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 language is declared as the national language of Pakistan by the 1973 Constitution?
Answer:
Urdu
Under Article 251 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Urdu is designated as the national language. While English is used as the official language for administrative, legal, and government purposes, the constitution mandates that arrangements be made for Urdu to be used for official and other purposes. Urdu serves as the 'lingua franca' of Pakistan, bridging the communication gap between the various ethnic and linguistic groups of the country.
42
Which mountain peak, the second highest in the world, is a national symbol of Pakistan's natural geography?
Answer:
K2
K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen or Chogori, is the national mountain of Pakistan. Standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 ft), it is the second-highest peak in the world after Mount Everest. Located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, K2 is a symbol of the country's spectacular northern landscape. It is known as the 'Savage Mountain' among climbers due to its extreme difficulty and high fatality rate.
43
Which fruit is recognized as the national fruit of Pakistan during the summer season?
Answer:
Mango
Mango is the national fruit of Pakistan for the summer season, while Guava is considered the national fruit for the winter. Pakistan is one of the world's top producers of mangoes, with famous varieties like Chaunsa, Sindhri, and Anwar Ratol. Known as the 'King of Fruits', the mango is an integral part of Pakistani culture, hospitality, and summer traditions, and it is a major agricultural export.
44
The national tree of Pakistan, often found in high-altitude forests and known for its durable wood, is:
Answer:
Deodar
The Deodar (Cedrus deodara) is the national tree of Pakistan. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Devadaru', meaning 'Wood of the Gods'. These majestic coniferous trees are native to the Himalayas and are found in the northern regions of Pakistan, including Swat, Chitral, and Murree. Deodar wood is highly valued for its rot-resistant properties and is historically used in the construction of temples, mosques, and bridges.
45
Which bird is officially recognized as the national bird of Pakistan?
Answer:
Chukar Partridge
The Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) is the national bird of Pakistan. It is a colorful bird found in the rocky hills and mountainous regions of the country. In local folklore and poetry, the Chukar is often depicted as being in love with the moon (Moon-lover), frequently gazing at it. While the Shaheen Falcon is a significant national symbol associated with the poetry of Allama Iqbal, the Chukar holds the official title of the national bird.
46
What are the three words inscribed in Urdu on the scroll at the base of the State Emblem of Pakistan, serving as the national motto?
Answer:
Faith, Unity, Discipline
The national motto of Pakistan is 'Iman, Ittehad, Nazm', which translates to 'Faith, Unity, Discipline'. These words were given by the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, as the guiding principles for the state and its citizens. They are inscribed on the scroll below the shield of the State Emblem, which also features the crescent and star, a wreath of jasmine, and a shield representing agriculture.
47
Which flower is the national flower of Pakistan, symbolizing purity and known for its distinct fragrance?
Answer:
Jasmine (Chambeli)
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), locally known as Chambeli, is the national flower of Pakistan. It was chosen for its widespread presence across the country and its pleasant fragrance, which is used in traditional perfumes and ceremonies. The white color of the flower symbolizes purity and peace, qualities that the nation strives for. It appears in the wreath of the state emblem of Pakistan.
48
Which animal is designated as the national animal of Pakistan, known for its majestic spiral horns and residing in the northern mountains?
Answer:
Markhor
The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is the national animal of Pakistan. Its name is derived from the Persian words 'Mar' (snake) and 'Khor' (eater), based on a local legend that it kills and eats snakes, though it is actually a herbivore. It is found in the rugged mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. The Markhor is also used as the official symbol of Pakistan's premier intelligence agency, the ISI.
49
What is the official duration of the full version of the National Anthem of Pakistan (Qaumi Tarana)?
Answer:
80 Seconds
The National Anthem of Pakistan, composed by Ahmed G. Chagla in 1949 with lyrics by Hafeez Jalandhari in 1952, has a standard playing time of 80 seconds. It consists of three stanzas and uses 21 musical instruments and 38 different tones. Interestingly, the lyrics are almost entirely in Persian, with the exception of the word 'ka' (of), which is in Urdu, reflecting the historical and linguistic ties of the region.
50
Who designed the national flag of Pakistan, which features the crescent and star on a dark green field with a vertical white stripe?
Answer:
Ameeruddin Kidwai
The national flag of Pakistan was designed by Ameeruddin Kidwai and was based on the flag of the All-India Muslim League. It was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, just three days before independence. The dark green represents the Muslim majority, while the white vertical stripe represents religious minorities, symbolizing a commitment to communal harmony and the rights of all citizens.