#461

The 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in October 2024, capped the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) at:

(a) 2 years

(b) 3 years

(c) 4 years

(d) 5 years

Explanation: The 26th Amendment introduced a fixed tenure of three years for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, regardless of their age of superannuation.

#462

Which major reform was introduced in the government pension system in the Federal Budget 2024-25?

(a) Double Pension Scheme

(b) Contributory Pension Scheme

(c) Lifetime Pension for all family members

(d) Pension payment in Dollars

Explanation: To reduce the ballooning pension bill, the government introduced a 'Contributory Pension Scheme' for new employees, where they contribute a portion of their salary toward their retirement fund.

#463

The 'Tajir Dost Scheme' launched by the FBR in 2024 aims to:

(a) Provide loans to traders

(b) Bring retailers and wholesalers into the tax net

(c) Subsidize electricity for shops

(d) Allow duty-free imports for traders

Explanation: The Tajir Dost Scheme is a voluntary tax compliance registration scheme designed to bring unregistered retailers and wholesalers into the formal tax net to broaden the tax base.

#464

In September 2024, the IMF approved a new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan worth approximately:

(a) $3 Billion

(b) $7 Billion

(c) $10 Billion

(d) $1.2 Billion

Explanation: The IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of about $7 billion to support Pakistan's economic stability and reform program.

#465

Which provincial government launched the 'Kisan Card' initiative in 2024 to provide direct subsidies and loans to farmers?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

(d) Balochistan

Explanation: The Punjab government, under CM Maryam Nawaz, launched the Kisan Card to provide subsidies on fertilizers and seeds and offer low-interest loans to farmers.

#466

The 'Winter Package 2024' announced by the Federal Government offers relief on:

(a) Gas tariffs for heaters

(b) Electricity tariff for incremental consumption

(c) Warm clothing prices

(d) Import of coal

Explanation: To encourage electricity usage in winter (when demand drops) and discourage gas usage, the government offered a reduced tariff rate for any electricity units consumed above the previous year's usage.

#467

Which new agency was notified in 2024 to replace the FIA's Cybercrime Wing for handling digital crimes?

(a) National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)

(b) Digital Rights Authority

(c) Pakistan Cyber Force

(d) Federal Digital Investigation Bureau

Explanation: The government established the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take over the mandate of investigating cybercrimes from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

#468

As part of the 2024-2025 reforms, the government terminated the contracts of several 'IPPs'. What does IPP stand for?

(a) International Power Providers

(b) Independent Power Producers

(c) Internal Policy Partners

(d) Integrated Public Projects

Explanation: The government terminated contracts with five Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in late 2024 to reduce 'capacity payments' and lower the overall cost of electricity.

#469

Under the 'Right-Sizing' policy of 2024, the government aims to:

(a) Increase the number of federal ministries

(b) Merge or dissolve unnecessary ministries and departments

(c) Increase the size of the parliament

(d) Expand the cabinet indefinitely

Explanation: The High-Powered Committee on Rightsizing, led by the Finance Minister, recommended abolishing or merging various ministries and departments to cut government expenditure.

#470

Which controversial bill regarding media was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2024?

(a) Punjab Journalist Protection Act

(b) Punjab Defamation Act 2024

(c) Punjab Media Freedom Bill

(d) Punjab Digital Rights Act

Explanation: The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 was passed to address disinformation on social media, though it faced criticism for potentially curbing freedom of speech.

#471

The 'National Firewall' project installed in 2024 is intended for:

(a) Preventing physical border intrusions

(b) Internet traffic monitoring and filtering

(c) Stopping floods

(d) Protecting nuclear assets

Explanation: The government deployed a national firewall to monitor internet traffic, filter content deemed 'propaganda' or 'fake news', and manage cybersecurity threats.

#472

Which state-owned entity's privatization process faced significant bidding challenges in late 2024?

(a) Pakistan Railways

(b) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

(c) PSO

(d) NHA

Explanation: The privatization of PIA hit a snag when the final bidding process attracted lower-than-expected offers, leading to a review of the privatization strategy.

#473

Under the 2024 Finance Act, the government imposed higher tax rates on 'Non-Filers', including blocking their:

(a) Bank accounts

(b) Mobile SIM cards

(c) Passports

(d) All of the above

Explanation: To enforce tax compliance, the government empowered the FBR to block mobile SIMs and utility connections, and restrict foreign travel for non-filers.

#474

The 'Benazir Income Support Programme' (BISP) introduced a new banking model in 2024 to:

(a) Reduce stipend amounts

(b) Directly transfer funds via biometric verification at more bank branches

(c) Give cash through post offices only

(d) Issue cryptocurrency

Explanation: BISP revamped its payment model, hiring multiple banks to expand the number of cash-out points and reduce fraud/deductions by agents.

#475

The 'Practice and Procedure Act Amendment Ordinance 2024' gave the power of constituting SC benches to:

(a) The CJP alone

(b) A committee of the CJP, the next senior judge, and a CJP-nominated judge

(c) The Full Court

(d) The President

Explanation: The amendment changed the committee structure: instead of the three senior-most judges, it now includes the CJP, the next senior judge, and a third judge nominated by the CJP.

#476

Under the new 'Visa Policy' introduced to promote tourism and investment, Pakistan abolished visa fees for citizens of how many countries in 2024?

(a) 50

(b) 126

(c) 10

(d) All countries

Explanation: To boost tourism and investment, Pakistan abolished visa fees for citizens of 126 countries and simplified the online visa process.

#477

The 'Sovereign Wealth Fund' act was amended in 2024 to:

(a) Close the fund

(b) Remove tax exemptions to meet IMF conditions

(c) Invest only in crypto

(d) Sell all assets

Explanation: The government amended the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to remove certain tax and legal privileges, ensuring it operates on a level playing field as per IMF requirements.

#478

Which sector was declared an 'Industry' by the Punjab government in 2024 to facilitate loans and insurance?

(a) Tourism

(b) Livestock / Agriculture

(c) Education

(d) Media

Explanation: The Punjab government declared livestock and corporate agriculture as an 'industry' to grant them access to industrial loans, insurance, and electricity rates.

#479

The 'School Meal Program' was reintroduced in 2024 in Islamabad and Punjab to:

(a) Sell food to students

(b) Combat stunting and increase enrollment

(c) Train chefs

(d) Reduce teacher salaries

Explanation: The program provides free meals to primary school students to improve nutritional health (stunting) and encourage school attendance.

#480

The 'National Minimum Wage' was raised in the 2024-25 budget to:

(a) Rs. 25,000

(b) Rs. 37,000

(c) Rs. 50,000

(d) Rs. 30,000

Explanation: The federal government increased the minimum wage for unskilled laborers to Rs. 37,000 per month.

April 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions