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 article of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the 'Freedom to profess religion and to manage religious institutions'?
Answer:
Article 20
Article 20 of the Constitution provides that, subject to law, public order, and morality: (a) every citizen has the right to profess, practice, and propagate his religion; and (b) every religious denomination and every sect thereof has the right to establish, maintain, and manage its religious institutions. This is a fundamental right that protects religious minorities and various Islamic sects.
32
The 'Lal Shahbaz Qalandar' shrine, a major center for Sufi 'dhamaal' and interfaith devotion, is located in which town of Sindh?
Answer:
Sehwan Sharif
The shrine of the 13th-century Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is located in Sehwan Sharif. The saint is revered by people of all faiths, including many Hindus. The annual 'Urs' (festival) is famous for the traditional Sufi dance known as 'Dhamaal'. The shrine serves as a symbol of the pluralistic and mystical religious traditions found in Sindh.
33
In which city is the Gurdwara Janam Asthan, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, located?
Answer:
Nankana Sahib
Gurdwara Janam Asthan is located in the city of Nankana Sahib (formerly Rai Bhoi Di Talwandi) in Punjab. It marks the birthplace of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Every year, thousands of Sikhs from around the world, including India, visit this shrine for the 'Gurpurab' celebrations, which the government of Pakistan facilitates with special visas and security.
34
The 'Hindu Marriage Act 2017' was the first federal law in Pakistan to:
Answer:
Regulate and register Hindu marriages and provide for divorce and remarriage
The Hindu Marriage Act 2017 was a landmark federal law that provided a comprehensive mechanism for the registration of marriages among the Hindu community. It addressed long-standing issues regarding legal documentation for married Hindu women and provided legal grounds for the dissolution of marriage and the rights of children, ensuring better protection of the community's civil rights.
35
The Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act, 2018, was a significant legislative milestone because it was the first time:
Answer:
Sikh marriages were given separate legal recognition from other faiths
The Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act was passed by the Punjab Assembly to provide a separate legal framework for the registration of Sikh marriages. Previously, Sikh marriages were often registered under laws applicable to other minorities. This act allowed the Sikh community to register their unions according to their own religious customs and ceremonies (Anand Karaj), strengthening their legal status.
36
Which government department is responsible for the protection and management of religious shrines and properties left behind by those who migrated during partition?
Answer:
Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB)
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) is a statutory body of the Government of Pakistan. It manages the land and properties attached to educational, charitable, or religious trusts left by Hindus and Sikhs who migrated to India in 1947. The ETPB is crucial for the maintenance of Gurdwaras and Mandirs and for facilitating international pilgrims visiting these sites.
37
How many seats are reserved for non-Muslim minorities in the National Assembly of Pakistan as of 2025?
Answer:
10
Under the Constitution of Pakistan, 10 seats are reserved for non-Muslims in the 336-member National Assembly. These members are elected through a proportional representation system based on the total number of general seats won by each political party. Similar reservations exist in the Provincial Assemblies to ensure minority representation in the legislative process.
38
The historic 'Katas Raj Temples', a significant site for Hindu pilgrims, are located in which district of Punjab?
Answer:
Chakwal
The Katas Raj Temples are a complex of several Hindu temples connected to one another by walkways. Located in the Salt Range near Chakwal, the site features a pond which, according to Hindu mythology, was created by the tears of Lord Shiva. The government of Pakistan has undertaken various restoration projects to preserve this site as part of its heritage tourism initiative.
39
Which unique religious group lives in the three remote valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir in the Chitral district?
Answer:
Kalash people
The Kalash people are an indigenous minority in the Hindu Kush mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They practice a unique form of polytheistic religion that involves ancient rituals, dancing, and seasonal festivals like Chilam Joshi. Their culture and language are distinct from the surrounding populations, and their valleys are a major site for cultural tourism in Pakistan.
40
In which city is the St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of the oldest and largest churches in Pakistan, located?
Answer:
Karachi
St. Patrick's Cathedral is situated in the Saddar area of Karachi. Completed in 1881, it is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Karachi. It is a major landmark for the Christian community in Pakistan, which is the second-largest minority group in the country after Hindus.