#1221

In 2024-2025, Pakistan commissioned several new frigates built by China. What is the name of this class of ships?

(a) Tariq Class

(b) Tughril Class (Type 054A/P)

(c) Zulfiquar Class

(d) Alamgir Class

Explanation: The Tughril-class frigates (Type 054A/P) are the most advanced multi-role surface combatants in the Pakistan Navy's inventory. Equipped with state-of-the-art surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, these ships significantly enhance the fleet's defensive and offensive capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

#1222

Who is the professional head of the Pakistan Navy (as of 2024-2025)?

(a) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi

(b) Admiral Naveed Ashraf

(c) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi

(d) Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah

Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf assumed command as the 16th Chief of Naval Staff on October 7, 2023. He is responsible for the operational readiness and strategic direction of the Pakistan Navy.

#1223

What was the name of the operation conducted by the PAF on February 27, 2019, in response to an Indian airstrike?

(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb

(b) Operation Swift Retort

(c) Operation Sentinel

(d) Operation Gibraltar

Explanation: Operation Swift Retort was the PAF's counter-strike following the Balakot incident. During this engagement, the PAF shot down two Indian aircraft and captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, demonstrating its operational superiority and readiness.

#1224

The 'Indus Shield' is an international exercise hosted by the PAF. Where did its 2023-2024 editions primarily take place?

(a) PAF Base Risalpur

(b) Air Power Center of Excellence (ACE)

(c) PAF Base Samungli

(d) PAF Base Peshawar

Explanation: The Indus Shield exercise is hosted at the Air Power Center of Excellence (ACE) at PAF Base Mushaf. It involves participation from various friendly countries to enhance interoperability and share modern combat tactics.

#1225

Pakistan is consistently ranked among the top contributors of troops to the UN. As of 2024-2025, approximately how many Pakistani personnel are serving in UN missions?

(a) 1,000

(b) Over 4,000

(c) 10,000

(d) 25,000

Explanation: Pakistan remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries (TCC) to the United Nations. As of recent data in 2024-2025, over 4,000 Pakistani peacekeepers, including troops, police, and staff officers, are deployed in some of the most challenging conflict zones across the world.

#1226

As of the 2024-2025 cycle, approximately how many Pakistani peacekeepers have embraced martyrdom in the line of duty since 1960?

(a) 50

(b) Over 170

(c) 300

(d) 500

Explanation: Pakistan has paid a heavy price for global peace. More than 170 Pakistani peacekeepers, including officers and soldiers, have lost their lives in various UN missions across the globe, reflecting the country's deep commitment to the UN's peacekeeping mandates.

#1227

Pakistani engineers are often deployed in UN missions for specialized tasks. In 2023-2024, they were praised for building roads and bridges in which mission?

(a) UNIFIL (Lebanon)

(b) UNMISS (South Sudan)

(c) UNMOGIP

(d) UNSMIL

Explanation: Pakistani engineers in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been widely commended for their infrastructure projects. They have constructed hundreds of kilometers of roads and numerous bridges, which are vital for delivering humanitarian aid to remote populations.

#1228

As of 2024-2025, Pakistan has increasingly engaged in 'Defense Diplomacy' with which country, resulting in the 'Druzhba' (Friendship) series of military exercises?

(a) Germany

(b) Russia

(c) Japan

(d) Italy

Explanation: Following the lifting of a Russian arms embargo on Pakistan in 2014, the two countries have moved toward closer defense ties. The 'Druzhba' exercises started in 2016 and have continued through 2024-2025, focusing on counter-terrorism and mountain warfare, signaling a 'thaw' in Cold War-era rivalries.

#1229

In October 2024, which major summit was hosted in Islamabad, bringing together leaders from China, Russia, and Central Asia to discuss regional stability?

(a) OIC Summit

(b) SCO Council of Heads of Government

(c) ECO Summit

(d) SAARC Summit

Explanation: Islamabad successfully hosted the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. The summit was a major diplomatic success for Pakistan, emphasizing regional security, CPEC integration into the SCO framework, and collective economic resilience.

#1230

What is the name of the 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) initiative introduced in 2023-2024 to boost defense exports through alliances?

(a) Green Pakistan

(b) Defense Production Indigenization Hub

(c) SIFC Defense Wing

(d) Defense Export Promotion Organization (DEPO)

Explanation: While DEPO has existed for years, the SIFC (established in 2023) introduced a specialized focus on defense production as a key investment sector. It seeks to form joint ventures with allied nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar to modernize Pakistan's defense industries and increase foreign exchange through exports.

#1231

Which country signed an agreement with Pakistan in 2024 to cooperate on the development of 'AI-driven defense systems'?

(a) USA

(b) China

(c) Turkey

(d) Azerbaijan

Explanation: As part of the CPEC Phase II and broader strategic ties, China and Pakistan have intensified cooperation in high-tech defense fields. This includes AI for surveillance, electronic warfare, and the development of next-generation unmanned systems to maintain parity in a rapidly digitizing battlefield.

#1232

In the 2024-2025 context, which Central Asian country has emerged as a key partner for Pakistan in 'Trans-Afghan' logistics and security?

(a) Kazakhstan

(b) Uzbekistan

(c) Turkmenistan

(d) Kyrgyzstan

Explanation: Uzbekistan and Pakistan have signed several agreements for the 'Trans-Afghan Railway' and regional trade corridors. This partnership has a strong security dimension, as both nations seek to stabilize Afghanistan to ensure the safety of transit routes and prevent the spread of regional militancy.

#1233

In late 2024, Pakistan finalized an agreement with which country for the modernization of its 'T-80UD' tank fleet?

(a) Russia

(b) Ukraine

(c) China

(d) Poland

Explanation: Despite the ongoing conflict in Europe, Pakistan has maintained a long-standing defense industrial link with Ukraine, specifically for its tank fleet. Ukraine originally supplied the T-80UD tanks in the 1990s and continues to provide technical support and modernization kits for these armored vehicles.

#1234

Which Gulf nation has signed a 'Maritime Security' MOU with Pakistan in 2024 to curb narcotics smuggling in the North Arabian Sea?

(a) Bahrain

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) United Arab Emirates

(d) Kuwait

Explanation: The UAE and Pakistan have strengthened their maritime alliance, focusing on the 'clandestine' threats in the Arabian Sea. This includes drug trafficking and human smuggling, which are often linked to the financing of regional instability.

#1235

In 2024-2025, Pakistan’s 'Naval Expansion' includes the induction of four Milgem corvettes. What is the Pakistani name for this class?

(a) Tughril Class

(b) Babur Class

(c) Zulfiquar Class

(d) Alamgir Class

Explanation: The Babur-class corvettes (MILGEM) are a product of the Turkey-Pakistan defense alliance. They are multi-mission surface combatants equipped with indigenous Harbah missiles and modern stealth features, significantly boosting the Navy's offensive capabilities.

#1236

The 'Atatürk' exercises between Pakistan and Turkey reached their 12th edition in 2023-2024. Which type of forces participate in these?

(a) Air Force

(b) Special Forces

(c) Navy

(d) Cyber Command

Explanation: The Atatürk exercises are dedicated to the Special Forces of both countries. They involve rigorous training in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and specialized urban operations, reflecting the high level of trust and skill-sharing in their alliance.

#1237

Which international body serves as the 'Final Arbiter' for the Indus Waters Treaty disputes, as seen in the 2024-2025 Kishenganga case?

(a) The UN General Assembly

(b) The World Bank and the Court of Arbitration

(c) The SCO Court

(d) The OIC Secretariat

Explanation: As the signatory and mediator of the 1960 treaty, the World Bank plays a central role. For the current disputes over Indian hydroelectric projects, the World Bank has appointed both a 'Neutral Expert' and a 'Court of Arbitration' to address Pakistan's technical and legal objections.

#1238

What was the name of the aerial counter-strike launched by the Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019?

(a) Operation Badr

(b) Operation Swift Retort

(c) Operation Gibraltar

(d) Operation Sentinel

Explanation: Operation Swift Retort was the codename for the retaliatory strikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27, 2019. This was in response to the Indian Air Force's violation of Pakistani airspace and the strike at Balakot the previous day. The operation resulted in the downing of two Indian jets and the capture of a pilot.

#1239

In which specific location in Pakistan did the Indian Air Force claim to have conducted an airstrike on February 26, 2019?

(a) Abbottabad

(b) Balakot

(c) Muzaffarabad

(d) Chakothi

Explanation: India claimed to have targeted a training camp in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 26, 2019. However, the Pakistan military and independent satellite imagery reports indicated that the bombs fell on an empty hillside, causing damage only to a few pine trees and no significant casualties or infrastructure damage.

#1240

In late 2024 and early 2025, which major treaty became a point of severe contention between Pakistan and India following a modification notice by India?

(a) Tashkent Declaration

(b) Simla Agreement

(c) Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

(d) Lahore Declaration

Explanation: In September 2024, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a fundamental review and modification of the 64-year-old Indus Waters Treaty. Throughout 2025, this led to intense diplomatic standoffs, with India citing 'changed circumstances' and 'persistent disputes' over hydroelectric projects like Kishenganga and Ratle, while Pakistan maintained the treaty must be upheld via the World Bank's existing mechanisms.

February 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions