#961

Which country provided a 'liquidity support' of $2 billion in March 2024 to help Pakistan meet its external debt obligations?

(a) China

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) United Arab Emirates

(d) Qatar

Explanation: China rolled over a $2 billion loan in early 2024 to assist Pakistan in maintaining its foreign exchange reserves. Such 'rollovers' from China and Saudi Arabia have been critical for Pakistan's debt management during current economic challenges.

#962

The 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad saw a breakthrough meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and:

(a) India

(b) Ukraine

(c) Israel

(d) USA

Explanation: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to Islamabad in October 2024 for the SCO summit was the first such visit since 2015. While no formal bilateral talks took place, the attendance was seen as a positive step for regional multilateralism.

#963

In the current 2024-2025 period, Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban-led Afghanistan is primarily strained over the issue of:

(a) Trade through Torkham

(b) The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) safe havens

(c) Water sharing of the Kabul river

(d) The recognition of the government

Explanation: Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have been increasingly tense due to the surge in cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has repeatedly asked the Afghan interim government to stop using its soil for TTP attacks, leading to border closures and security crackdowns.

#964

Which state's Prime Minister visited Pakistan in October 2024 to discuss 'Halal Trade' and economic cooperation?

(a) Malaysia

(b) Indonesia

(c) Singapore

(d) Brunei

Explanation: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Islamabad in October 2024. The visit focused on increasing trade in rice, meat, and palm oil, and both countries agreed to explore the potential of the 'Halal' economy as a major bilateral trade driver.

#965

Pakistan's 'Bilateral Investment Treaty' (BIT) framework was overhauled in 2024 to:

(a) Ban foreign companies

(b) Provide better legal protection to investors while safeguarding national interests

(c) Increase corporate taxes

(d) Abolish the SIFC

Explanation: Learning from the Reko Diq and Karkey cases, Pakistan modernized its BIT model in 2024. The new framework aims to attract investment by offering clearer dispute resolution mechanisms while ensuring that the state is not vulnerable to unfair international arbitration penalties.

#966

The 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' in January 2024 involved Pakistan's retaliatory strikes against militant groups in which country?

(a) Afghanistan

(b) Iran

(c) India

(d) Uzbekistan

Explanation: Following an Iranian missile strike in Balochistan, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on January 18, 2024, against hideouts of the 'Sarmachar' Baloch militants in Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. This was a rare military exchange between the two neighbors, though both sides quickly moved to de-escalate.

#967

Which Gulf nation signed an agreement in 2024 to invest $1 billion in the operations of the Karachi Port Terminal?

(a) Saudi Arabia

(b) United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi Ports)

(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 is part of the broader foreign policy shift towards 'investment-not-loans' with GCC partners.

#968

What is the primary objective of Pakistan's 'Economic Diplomacy' initiative launched in 2024?

(a) Building more nuclear plants

(b) Shifting from geo-politics to geo-economics by prioritizing trade and investment

(c) Banning the use of Dollars

(d) Joining the European Union

Explanation: Pakistan's current foreign policy doctrine emphasizes 'Geo-economics.' This involves leveraging Pakistan's location as a transit hub between Central Asia, China, and the Middle East to build economic partnerships rather than engaging in regional power rivalries.

#969

Which country remains Pakistan's largest export destination in 2024-2025?

(a) China

(b) United States

(c) Saudi Arabia

(d) United Kingdom

Explanation: Despite political fluctuations, the United States remains the largest single-country market for Pakistani exports, particularly in the textile and IT sectors. Maintaining economic ties with the US is a vital component of Pakistan's 'Geo-economic' strategy.

#970

The 'Joint Communiqué' of the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad focused on:

(a) Declarations of war

(b) Regional stability, digital economy, and opposition to unilateral sanctions

(c) The abolition of regional trade

(d) Religious law

Explanation: The Islamabad declaration of the SCO (2024) emphasized multilateralism and rejected 'protectionist' trade measures. It highlighted the need for a more equitable global economic order and enhanced security cooperation among member states.

#971

In October 2024, which high-ranking Indian official visited Islamabad for the first time in nine years to attend the SCO summit?

(a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi

(b) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

(c) Home Minister Amit Shah

(d) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

Explanation: Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Islamabad in October 2024 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. While no formal bilateral talks were held, the visit was seen as a significant protocol-level engagement in an otherwise frozen relationship.

#972

Which international forum's Council of Heads of Government meeting was hosted by Pakistan in late 2024, involving all South Asian neighbors?

(a) SAARC

(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

(c) G20

(d) BIMSTEC

Explanation: Pakistan hosted the SCO CHG meeting in October 2024. As a full member of the SCO along with India and Russia, the forum provides a multilateral platform where Pakistani and Indian officials interact despite the absence of a bilateral dialogue process.

#973

Which project on the Chenab River, involving a 850 MW plant, has been referred to 'Neutral Experts' in 2023-2024?

(a) Baglihar

(b) Ratle Hydroelectric Plant

(c) Kishanganga

(d) Salal

Explanation: Pakistan has objected to the design of the Ratle project, particularly its pondage and spillway features. In 2023, the World Bank allowed the simultaneous activation of both 'Neutral Experts' and the 'Court of Arbitration' to resolve the Ratle and Kishanganga disputes.

#974

In the current 2024-2025 fiscal period, the majority of trade between Pakistan and India is conducted via:

(a) Wagah Land Border

(b) Sea routes through third countries (e.g., UAE)

(c) The Munabao Railway

(d) Direct air cargo

Explanation: Due to the suspension of direct bilateral trade since 2019, most essential goods and commercial trade are routed through third countries like the UAE. This indirect trade is significantly more expensive but continues to fulfill regional demand.

#975

In October 2024, which Chinese official visited Pakistan to attend the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting?

(a) Xi Jinping

(b) Li Qiang

(c) Wang Yi

(d) Li Keqiang

Explanation: Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Islamabad in October 2024 to attend the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting. His visit also included bilateral meetings where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the 'high-quality' development of CPEC Phase II.

#976

The second phase of CPEC, currently underway in 2024-2025, focuses primarily on which of the following?

(a) Road construction only

(b) Industrialization, Agriculture, and IT

(c) Building new dams

(d) Military bases

Explanation: CPEC Phase II marks a shift from infrastructure and energy to socio-economic development. The current focus includes the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agricultural modernization, and Business-to-Business (B2B) cooperation to boost Pakistan's industrial exports.

#977

China provided a liquidity support (loan rollover) of how much to Pakistan in early 2024 to stabilize its economy?

(a) $1 Billion

(b) $2 Billion

(c) $5 Billion

(d) $10 Billion

Explanation: In March 2024, China rolled over a $2 billion loan to Pakistan, providing critical support to its foreign exchange reserves. This financial assistance is part of China's broader effort to help Pakistan maintain macroeconomic stability during its ongoing IMF programs.

#978

In late 2024, Pakistan and China inaugurated which major facility at the Gwadar Port?

(a) Nuclear reactor

(b) New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA)

(c) Space Launch Pad

(d) Oil refinery

Explanation: The New Gwadar International Airport was inaugurated in late 2024. Funded largely by a Chinese grant, it is one of the largest airports in Pakistan and is essential for making Gwadar a global commercial hub by allowing heavy cargo and long-haul international flights.

#979

Which Pakistani Prime Minister visited China in June 2024 to initiate CPEC Phase II?

(a) Imran Khan

(b) Shahbaz Sharif

(c) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

(d) Nawaz Sharif

Explanation: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited Beijing and Shenzhen in June 2024. The visit focused on transitioning CPEC from government-led infrastructure to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, agriculture modernization, and green energy projects.

#980

The 'Besham attack' in March 2024 targeted Chinese nationals working on which project?

(a) Gwadar Port

(b) Dasu Hydropower Project

(c) Orange Line Metro

(d) Thar Coal Mine

Explanation: In March 2024, five Chinese engineers working on the Dasu dam were killed in a suicide attack in Besham. This incident led to heightened security concerns and emphasized the challenge of protecting CPEC personnel from regional terrorism.

January 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions