Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was sworn in as the President of Pakistan for a second time on March 10, 2024. He previously served as President from 2008 to 2013. His second term is characterized by a role as a mediator between the various coalition partners in the federal government.
1612
In which year was the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) officially launched as Pakistan's premier social safety net?
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was established in July 2008 as an unconditional cash transfer program. It was designed to provide a financial cushion to the poorest families in Pakistan against the impact of food price hikes and general inflation, eventually becoming the largest social safety net in the country.
1613
Which term is used to describe the land between two converging rivers in Pakistan's geography?
A 'Doab' (Persian for 'Two Waters') refers to the tract of land lying between two converging rivers. Major doabs in Pakistan include the Rechna Doab (between Chenab and Ravi) and the Jech Doab (between Jhelum and Chenab).
1614
The 'Friends of Democratic Pakistan' (FoDP) group was formed in 2008 primarily to:
The FoDP was a group of countries and international organizations (including the US, UK, and World Bank) established to support Pakistan's economic stability and democratic transition after the 2008 elections. It served as a platform for aid coordination.
1615
What was the 'Income Support Program' launched in 2008 to mitigate the impact of rising food prices?
BISP was launched in 2008 as a flagship social safety net program. It provides unconditional cash transfers to the poorest women in Pakistan. It is internationally recognized for its transparency and has since been expanded to include health and education incentives.
1616
The 2008-2013 period in Pakistan's economy was characterized by which major challenge?
Between 2008 and 2013, Pakistan faced a crippling energy crisis characterized by long hours of electricity load-shedding. This was due to a lack of investment in new generation capacity, reliance on expensive thermal fuels, and the growing circular debt, which severely hampered industrial productivity and slowed down GDP growth.
1617
During the Musharraf era (1999-2008), which sector experienced a massive 'boom' due to deregulation?
The telecommunications sector saw unprecedented growth during the early 2000s following the deregulation of the industry. The entry of international players like Telenor and Warid, along with the privatization of PTCL, led to a surge in mobile phone penetration and foreign direct investment, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy.
1618
The 2013-2018 PML-N government was the second in Pakistan's history to:
Continuing the democratic momentum started by the PPP (2008-2013), the PML-N government (2013-2018) became the second consecutive civilian administration to complete its full constitutional term and hand over power to the next elected assembly via a caretaker setup.
1619
In May 2013, the PPP government became the first to hand over power to a leader of which party?
After the 2013 General Elections, the PPP, which saw a significant reduction in its seats, gracefully transitioned power to Nawaz Sharif's PML-N, completing the first democratic cycle in Pakistan's history.
1620
Which Pakistani minority leader and Federal Minister was assassinated in March 2011?
Shahbaz Bhatti, the Minister for Minorities Affairs and a devout Christian, was assassinated in Islamabad. He had been receiving threats for his stance against the blasphemy laws and his defense of minority rights.
