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
31
What is the primary role of the 'National Security Council' (NSC) in Pakistan?
Answer:
A consultative forum for civil-military coordination on national security policy
The NSC is the principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters with the senior military leadership and cabinet ministers. It serves as a institutionalized bridge between the elected government and the military establishment to harmonize strategic decision-making.
32
The 2016 'Dawn Leaks' controversy was related to a leaked report regarding a high-level meeting about:
Answer:
The military's alleged protection of non-state actors
Dawn Leaks referred to a news report published in Dawn newspaper detailing a tense meeting between civilian and military officials. The report suggested that the civilian government had warned the military of international isolation unless action was taken against certain militant groups, leading to a major civil-military standoff.
33
Which Prime Minister of Pakistan was ousted in 1999 following an attempt to replace General Pervez Musharraf as the Chief of Army Staff?
Answer:
Nawaz Sharif
In October 1999, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif attempted to dismiss General Pervez Musharraf while the latter was in the air returning from Sri Lanka. The military high command refused to accept the dismissal and launched a counter-coup, leading to the dissolution of the civilian government and Musharraf's decade-long rule.
34
The 'Memogate' scandal of 2011 involved a conflict between the civilian government and the military over a memo allegedly sent to which country?
Answer:
United States
The Memogate scandal centered on an anonymous memo delivered to Admiral Mike Mullen of the US military, seeking help against a potential military coup in Pakistan following the Abbottabad raid. The military leadership took the matter to the Supreme Court, causing a severe strain in relations with the PPP-led civilian government.
35
Which constitutional amendment, passed in 1985, institutionalized the military's influence by granting the President the power to dissolve the National Assembly?
Answer:
8th Amendment
The 8th Amendment was passed during General Zia-ul-Haq's regime. It introduced Article 58-2(b), which gave the President (at the time a military ruler) the discretionary power to dissolve the National Assembly, effectively making the civilian government subservient to the head of state.
36
Under the 1973 Constitution, Article 245 deals with which of the following functions of the Armed Forces?
Answer:
Acting in aid of civil power when called upon
Article 245 mandates that the Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so. This article is frequently invoked for internal security operations or during natural disasters.
37
Which military ruler in Pakistan's history introduced the 'Legal Framework Order' (LFO) of 1970 to hold the first general elections?
Answer:
General Yahya Khan
General Yahya Khan issued the LFO in 1970 after taking over from Ayub Khan. This document served as a provisional constitution, dissolving the 'One Unit' scheme and setting the rules for the 1970 elections, which eventually led to the separation of East Pakistan and the creation of Bangladesh.
38
The 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC), established in June 2023, is often cited as a new model of civil-military cooperation in which sector?
Answer:
Economic Governance and Foreign Investment
The SIFC was created as a high-level hybrid forum involving both top civilian leadership and the military high command. Its primary goal is to provide a 'single-window' platform to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and fast-track economic projects, signifying a formalization of the military's role in economic decision-making.
39
In which landmark 1958 case did the Supreme Court of Pakistan first validate a military coup using the 'Doctrine of Necessity'?
Answer:
State vs. Dosso
In the 1958 State vs. Dosso case, Chief Justice Muhammad Munir validated the first military coup of General Ayub Khan. The court ruled that a successful revolution is an internationally recognized legal method of changing a constitution, establishing the controversial 'Doctrine of Necessity' that would be used to justify future military interventions.
40
Which specific article of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan defines the 'Command of Armed Forces' and vests it in the President?
Answer:
Article 243
Article 243 of the Constitution of Pakistan states that the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces, and the supreme command is vested in the President. It further clarifies that the President shall appoint the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chiefs of the Army, Naval, and Air Staff on the advice of the Prime Minister.