#1221

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.

#1222

In 2024, Pakistan hosted an extraordinary session of the OIC to address which humanitarian situation?

(a) Palestine only

(b) Afghanistan (preventing economic collapse)

(c) Sudan

(d) Ukraine

Explanation: Building on the success of the December 2021 session, Pakistan continues to use the OIC platform to mobilize international aid for Afghanistan. The goal is to ensure that the Afghan people are not penalized for the political changes in Kabul and to prevent a mass refugee influx into Pakistan.

#1223

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 and investment.

#1224

Pakistan fired for the first time in March, 2004:

(a) two stage Hatf-2 ballistic missile

(b) two stage Shaheen-2 ballistic missile

(c) two stage Hajvari-2 ballistic missile

(d) two stage Mohammad-2 ballistic missile

Explanation: The Shaheen-II (Hatf-VI) is a two-stage solid-fuel ballistic missile. Its first test flight was successfully conducted in March 2004.

#1225

First DNA Test laboratory was inaugurated in March, 2006 at:

(a) Lahore

(b) Karachi

(c) Multan

(d) Islamabad

Explanation: Islamabad saw the establishment of the first dedicated DNA testing laboratory in March 2006 to provide forensic support and genetic testing services.

#1226

The first constitution of Pakistan was brought into operation on 23rd March of which year?

(a) 1955

(b) 1958

(d) 1956

Explanation: The 1956 Constitution of Pakistan was officially implemented on March 23, 1956. This turned Pakistan from a Dominion into an Islamic Republic and replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the country's governing law.

#1227

On March 25, 1969, a commander-in-chief imposed martial law, the name of the commander was:

(a) Iskandar Mirza

(b) Yahya Khan

(c) Mirza Aslam Baig

(d) None of these

Explanation: General Agha Muhammad Yahya Khan, then Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, took over power on March 25, 1969. He abrogated the 1962 Constitution and imposed the second nationwide martial law in Pakistan's history.

#1228

The action taken by Mujib on 2nd March, 1971 was:

(a) Left the leadership of his party

(b) Launched civil disobedience movement

(c) Demanded independence of East Pakistan

(d) Demanded new elections

Explanation: In response to the postponement of the assembly session, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for a complete strike and launched a civil disobedience movement, effectively taking over the administration of East Pakistan.

#1229

Who was appointed as the Prime Minister by General Zia during the joint session on 23 March 1985?

(a) Muhammad Khan Junejo

(b) Miraj Khalid

(c) Ghulam Ishaq Khan

(d) Moeen Qureshi

Explanation: Muhammad Khan Junejo was appointed as the Prime Minister of Pakistan by President Zia-ul-Haq on March 23, 1985. Junejo was a relatively low-profile politician from Sindh who was expected to be cooperative with the military establishment.

#1230

As of the FY 2024-25 Economic Survey, what is the total length of the NHA road network?

(a) 12,131 km

(b) 14,480 km

(c) 263,775 km

(d) 8,500 km

Explanation: According to the Economic Survey for 2024-25, the NHA network includes 48 national highways, motorways, and strategic roads with a total length of 14,480 kilometers, an increase from previous years.

#1231

What is the total revenue reported by Pakistan Railways for the July-March period of FY 2024-25?

(a) Rs 45.2 billion

(b) Rs 53.7 billion

(c) Rs 65.17 billion

(d) Rs 88.0 billion

Explanation: Pakistan Railways showed improved financial performance in FY 2025, with gross earnings reaching Rs 65.17 billion during the July-March period, compared to Rs 53.7 billion in the same period the previous year.

#1232

In 2024-25, the NHA reported a historic revenue increase of how much?

(a) Rs 10 billion

(b) Rs 50 billion

(c) Rs 100 billion

(d) Rs 110 billion

Explanation: In 2024-25, the NHA achieved a historic revenue surge of Rs 50 billion, with total earnings climbing from Rs 64 billion to Rs 114 billion, largely due to improved toll collection and management.

#1233

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 aims to cement macroeconomic stability and create conditions for stronger, more inclusive, and resilient growth.

#1234

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

(a) Lahore

(b) Karachi

(c) Islamabad

(d) Gwadar

Explanation: Islamabad hosted the high-profile SCO summit on October 15-16, 2024. This was a major diplomatic milestone for Pakistan, attended by several heads of government, including the premiers of China and Russia, focusing on regional cooperation in trade, economy, and security.

#1235

Which multi-mission communication satellite did Pakistan launch in May 2024 to improve internet connectivity?

(a) PakSat-1R

(b) PakSat-MM1

(c) iCube-Qamar

(d) Badr-B

Explanation: PakSat-MM1 was launched in May 2024 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. It is a multi-mission satellite designed to provide high-speed broadband internet, direct-to-home (DTH) services, and advanced communication capabilities across Pakistan for the next 15 years.

#1236

What is the primary focus of 'CPEC Phase II' as emphasized by both China and Pakistan in 2024-2025?

(a) Road construction only

(b) Energy generation only

(c) Industrialization, Agriculture, and Science & Tech

(d) Building more coal plants

Explanation: While Phase I focused on overcoming energy and infrastructure bottlenecks, Phase II shifts toward socio-economic development. The core priorities now include industrialization through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agricultural modernization, and cooperation in science, technology, and information technology.

#1237

The 884 MW Suki Kinari Hydropower project, nearing completion in 2024-2025, is located in which district?

(a) Swat

(b) Mansehra

(c) Chitral

(d) Gilgit

Explanation: The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is located on the Kunhar River in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is one of the largest private sector hydropower projects under CPEC and is a key contributor to the national grid's renewable energy capacity.

#1238

In 2024, Pakistan officially applied for membership in which major intergovernmental organization comprising emerging economies?

(a) G7

(b) BRICS

(c) European Union

(d) ASEAN

Explanation: Pakistan formally applied to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in late 2023/early 2024. Membership in BRICS is seen as a way for Pakistan to enhance its role in the 'Global South' and access new avenues for economic cooperation.

#1239

Which port in Sindh is being upgraded with the help of UAE-based AD Ports Group as part of major maritime developments in 2024?

(a) Gwadar Port

(b) Karachi Port (KPT)

(c) Port Qasim

(d) Keti Bandar

Explanation: In a major investment deal, the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group signed an agreement to operate and develop the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) terminals. This involves significant investment in infrastructure and technology to improve the port's efficiency and handling capacity.

#1240

The 'Green Pakistan Initiative', launched in 2023-2024, primarily focuses on which sector through SIFC?

(a) Forestry

(b) Corporate Farming and Food Security

(c) Electric Vehicles

(d) Solar Panel Manufacturing

Explanation: The Green Pakistan Initiative aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector by introducing corporate farming on millions of acres of barren land. It utilizes modern technology and attracts foreign investment to ensure food security and increase agricultural exports.

March 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions