#1321

Which Pakistani city hosted the 23rd Meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in October 2024?

(a) Karachi

(b) Lahore

(c) Islamabad

(d) Gwadar

Explanation: Islamabad hosted the high-profile SCO summit on October 15-16, 2024. This was a major diplomatic milestone for the Shahbaz Sharif government, attended by several heads of government, including the premiers of China and Russia. The summit focused on regional cooperation in trade, economy, and security, and was the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.

#1322

Who was elected as the 14th President of Pakistan in March 2024, following the general elections?

(a) Arif Alvi

(b) Asif Ali Zardari

(c) Mehmood Khan Achakzai

(d) Fazal-ur-Rehman

Explanation: Asif Ali Zardari was elected as the President of Pakistan for a second time on March 9, 2024. As the joint candidate of the ruling coalition led by the PML-N and PPP, his election was a key component of the power-sharing agreement between the major political parties following the February 2024 general elections.

#1323

Which major multi-purpose dam project on the Indus River reached significant construction milestones in 2024-2025 with the support of the SIFC?

(a) Mohmand Dam

(b) Diamer-Bhasha Dam

(c) Nai Gaj Dam

(d) Dasu Dam

Explanation: The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, located on the Indus River, is a vital national project for water storage and hydroelectric power generation. During the 2024-2025 period, the Shahbaz Sharif government prioritized its funding and construction speed, aiming to provide 4,500 MW of clean energy and 6.4 MAF of water storage capacity.

#1324

On which date did the 2024 General Elections in Pakistan take place, leading to the formation of the second Shahbaz Sharif government?

(a) February 5, 2024

(b) February 8, 2024

(c) February 14, 2024

(d) March 1, 2024

Explanation: The general elections were held on February 8, 2024. After weeks of political negotiations, a coalition government was formed between the PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, and other smaller parties. Shahbaz Sharif was subsequently elected as the Prime Minister for his second term on March 3, 2024.

#1325

Which communication satellite was launched by Pakistan in May 2024 to enhance broadband and digital connectivity?

(a) PakSat-1R

(b) PakSat-MM1

(c) PRSS-1

(d) iCube-Qamar

Explanation: PakSat-MM1 (Multi-Mission Satellite 1) was launched in May 2024 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. It is designed to provide high-speed internet, direct-to-home (DTH) services, and improved communication coverage across Pakistan, serving as a critical component of the 'Digital Pakistan' vision.

#1326

Who was appointed as the 30th Chief Justice of Pakistan in October 2024, following the implementation of the 26th Amendment?

(a) Justice Qazi Faez Isa

(b) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah

(c) Justice Yahya Afridi

(d) Justice Munib Akhtar

Explanation: Justice Yahya Afridi was appointed as the Chief Justice of Pakistan on October 26, 2024. He was the first Chief Justice appointed under the new mechanism introduced by the 26th Constitutional Amendment, where a Special Parliamentary Committee selects the CJP from among the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court.

#1327

Which military operation was approved by the federal cabinet in June 2024 to tackle the renewed surge in militancy across the country?

(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb

(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad

(c) Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

(d) Operation Rah-e-Rast

Explanation: Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) was approved as a comprehensive national counter-terrorism campaign. It aims to integrate kinetic military actions with socio-economic development and enhanced border management to permanently eliminate the threat of terrorism and ensure internal security.

#1328

Which Pakistani airline was the primary target of the government's 'Privatization' drive in late 2024 and 2025?

(a) Airblue

(b) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

(c) Serene Air

(d) AirSial

Explanation: The privatization of PIA was a key condition of the IMF program and a central economic policy of the Shahbaz Sharif government in 2024-2025. The process involved segregating the airline's legacy debts into a separate holding company to make the core flight operations attractive to private investors and international airlines.

#1329

The 'Panda Bond' initiative, launched by the government in 2024, involves raising capital from which country's capital market?

(a) USA

(b) China

(c) Saudi Arabia

(d) Japan

Explanation: Pakistan prepared and launched its first 'Panda Bond' in 2024 to raise up to $300 million from the Chinese capital market. These yuan-denominated bonds were part of the government's strategy to diversify its funding sources and reduce reliance on traditional dollar-denominated debt.

#1330

Which Gulf country pledged a $10 billion investment in Pakistan following PM Shahbaz Sharif's visit in May 2024?

(a) Qatar

(b) United Arab Emirates (UAE)

(c) Saudi Arabia

(d) Kuwait

Explanation: During a high-level visit to Abu Dhabi in May 2024, the UAE leadership pledged to invest $10 billion in various sectors of the Pakistani economy. This commitment was facilitated by the SIFC and focused on ports, logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure.

#1331

The 'Matiari-Lahore' transmission line, a CPEC project that saw improved operational stability in 2024, uses which advanced technology?

(a) HVAC

(b) HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current)

(c) Underground Fiber Optic

(d) Wireless Power Transfer

Explanation: The 660kV Matiari-Lahore HVDC transmission line is Pakistan's first and only HVDC project. In 2024-2025, it played a crucial role in transmitting power from southern coal and wind plants to the northern load centers with minimal line losses, helping to stabilize the national grid.

#1332

In 2024, Pakistan signed an agreement with which UAE-based group to operate and develop the کراچی Port Trust (KPT) terminals?

(a) DP World

(b) AD Ports Group

(c) Dubai South

(d) Mubadala

Explanation: AD Ports Group of the UAE signed a 50-year concession agreement to operate and develop the Bulk and General Cargo Terminal at Karachi Port. This major maritime investment was a centerpiece of the government's effort to modernize port infrastructure and increase handling capacity.

#1333

Which Pakistani female diplomat was appointed as the country's first female Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva in 2024?

(a) Maleeha Lodhi

(b) Nabeela打击

(c) Ayesha Farooqi

(d) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

Explanation: The appointment of Ayesha Farooqi and other senior female diplomats to key stations reflected the government's commitment to gender representation in foreign service. During the 2024-2025 period, Pakistan significantly increased the number of female ambassadors heading missions globally.

#1334

Which project, finalized with China in 2024, involves the $6.7 billion upgrade of the railway line from Karachi to Peshawar?

(a) Karakoram Railway

(b) Main Line-1 (ML-1)

(c) Silk Road Link

(d) Orange Line Extension

Explanation: The ML-1 project is the most significant component of CPEC's transport infrastructure. After years of negotiations, the Shahbaz Sharif government and Chinese authorities reached a consensus on the revised design and cost in 2024, paving the way for the modernization of Pakistan's rail network.

#1335

The 'E-Office' initiative was fully implemented across federal ministries in 2024-2025 to promote:

(a) Paperless governance and transparency

(b) Foreign language learning

(c) Social media use

(d) Evening shifts

Explanation: The E-Office system was designed to eliminate the 'red-tape' culture by digitizing file movements and approvals. By 2025, all federal ministries were transitioned to this system, significantly reducing delays and creating a digital trail for accountability.

#1336

The 'Thar Coal' energy project reached a milestone in 2024 by contributing how much total power to the national grid?

(a) 1,000 MW

(b) 2,640 MW

(c) 5,000 MW

(d) 10,000 MW

Explanation: With the commissioning of several blocks including the Lucky Electric and ThalNova plants, Thar Coal became a major source of indigenous base-load power. In 2024, it provided over 2,600 MW, significantly reducing the country's reliance on expensive imported coal and fuel.

#1337

In October 2024, which country's Prime Minister visited Islamabad, marking a 'renewed era' of bilateral and SCO cooperation?

(a) Li Qiang (China)

(b) Mikhail Mishustin (Russia)

(c) Narendra Modi (India)

(d) Both a and b

Explanation: The SCO summit in October 2024 saw the rare simultaneous presence of the Chinese and Russian premiers in Islamabad. Their visits resulted in several bilateral agreements on energy, trade, and regional connectivity, reinforcing Pakistan's strategic importance.

#1338

Which Pakistani province launched the 'Punjab Chief Minister’s Solar Panel Scheme' in 2024 to provide relief from high electricity bills?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) KPK

(d) Balochistan

Explanation: The scheme was launched by Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide solar systems to thousands of households consuming low units of electricity. This initiative was part of a broader government strategy in 2024-2025 to promote renewable energy and provide immediate relief to citizens during the energy crisis.

#1339

The 'Reko Diq' mining project in Balochistan saw renewed progress in 2024 following an agreement with which Canadian company?

(a) Barrick Gold

(b) Rio Tinto

(c) BHP

(d) Vale

Explanation: Barrick Gold finalized its investment plans for the Reko Diq copper and gold mine. The project, facilitated by the SIFC and the Balochistan government, is expected to become one of the world's largest copper mines, providing massive revenue and jobs for the region by 2025.

#1340

Which constitutional body's power to 'suo motu' notice was restructured by the Practice and Procedure Act, 2023, upheld in 2024?

(a) Election Commission

(b) Supreme Court

(c) National Assembly

(d) High Courts

Explanation: The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act was passed to ensure that the exercise of original jurisdiction (suo motu) and the formation of benches are handled by a committee of three senior judges rather than the Chief Justice alone, aiming for more collective decision-making.

July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions