#1621

The 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in October 2024, has which implication for the judiciary that includes women?

(a) It bans women from becoming CJP

(b) It establishes constitutional benches which will include women judges based on seniority and merit

(c) It removes reserved seats

(d) It only applies to men

Explanation: The 26th Amendment introduced the concept of 'Constitutional Benches' in the Supreme Court. While it does not specifically mandate gender quotas, the inclusion of women judges like Justice Ayesha Malik and Justice Musarrat Hilali in these specialized benches is expected based on their expertise and seniority, further cementing the role of women in the country's constitutional law.

#1622

In 2024, which Pakistani province introduced a 'Quota' for women in the allotment of government-owned agricultural land to promote rural empowerment?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) KPK

(d) Balochistan

Explanation: Under the recent agricultural reforms in 2024-2025, the Punjab government has prioritized rural women in the distribution of state land for corporate and small-scale farming. This initiative aims to provide land ownership to women, which is a critical factor in their economic and social independence in rural communities.

#1623

The 'Womens Empowerment Package' announced in 2024-2025 includes which major feature for working mothers?

(a) Banning them from work

(b) Mandatory Day Care Centers in all government and large private offices

(c) Reducing their salaries

(d) Free luxury cars

Explanation: To encourage female labor force participation, the government has moved to enforce laws requiring workplaces to have day-care facilities. In 2024-2025, several grants were provided to offices to establish these centers, ensuring that working mothers can continue their careers while their children are in a safe and nearby environment.

#1624

Who is the first Pakistani woman to be appointed as an 'Ambassador' to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2024?

(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch

(b) Fauzia Fayyaz

(c) Ayesha Farooqi

(d) Sherry Rehman

Explanation: Fauzia Fayyaz, a senior career diplomat, has served as a counselor and later in key roles in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first female Pakistani diplomat in the Kingdom. Her work and recent appointments of senior female diplomats to Gulf countries reflect the changing dynamics of Pakistan's 'Diplomatic Diversity' in 2024-2025.

#1625

In 2024 and 2025, a major point of contention between the government and digital rights activists was the implementation of what technology?

(a) 5G Networks

(b) National Firewall

(c) Digital Rupee

(d) E-Voting Machines

Explanation: The installation of a 'National Firewall' for content filtering and the resulting internet slowdowns became a massive controversy in 2024-2025. Civil society and IT experts argued that it would harm the freelance economy and restricted the right to information and free digital communication.

#1626

Which social media platform remained blocked in Pakistan for over a year starting from February 2024?

(a) Facebook

(b) TikTok

(c) X (formerly Twitter)

(d) YouTube

Explanation: The platform X (Twitter) was restricted in Pakistan following the February 2024 general elections. The government cited national security concerns, while civil society challenged the ban in the Sindh and Islamabad High Courts as a violation of the right to expression.

#1627

In 2024, the ECP and the government faced criticism from civil society for 'internet shutdowns' during which specific day?

(a) Eid-ul-Fitr

(b) The Election Day (Feb 8, 2024)

(c) Independence Day

(d) Resolution Day

Explanation: On February 8, 2024, mobile and internet services were shut down across Pakistan. The government cited security concerns, but civil society and international observers criticized the move for hindering voters' access to polling information and the transmission of results.

#1628

The 'Niazi vs. ECP' and other digital rights cases in the Islamabad High Court in 2024 were overseen by which judge known for his focus on civil liberties?

(a) Justice Babar Sattar

(b) Justice Saqib Nisar

(c) Justice Qazi Faez Isa

(d) Justice Gulzar Ahmed

Explanation: Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court has been at the forefront of digital rights cases in 2024. He has repeatedly questioned the state's authority to conduct mass surveillance and install web-filtering systems without a clear legislative framework.

#1629

The 'Niazi vs. State' cases in 2024-2025 involving 'missing' social media activists were primarily handled through which legal writ?

(a) Habeas Corpus

(b) Certiorari

(c) Quo Warranto

(d) Prohibition

Explanation: The writ of Habeas Corpus ('produce the body') is the primary legal tool used by civil society lawyers to demand the release of individuals allegedly abducted by state agencies for their online or political activities.

#1630

The 'Niazi' vs. the State narrative in the media during 2024-2025 highlighted the divide between:

(a) Sports and Politics

(b) Pro-PTI digital media vs. the pro-Establishment traditional media

(c) Sindh and Punjab

(d) Religious vs. Secular law

Explanation: The 2024-2025 period saw a deep polarization where mainstream TV channels (regulated by PEMRA) were seen as carrying the state's narrative, while YouTube and X became the primary battlegrounds for the PTI's counter-narrative.

#1631

Youm-e-Takbeer is celebrated on May 28 every year to mark which significant milestone?

(a) The adoption of the first constitution

(b) The launch of the first satellite

(c) Pakistan's successful nuclear tests in 1998

(d) The founding of the Muslim League

Explanation: Youm-e-Takbeer (The Day of Greatness) commemorates the day in 1998 when Pakistan conducted five successful nuclear tests at the Chagai Hills in Balochistan. This event made Pakistan the seventh nuclear power in the world and the first in the Muslim world, establishing a credible minimum deterrence and ensuring national security.

#1632

Labor Day is a public holiday in Pakistan observed on May 1. What is its significance?

(a) To celebrate the founding of the PPP

(b) To honor the struggle and rights of workers

(c) To mark the end of the harvest season

(d) To remember the 1971 war

Explanation: May 1, known as International Workers' Day, is a public holiday in Pakistan. It is observed to recognize the hard work and achievements of the labor class and to remember the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. In Pakistan, the day is used by labor unions and the government to highlight workers' rights, minimum wage issues, and social security.

#1633

What is the total value of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) approved by the IMF for Pakistan in September 2024 during Shahbaz Sharif's second tenure?

(a) $3 Billion

(b) $6 Billion

(c) $7 Billion

(d) $10 Billion

Explanation: In September 2024, the International Monetary Fund (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 designed to support the government's efforts to cement macroeconomic stability and create conditions for a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient growth through difficult structural reforms.

#1634

Which historic constitutional amendment was passed in October 2024, introducing significant reforms to the judicial appointment process?

(a) 25th Amendment

(b) 26th Amendment

(c) 27th Amendment

(d) 28th Amendment

Explanation: The 26th Constitutional Amendment, also known as the Constitutional Package, was passed in October 2024. Key provisions included the formation of a Judicial Commission to appoint judges, a fixed three-year tenure for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the establishment of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court and High Courts. The amendment aimed to ensure parliamentary oversight in the appointment of the top judiciary.

#1635

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.

#1636

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.

#1637

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.

#1638

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.

#1639

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.

#1640

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.

May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions