is the apex body for technical training in Pakistan. It plays a critical role in migration by providing 'Certified Training' that meets international standards. By aligning Pakistani skill sets with the requirements of countries like Germany, Saudi Arabia, and China, NAVTTC helps workers secure higher-paying jobs abroad.