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
Which international financial condition forced Pakistan to prioritize defense spending on 'maintenance' rather than 'new acquisitions' in the 2024-2025 budget?
Answer:
IMF Bailout conditions
The IMF's 2024-2025 Extended Fund Facility (EFF) required Pakistan to implement strict fiscal discipline. As a result, the 2025 defense budget focused on maintaining existing operational readiness and local indigenization projects (like JF-17) rather than high-cost imports from the West.
32
Which Pakistani missile, tested with a range of 140 km in 2021 and 400 km in late 2023, was deployed for coastal defense in 2025?
Answer:
Fattah-1 / Fattah-2
The Fattah-2 is a Guided Multi-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). Its deployment in 2025 provides the Pakistan Army with the capability to hit high-value targets with precision at a range of 400 km, acting as a conventional deterrent against border build-ups.
33
In 2025, what was the status of the 'Kartarpur Corridor' amidst the diplomatic freeze?
Answer:
Open for Pilgrims
Despite the severe diplomatic freeze and lack of trade/cricket, the Kartarpur Corridor remained operational in 2025 as a rare bridge for people-to-people contact. Both governments maintained the corridor for Sikh pilgrims, though security checks remained extremely stringent.
34
Which major hydroelectric project in J&K did Pakistan object to in 2024-2025, claiming it violates the IWT?
Answer:
Ratle Hydroelectric Plant
Pakistan has long objected to the design of the Ratle and Kishenganga projects on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers respectively. In 2025, India's move to push ahead with construction despite Pakistani protests at the Court of Arbitration led to the current impasse over the treaty's modification.
35
What is the name of Pakistan's indigenously developed armed drone that saw operational upgrades in 2025?
Answer:
Shahpar-II
The Shahpar-II is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) armed UAV. By 2025, it was upgraded with more advanced satellite links and laser-guided munitions, providing the Pakistan Army with a cost-effective alternative for precision strikes near the border and in counter-insurgency roles.
36
In 2025, which technology became the primary mode of 'asymmetric' border incursions reported by both sides?
Answer:
Drones (UAVs)
The use of drones for surveillance and small-scale drops (smuggling or propaganda) became a major security headache in 2025. Both India and Pakistan reported shooting down multiple small UAVs along the international border in Punjab and Rajasthan, leading to the deployment of dedicated anti-drone systems.
37
Which region was the site of the 'G-20' related tensions in 2023-2024 that continued to influence the diplomatic freeze in 2025?
Answer:
Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir)
India's decision to host a G-20 tourism meeting in Srinagar in 2023 was strongly opposed by Pakistan. In 2025, the political fallout of this event continued to prevent any 'back-channel' diplomacy, with Pakistan insisting on a reversal of the 2019 status before any formal normalization could occur.
38
Which maritime project did Pakistan and China fast-track in 2025 to increase naval presence in the Arabian Sea?
Answer:
Hangor-class Submarine Production at KSEW
In 2025, the local construction of the Hangor-class (Type 039B) submarines at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) reached a critical phase. These submarines, equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), are designed to counter the Indian Navy's expanding surface and underwater fleet in the Indian Ocean.
39
In 2025, Pakistan's 'NASR' (Hatf-IX) missile was highlighted in defense reviews as a deterrent against what Indian military doctrine?
Answer:
Cold Start Doctrine
The NASR is a short-range, multi-tube ballistic missile system designed for tactical nuclear use. In 2025, Pakistan reaffirmed its role as a counter to India's 'Cold Start' doctrine—which involves rapid, limited conventional strikes—by providing a 'quick response' tactical deterrent.
40
Which high-altitude tunnel, opened by India in late 2024/early 2025, enhanced their logistics near the border areas of Ladakh?
Answer:
Shinku La Tunnel
The Shinku La Tunnel, providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, was a major infrastructure milestone. For Pakistan, this meant India's ability to mobilize troops and heavy armor toward the sensitive Northern Areas and the LoC would be significantly faster and more reliable regardless of weather conditions.