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
41
Which CPEC energy project utilizes the coal found in Block-II of the Thar desert?
Answer:
Engro Thar Block-II Power Plant
The Engro Thar Block-II power plant is a 660 MW project that specifically uses indigenous lignite coal mined from the Thar desert. Unlike the Sahiwal or Port Qasim plants, which originally relied on imported coal, this project focuses on reducing foreign exchange outflow.
42
Under the IGCEP (Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan), Pakistan aims to increase the share of renewable energy (excluding hydel) to what percentage by 2030?
Answer:
30%
The government's 'Alternative and Renewable Energy Policy' aims to increase the share of variable renewable energy (wind and solar) to 30% by 2030. When combined with hydel power, the goal is to have 60% of Pakistan's electricity generated from clean, indigenous sources.
43
Which natural gas field, discovered in 1952, remains one of the largest and most important gas resources in Pakistan?
Answer:
Sui Gas Field
The Sui gas field in Balochistan was discovered in 1952 and laid the foundation for Pakistan's gas industry. While its production has declined over the decades, it remains a symbolic and vital resource, supplying natural gas to industrial, commercial, and domestic sectors across the country.
44
What does the term 'Circular Debt' refer to in Pakistan's energy sector?
Answer:
A shortfall of payments between power producers, distributors, and the government
Circular debt is a chronic liquidity crisis where power distribution companies (DISCOs) fail to collect enough revenue from consumers to pay power producers (IPPs), who in turn cannot pay fuel suppliers. This cycle of unpaid bills creates a massive financial burden on the national exchequer.
45
The K-2 and K-3 nuclear power plants, which added significant capacity to the national grid recently, are located in which city?
Answer:
Karachi
K-2 and K-3 are advanced Generation III nuclear power plants located at the Karachi Nuclear Power Complex (KANUPP). Each plant has a capacity of 1,100 MW, significantly increasing the share of stable, carbon-free nuclear energy in Pakistan's total power generation profile.
46
Which location in Pakistan is considered the 'Wind Corridor' due to its high potential for wind energy generation?
Answer:
Jhimpir-Gharo
The Jhimpir-Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor in Sindh is the most viable region for wind energy in Pakistan. It has the potential to generate over 50,000 MW of electricity. Several wind farms are already operational here, contributing hundreds of megawatts of renewable energy to the national grid.
47
What is the total installed capacity of the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park located in Bahawalpur?
Answer:
1,000 MW
The Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park (QASP) is designed for a total capacity of 1,000 MW. It was one of the first major solar energy initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, aimed at utilizing the high solar irradiance in Southern Punjab to diversify the energy mix.
48
Which dam is currently the largest producer of hydroelectricity in Pakistan?
Answer:
Tarbela Dam
Tarbela Dam, located on the Indus River, is the largest producer of hydroelectricity in the country. With the completion of its various extension projects (T4 and T5), its total capacity exceeds 4,800 MW, providing a critical source of low-cost, clean energy to the national grid during the peak summer months.
49
The Thar Coalfield in Sindh is estimated to contain approximately how many billion tonnes of lignite coal reserves?
Answer:
175 Billion Tonnes
Thar Coal reserves are estimated at around 175 billion tonnes, making them one of the largest lignite coal deposits in the world. These reserves have the potential to meet Pakistan's energy requirements for centuries and are being utilized through projects like the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) to generate cheap base-load electricity.
50
Which energy source currently accounts for the largest share in Pakistan's total installed electricity generation capacity?
Answer:
Thermal
Thermal energy, which includes electricity generated from natural gas, furnace oil, and coal, remains the dominant source in Pakistan's energy mix. As of 2024-25 data, it accounts for more than 50% of the total installed capacity, although the government is actively working to increase the share of hydel and renewable energy to reduce import costs.