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
61
Which SAARC member is the only one to share a land border with four other member states?
Answer:
India
India shares land borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh (and a maritime border with Sri Lanka and Maldives). Its central geographical position makes it the 'hub' of the region, which often leads to concerns about its dominance among smaller member states like Pakistan.
62
The 'Ababeel' and 'Shaheen' missile tests by Pakistan are often discussed in the context of 'Nuclear Stability' in South Asia, an issue that SAARC:
Answer:
Cannot discuss due to Article X (bilateral/security issues)
While nuclear stability and arms control are critical for South Asia, the SAARC Charter's Article X prevents these issues from being raised at the forum. Such strategic matters are handled through bilateral 'Nuclear Confidence Building Measures' (CBMs), which have been largely frozen since 2019.
63
The SAARC Cultural Centre, which promotes South Asian heritage and arts, is located in:
Answer:
Colombo
The SAARC Cultural Centre is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It organizes regional film festivals, artist residencies, and heritage workshops. Pakistan's rich Mughal and Indus Valley heritage is frequently showcased through this centre's programs.
64
Which Pakistani official served as the SAARC Secretary-General from 2017 to 2020?
Answer:
Amjad Hussain B. Sial
Amjad Hussain B. Sial was the second Pakistani to serve as SAARC Secretary-General. His tenure was challenging as it coincided with the period of summit postponement. He focused on maintaining the functionality of the specialized bodies and regional centres during the diplomatic stalemate.
65
What is the primary reason for the low level of intra-regional trade in SAARC (estimated at less than 5%) compared to ASEAN or the EU?
Answer:
Political mistrust and non-tariff barriers between major members
Despite the SAFTA agreement, intra-regional trade remains extremely low. The primary hurdles are the political deadlock between Pakistan and India, sensitive lists (items excluded from tariff cuts), and the lack of integrated infrastructure, which Pakistan's current 'Geo-economics' policy seeks to address.
66
The SAARC Terrorism Monitoring Desk (STMD) and SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD) are located in which city?
Answer:
Colombo
These security monitoring desks are located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence regarding transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and terrorist activities, providing a technical layer to regional security cooperation.
67
The 'South Asian Federation Games' (now South Asian Games) were first hosted by which country in 1984?
Answer:
Nepal
The first South Asian Games were held in Kathmandu, Nepal, in 1984. Pakistan has hosted these games twice (1989 and 2004) in Islamabad. The games are a major event for 'Sports Diplomacy,' bringing together thousands of athletes from across the region.
68
Which environmental issue was the focus of the 'Male Declaration' (1987) under the SAARC framework?
Answer:
Protection of the Ozone Layer and Global Warming
The Male Declaration on Environmental Cooperation was one of the earliest regional efforts to address climate change. Given Pakistan's vulnerability to melting glaciers and floods, it has been a leading proponent of strengthening this regional environmental framework.
69
The SAARC Audio Visual Exchange (SAVE) program was designed to:
Answer:
Promote cultural exchange through shared radio and TV programs
SAVE was one of the early initiatives to promote regional identity. PTV and Radio Pakistan regularly contribute cultural documentaries and music programs to the SAVE pool, which are then broadcast across all member states to enhance mutual understanding of South Asian cultures.
70
Which Pakistani Prime Minister represented the country at the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in 2014, the last regular summit held?
Answer:
Nawaz Sharif
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif represented Pakistan at the 2014 Kathmandu Summit. During this summit, he emphasized the need for a 'dispute-free' South Asia and signed agreements on energy cooperation. It was during this summit that PM Modi and PM Sharif had a brief, high-profile handshake that raised hopes for bilateral thaw.