#1061

In January 2024, Pakistan launched 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' against militant hideouts in which neighboring country?

(a) Afghanistan

(b) Iran

(c) India

(d) Uzbekistan

Explanation: Following an Iranian missile strike in Balochistan, Pakistan responded with targeted strikes on January 18, 2024, against hideouts of Baloch separatist groups (Sarmachars) in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province. This rare military exchange highlighted the challenge of managing non-state actors along the 909 km border, though both nations quickly moved toward diplomatic de-escalation.

#1062

What is the total value of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved by the IMF for Pakistan in September 2024, which includes governance and security-related structural reforms?

(a) $3 Billion

(b) $5 Billion

(c) $7 Billion

(d) $9 Billion

Explanation: In September 2024, the IMF approved a 37-month EFF worth approximately $7 billion. A prerequisite for this program was the assurance of political and security stability, as the IMF often links economic bailouts to the state's ability to maintain a secure environment for trade and fiscal discipline.

#1063

Which term is used by the Pakistani state in 2024-2025 to officially describe the TTP, meaning 'troublemakers who have left the path'?

(a) Mujahideen

(b) Fitna al-Khawarij

(c) Separatists

(d) Freedom Fighters

Explanation: In 2024, the government and military officially adopted the term 'Fitna al-Khawarij' for the TTP. This narrative shift aims to delegitimize the group's Islamic credentials and highlight their role as internal destabilizers who misuse religion for terrorism, a message frequently communicated to the OIC and other Islamic nations.

#1064

Which Pakistani official visited Washington in March 2024 to attend the U.S.-Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue?

(a) The President

(b) The Foreign Minister and senior security officials

(c) The Mayor of Lahore

(d) The head of NADRA

Explanation: The March 2024 CT Dialogue in Washington focused on shared threats like ISIS-K and TTP. These high-level meetings signify that despite strategic differences on other issues, security and counter-terrorism remain the most functional pillar of Pak-U.S. bilateral relations.

#1065

In the 2024-2025 fiscal period, the majority of Pakistan's security challenges originate from which border?

(a) Eastern Border (India)

(b) Western Border (Afghanistan)

(c) Southern Coastline

(d) Northern Border (China)

Explanation: While the eastern border remains tense, the most active kinetic threats in 2024 and 2025 come from the western border. The surge in attacks by the TTP and IS-K from Afghan soil has forced Pakistan to refocus its military and diplomatic energy on Kabul and the border management system.

#1066

The 26th Constitutional Amendment (2024) introduced 'Constitutional Benches' which are seen as a way to prioritize:

(a) Land disputes

(b) Constitutional and political matters separately from regular litigation

(c) Divorce cases

(d) Tax collection

Explanation: The 26th Amendment was a significant legal reform that shifted the focus of high-level judicial interpretive power to specialized benches. This is seen by the state as a move toward a more predictable and less activist judiciary, which is essential for political and security stability.

#1067

In late 2024, Pakistan hosted which major international gathering for the first time in nearly two decades, requiring a high-security 'lockdown' of Islamabad?

(a) SAARC Summit

(b) SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Meeting

(c) OIC Summit

(d) UN Climate Summit

Explanation: Pakistan hosted the 23rd SCO CHG meeting in October 2024. The presence of leaders from Russia, China, and Central Asia (and the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister) was a massive protocol and security challenge, which the state successfully managed to signal that the capital is secure.

#1068

What is the total value of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved by the IMF for Pakistan in September 2024?

(a) $3 Billion

(b) $5 Billion

(c) $7 Billion

(d) $9 Billion

Explanation: In September 2024, the IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Pakistan worth approximately $7 billion (SDR 5,320 million). This program was contingent upon Pakistan securing external financing assurances from bilateral partners like China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, reflecting a high-stakes exercise in economic diplomacy.

#1069

During a high-level summit in Islamabad in October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 27 MoUs and agreements worth how much?

(a) $1.2 Billion

(b) $2.2 Billion

(c) $5.0 Billion

(d) $10.0 Billion

Explanation: A high-level Saudi investment delegation, led by the Minister for Investment, visited Islamabad in October 2024 and signed 27 agreements worth $2.2 billion. These deals cover sectors like construction, agriculture, energy, and mining, marking a significant milestone in transitioning the bilateral relationship from financial aid to a comprehensive economic partnership.

#1070

The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), prioritized in 2024-2025, focuses primarily on:

(a) Road construction only

(b) Industrialization, Agriculture, and B2B cooperation

(c) Building new dams

(d) Abolishing all trade tariffs

Explanation: CPEC Phase II marks a strategic transition from government-to-government infrastructure projects to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation. The current focus includes the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agricultural modernization, and relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan, aiming to boost the country's export manufacturing base.

#1071

Which UAE-based logistics giant signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023-2024 to operate the Karachi Gateway Terminal?

(a) DP World

(b) AD Ports Group

(c) Etisalat

(d) Emaar

Explanation: The Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group signed a landmark 25-year agreement to develop and operate the container terminal at Karachi Port. This multi-million dollar investment is a key example of 'Port Diplomacy,' where Pakistan leverages its strategic maritime location to integrate into global supply chains and generate non-tax revenue.

#1072

Which country provided a $2 billion liquidity support (loan rollover) in early 2024 to help Pakistan maintain its foreign exchange reserves?

(a) United States

(b) China

(c) Russia

(d) Japan

Explanation: China rolled over a $2 billion loan in March 2024 to stabilize Pakistan's dwindling foreign exchange reserves. Such 'financial diplomacy' from Beijing has been critical in providing the 'external financing' required by the IMF to maintain Pakistan's creditworthiness and avoid a sovereign default.

#1073

Which high-ranking Malaysian official visited Pakistan in October 2024 to discuss increasing bilateral trade in rice and Halal products?

(a) Mahathir Mohamad

(b) Anwar Ibrahim

(c) Najib Razak

(d) Muhyiddin Yassin

Explanation: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Islamabad in 2024 focused on expanding commercial ties beyond traditional areas. Both nations agreed to explore the potential of the global Halal economy, with Malaysia expressing interest in importing more Pakistani rice and meat products.

#1074

In 2023-2024, Pakistan launched a major drive to curb 'Informal Trade' and smuggling along which border to protect its domestic revenue?

(a) Eastern Border (India)

(b) Western Border (Afghanistan and Iran)

(c) Northern Border (China)

(d) Maritime Boundary

Explanation: Smuggling through the transit trade routes with Afghanistan and the illegal influx of petroleum from Iran cost the national exchequer billions. Under the SIFC's direction, the state implemented a strict 'One Document Regime' and enhanced border enforcement to move these transactions into formal, taxable economic channels.

#1075

The term 'Economic Diplomacy' in Pakistan's 2024-2025 doctrine is summarized as a shift from:

(a) Trade to Aid

(b) Geopolitics to Geoeconomics

(c) Industry to Agriculture only

(d) East to West

Explanation: The 'Geoeconomic shift' implies that Pakistan wants to leverage its location as a land-bridge and a transit hub for trade between Central Asia, China, and the Middle East. This policy aims to prioritize trade, connectivity, and investment over regional power rivalries and security-based alliances.

#1076

Which Gulf state's sovereign wealth fund, the 'Qatar Investment Authority' (QIA), has discussed a $2 billion investment in Pakistan's energy and aviation sectors in 2024-2025?

(a) Saudi Arabia

(b) Qatar

(c) United Arab Emirates

(d) Oman

Explanation: Qatar has shown strong interest in investing in Pakistan's state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The QIA's discussions revolve around the management and outsourcing of major airports and investing in renewable energy projects, reflecting Qatar's strategy of deepening economic footprints in South Asia.

#1077

In October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 27 MoUs and agreements worth how much during a high-level investment summit in Islamabad?

(a) $1.2 Billion

(b) $2.2 Billion

(c) $5.0 Billion

(d) $10.0 Billion

Explanation: During the visit of a high-level Saudi investment delegation in October 2024, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed 27 MoUs and agreements worth $2.2 billion. These agreements cover various sectors such as construction, agriculture, energy, mining, and human resource development, signifying a shift from financial aid to a deep-rooted economic partnership.

#1078

The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2024-2025 focuses primarily on which area?

(a) Road construction only

(b) Industrialization, Agriculture, and B2B cooperation

(c) Building nuclear power plants

(d) Abolishing all transit trade

Explanation: CPEC Phase II marks a transition from government-led infrastructure projects to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation. The priority is now on industrial relocation from China to Pakistan, agricultural modernization, and the operationalization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to boost export-oriented manufacturing.

#1079

The UAE-based 'AD Ports Group' signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023-2024 to operate and develop which facility?

(a) Gwadar Port

(b) Karachi Gateway Terminal (Karachi Port)

(c) Port Qasim

(d) Keti Bandar

Explanation: The Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group signed a 25-year concession to manage and develop the container terminal at Karachi Port. This multi-million dollar investment is part of the UAE's strategy to enhance regional logistics and Pakistan's effort to attract investment into its maritime infrastructure.

#1080

Which Gulf state announced a $10 billion investment fund for Pakistan following a high-level visit in mid-2024?