#1641

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.

#1642

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.

#1643

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.

#1644

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.

#1645

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.

#1646

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.

#1647

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.

#1648

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.

#1649

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.

#1650

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.

#1651

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.

#1652

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.

#1653

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.

#1654

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.

#1655

In 2024, Pakistan launched its first 'Remote Sensing' lunar orbiter named:

(a) PakMoon-1

(b) iCube-Qamar

(c) Badr-Lunar

(d) SUPARCO-X

Explanation: iCube-Qamar was Pakistan's first mission to the Moon, launched in May 2024 as part of China's Chang'e 6 mission. Developed by the Institute of Space Technology in collaboration with SUPARCO, it successfully sent images from the lunar orbit, marking a historic achievement for Pakistan's space program.

#1656

Which international boundary fencing project was prioritized for completion by the Shahbaz government in 2024 to curb smuggling?

(a) Line of Control

(b) Pak-Iran Border

(c) Working Boundary

(d) Sir Creek

Explanation: While the Afghan border was already largely fenced, the government accelerated the fencing of the 900 km border with Iran in 2024. This was coupled with the establishment of border markets and enhanced surveillance to stop the illegal flow of fuel and other commodities.

#1657

Who was the 'Caretaker Prime Minister' of Pakistan between the first and second terms of Shahbaz Sharif (Aug 2023 - Feb 2024)?

(a) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

(b) Justice (R) Nasir-ul-Mulk

(c) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

(d) Mian Soomro

Explanation: Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, a senator from Balochistan, served as the caretaker Prime Minister to oversee the 2024 general elections. His tenure was notable for maintaining economic continuity and supporting the initial operations of the SIFC.

#1658

Which Pakistani province announced its first-ever 'Deficit-Free' budget in 2024-2025 through radical fiscal reforms?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) KPK

(d) None of the above

Explanation: The Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, presented a budget for 2024-2025 that focused on revenue mobilization without increasing the deficit. The budget prioritized digital health, education, and the 'Kisan Card' scheme for agricultural growth.

#1659

The 'Nadirra' (NADRA) system introduced which new digital feature in 2024 to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis?

(a) Digital Power of Attorney

(b) Online Marriage Registration

(c) Digital Inheritance Certificate

(d) All of the above

Explanation: NADRA launched several digital portals in 2024 to allow Overseas Pakistanis to manage legal and administrative tasks without visiting a consulate. This included the remote verification of inheritance and power of attorney, significantly easing the administrative burden on the diaspora.

#1660

Which project aimed to provide 'Free Health Insurance' to all citizens of Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan in 2024?

(a) Ehsaas Health

(b) Sehat Sahulat Program (Federal)

(c) PM Health Link

(d) Aman Card

Explanation: The federal government continued and expanded the Sehat Sahulat Program for the federal capital and territories under its jurisdiction. This provides up to $1$ million PKR coverage for hospitalization, ensuring that the poorest citizens have access to quality private healthcare.

May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions