April 2024 Edition
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April 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#1001
Which Pakistani official visited Riyadh in April 2024 to finalize the 'Macro-Economic Stability' cooperation framework?
(a) Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
(b) Prime Minister
(c) Finance Minister
(d) All of the above
Explanation: April 2024 saw a flurry of high-level visits, including the Prime Minister and the COAS, to Riyadh. These visits were successful in securing Saudi commitment to fast-track a $5 billion investment package, which was vital for the subsequent IMF program approval.
#1002
Which Gulf country signed an MoU in 2024 for the construction of a large-scale oil refinery in Hub, Balochistan?
(a) UAE
(b) Saudi Arabia (Aramco)
(c) Qatar
(d) Kuwait
Explanation: Saudi Aramco is the lead partner for a proposed $10 billion mega-refinery project in Hub. This project is a centerpiece of the SIFC's energy agenda, intended to reduce Pakistan's dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
#1003
Pakistan’s 'Bilateral Investment Treaty' (BIT) with which Gulf country was overhauled in 2024 to ensure better investor protection?
(a) Oman
(b) Saudi Arabia and UAE
(c) Bahrain
(d) None of the above
Explanation: As part of the new investment policy, Pakistan modernized its BITs with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These new treaties provide clearer dispute resolution mechanisms and are essential for securing the multi-billion dollar sovereign investments promised through the SIFC.
#1004
Which Gulf nation provided 'Liquefied Petroleum Gas' (LPG) on a deferred payment basis to Pakistan during the winter of 2023-2024?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) UAE
(c) Qatar
(d) Oman
Explanation: To meet the surge in domestic gas demand during winter, Qatar provided additional LNG and LPG cargoes. The flexible payment terms were a gesture of support during Pakistan's period of extreme foreign exchange scarcity.
#1005
Which Gulf state's Prime Minister visited Pakistan in October 2024 to discuss 'Halal Trade' and economic corridors?
(a) Malaysia (not Gulf)
(b) Qatar (Emir's representative)
(c) Saudi Arabia (Minister of Investment)
(d) UAE (President's representative)
Explanation: The Saudi Minister for Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, led the October 2024 delegation. His visit was focused on integrating Pakistan into the Saudi 'Vision 2030' supply chain and increasing the export of Pakistani Halal meat and fruits to the Kingdom.
#1006
What is the future outlook for Pakistan-Gulf relations under the 'Geo-economics' doctrine of 2024-2025?
(a) Less cooperation
(b) Shift from geopolitical security to an integrated economic and investment partnership
(c) Total isolation
(d) Merging with the EU
Explanation: The current doctrine focuses on leveraging Pakistan's location as a bridge. The future outlook involves making Pakistan a permanent part of the Gulf's food and energy security supply chains through deep industrial and agricultural integration.
#1007
What is the total value of the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved for Pakistan in September 2024, which received critical support from rollovers by China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE?
(a) $3 Billion
(b) $5 Billion
(c) $7 Billion
(d) $9 Billion
Explanation: In September 2024, the IMF approved a $7 billion (SDR 5,320 million) EFF for Pakistan. This program was made possible after Saudi Arabia and the UAE agreed to roll over bilateral debt, demonstrating the continued financial solidarity of the Gulf states with Pakistan.
#1008
In April 2024, which Iranian President visited Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and sign MoUs to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion?
(a) Hassan Rouhani
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
(d) Mohammad Khatami
Explanation: President Ebrahim Raisi visited Pakistan in April 2024 following a brief period of border tensions. The visit was aimed at normalizing ties, improving border security, and setting a target of $10 billion for bilateral trade over the next five years.
#1009
Which Gulf state signed a $2 billion agreement in 2024 to modernize the Karachi Port terminal?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) United Arab Emirates
(c) Qatar
(d) Oman
Explanation: The UAE-based AD Ports Group signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023-2024 to develop and operate the Karachi Gateway Terminal. This multi-million dollar investment is a key part of the UAE's expanding economic footprint in Pakistan's logistics sector.
#1010
Which international body's 'Human Rights' stance on Palestine is most strongly advocated by Pakistan and the OIC in 2024-2025?
(a) NATO
(b) The United Nations (advocating for a two-state solution)
(c) The World Bank
(d) The G7
Explanation: Pakistan remains a leading voice for the Palestinian cause at the UN. In 2024 and 2025, Pakistan coordinated with the OIC to demand an end to military aggression in Gaza and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders.
#1011
In 2024, Pakistan hosted an extraordinary session of the OIC to address the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in which neighboring country?
(a) Iran
(b) Afghanistan
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Palestine
Explanation: Pakistan has consistently used the OIC platform to mobilize international aid for Afghanistan. Following the 2021 transition, Islamabad hosted several meetings to prevent an economic collapse in Kabul and ensure humanitarian access for the Afghan people.
#1012
In late 2024, Pakistan and which country agreed to revitalize the 'Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline' project despite international sanction threats?
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Iran
(c) Russia
(d) Turkey
Explanation: Following the April 2024 visit of the Iranian President, both nations expressed a renewed commitment to the IP pipeline. Pakistan's SIFC has discussed the construction of the initial section on the Pakistani side to avoid heavy international penalties from Iran.
#1013
Which Muslim majority country is the largest exporter of palm oil to Pakistan as of 2024-2025?
(a) Saudi Arabia
(b) Indonesia
(c) Egypt
(d) Jordan
Explanation: Indonesia is the primary supplier of palm oil to Pakistan. The bilateral trade relationship is robust, and both countries are working toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further boost commercial ties.
#1014
Which high-ranking Malaysian leader visited Pakistan in October 2024 to discuss increased trade in rice and Halal meat?
(a) Mahathir Mohamad
(b) Anwar Ibrahim
(c) Najib Razak
(d) Muhyiddin Yassin
Explanation: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Pakistan in October 2024. The visit focused on enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with both countries agreeing to explore the vast potential of the global Halal economy together.
#1015
The 'Joint Border Management Committee' (JBMC) was revitalized in 2024 to manage the 909 km border between Pakistan and:
(a) Afghanistan
(b) Iran
(c) India
(d) China
Explanation: The JBMC focuses on border security, trade facilitation, and counter-terrorism between Pakistan and Iran. Following the missile exchanges of January 2024, the committee was strengthened to prevent future misunderstandings.
#1016
The 'Trans-Afghan Railway' project, discussed heavily in 2024-2025, aims to connect Pakistan primarily with which Central Asian country?
(a) Kazakhstan
(b) Turkmenistan
(c) Uzbekistan
(d) Kyrgyzstan
Explanation: The Trans-Afghan Railway project (Termez–Mazar-e-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar) is a flagship initiative intended to link Uzbekistan's rail network with Pakistan's seaports. In 2024 and early 2025, technical feasibility studies and funding mechanisms were fast-tracked under the geo-economic vision to provide Uzbekistan with the shortest route to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar and Karachi.
#1017
Which Central Asian leader visited Islamabad in late 2024 to discuss the 'Joint Security Commission' and border management?
(a) Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
(b) Shavkat Mirziyoyev
(c) Emomali Rahmon
(d) Serdar Berdimuhamedov
Explanation: President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan has been a frequent visitor to Pakistan, emphasizing security cooperation. Tajikistan and Pakistan share concerns regarding spillover from Afghanistan, and their 2024-2025 dialogue focused on counter-terrorism and the safe completion of energy corridors like CASA-1000.
#1018
The 'Bishkek Incident' in May 2024, involving Pakistani students, led to high-level diplomatic engagements with which country?
(a) Uzbekistan
(b) Kyrgyzstan
(c) Tajikistan
(d) Kazakhstan
Explanation: The May 2024 mob violence in Bishkek targeting international students, including many from Pakistan, required urgent diplomatic intervention. Pakistan's Foreign Office engaged with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Pakistani students enrolled in medical universities there, highlighting the significance of educational links in the bilateral relationship.
#1019
What is the name of the $7 billion IMF program approved in 2024 that requires Pakistan to improve its trade competitiveness with regional partners?
(a) Stand-By Arrangement
(b) Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
(c) Rapid Financing Instrument
(d) Extended Credit Facility
Explanation: The 37-month EFF approved in September 2024 mandates structural reforms to boost exports. Pakistan's strategy to meet these targets involves expanding its market share in Central Asia by finalizing transit trade agreements and reducing the cost of logistics through the Trans-Afghan railway.
#1020
In 2024, Pakistan and Kazakhstan established a 'Joint Business Council' to increase trade in which primary sector?
(a) Textiles and IT
(b) Defense and Nuclear Energy
(c) Fisheries
(d) Sports goods only
Explanation: Kazakhstan has shown significant interest in Pakistan's IT services and textile products. The Joint Business Council established in 2024 aims to facilitate B2B (Business-to-Business) meetings and remove non-tariff barriers, targeting a trade volume of $1 billion by 2027.