#1681

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 focuses on macroeconomic stability, structural reforms in the energy sector, and broadening the tax base.

#1682

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, what is the total share of the agriculture sector in Pakistan's GDP?

(a) 18.9%

(b) 21.2%

(c) 23.54%

(d) 25.1%

Explanation: The agriculture sector remains a vital component of Pakistan's economy. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, the sector's share in the national GDP was recorded at 23.54 percent, showing its significance as a primary driver of the economy despite climatic challenges.

#1683

What was the recorded growth rate of Pakistan's agriculture sector during the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) 0.56%

(b) 1.55%

(c) 2.38%

(d) 4.22%

Explanation: In FY 2024-25, the agriculture sector in Pakistan grew by 0.56 percent. This modest growth was primarily driven by the livestock, forestry, and fisheries sub-sectors, which managed to offset declines observed in major crop yields.

#1684

Which sub-sector of agriculture contributed the most to the overall agricultural value added in FY 2024-25?

(a) Crops

(b) Livestock

(c) Fisheries

(d) Forestry

Explanation: Livestock is the largest sub-sector of agriculture in Pakistan, contributing approximately 63.60 percent to the agricultural value added and 14.97 percent to the national GDP in FY 2024-25. It has proven to be a resilient component of the rural economy.

#1685

What was the total production of wheat in Pakistan for the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) 26.21 Million Tonnes

(b) 28.98 Million Tonnes

(c) 30.12 Million Tonnes

(d) 32.50 Million Tonnes

Explanation: Wheat production in Pakistan for FY 2024-25 was recorded at 28.98 million tonnes. Although a significant volume, it represented a decline compared to the previous year due to reduced cultivation area and unfavorable weather during the harvest cycle.

#1686

Which major crop experienced the sharpest decline in production during FY 2024-25?

(a) Rice

(b) Sugarcane

(c) Cotton

(d) Maize

Explanation: Cotton production suffered the most significant setback in FY 2024-25, declining by over 30 percent. The total production reached only 7.08 million bales, down from 10.22 million bales the previous year, primarily due to pest infestations and water issues.

#1687

Which sub-sector of agriculture recorded a growth of 1.42% in FY 2024-25?

(a) Forestry

(b) Fisheries

(c) Livestock

(d) Sugar industry

Explanation: The fisheries sector showed a steady growth of 1.42 percent in FY 2024-25. While it accounts for a small part of the GDP, it is a critical source of protein and provides livelihoods for coastal and inland fishing communities.

#1688

Approximately how many million bales of cotton were produced in Pakistan in FY 2024-25?

(a) 5.50 Million Bales

(b) 7.08 Million Bales

(c) 10.22 Million Bales

(d) 12.00 Million Bales

Explanation: Cotton production for FY 2024-25 reached 7.08 million bales. This was a sharp decline from the previous year's 10.22 million bales, attributed to high input costs and significant pest damage in the main growing areas.

#1689

Which of the following 'Other Crops' showed an 11.5% growth in production in FY 2024-25?

(a) Tobacco

(b) Potato

(c) Sunflower

(d) Canola

Explanation: Potato production grew significantly by 11.5 percent in FY 2024-25. It has become an essential cash crop for farmers in central Punjab, helping to diversify the crop sector away from traditional staples.

#1690

Which sub-sector of 'Other Crops' grew by 4.78% in FY 2024-25, helping the overall agricultural growth?

(a) Major Crops

(b) Minor Crops

(c) Industrial Crops

(d) Fiber Crops

Explanation: Minor crops (or 'Other Crops') like vegetables, pulses, and fruits grew by 4.78 percent. This growth was vital in supporting the sector while major crops like cotton and wheat faced production challenges.

#1691

What is the approximate share of the services sector in Pakistan's total GDP as of the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) 45.5%

(b) 52.1%

(c) 58.3%

(d) 62.5%

Explanation: The services sector continues to be the largest contributor to Pakistan's economy. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, its share in the national GDP is approximately 58.3 percent, reflecting the structural shift of the economy from agriculture toward services over the past few decades.

#1692

What was the recorded growth rate of the Information and Communication sub-sector in Pakistan during FY 2024-25?

(a) 2.1%

(b) 4.5%

(c) 6.8%

(d) 8.4%

Explanation: The Information and Communication sub-sector has shown resilient growth, recording 6.8 percent in FY 2024-25. This growth is driven by increasing internet penetration, digital transformation across industries, and the rising global demand for Pakistani IT services.

#1693

In the fiscal year 2024-25, Pakistan's IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) exports reached approximately how much?

(a) $1.5 Billion

(b) $2.2 Billion

(c) $3.2 Billion

(d) $4.5 Billion

Explanation: Pakistan's IT exports have surged in recent years, reaching a milestone of over $3.2 billion in FY 2024-25. The government has focused on promoting the IT industry through tax incentives and the development of Special Technology Zones (STZs) to boost foreign exchange earnings.

#1694

As of 2024, approximately how many mobile phone subscribers are there in Pakistan?

(a) 150 Million

(b) 175 Million

(c) 194 Million

(d) 210 Million

Explanation: According to PTA data for 2024-25, mobile phone subscriptions in Pakistan have exceeded 194 million. This high penetration rate is fundamental to the growth of mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital government services.

#1695

Which service sub-sector showed a decline in growth during the pandemic but rebounded strongly in FY 2024-25?

(a) Information Technology

(b) Hospitality and Tourism

(c) Public Administration

(d) Education

Explanation: The Hospitality and Tourism sector was severely impacted by travel restrictions during the pandemic. However, it has seen a robust recovery in FY 2024-25, driven by a surge in domestic tourism and the reopening of international trekking and religious tourism circuits.

#1696

Who was selected as the Caretaker Prime Minister to oversee the 2024 General Elections after the PDM government's dissolution?

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

(b) Anwaarul Haq Kakar

(c) Mohsin Naqvi

(d) Raja Riaz

Explanation: Anwaarul Haq Kakar, a senator from Balochistan, was appointed as the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan on August 14, 2023. He was selected after consensus between the outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz to lead the country through the interim period until the next elected government took charge.

#1697

What was the peak headline inflation rate (CPI) recorded in May 2023, the highest in Pakistan's history?

(a) 25%

(b) 31.4%

(c) 37.97%

(d) 42.1%

Explanation: In May 2023, Pakistan's headline inflation reached a record high of 37.97% on a year-on-year basis. This unprecedented surge was driven by high food prices, energy costs, and the devaluation of the rupee, posing a major challenge for the PDM government's economic management.

#1698

Who is the current Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving his second term after the 2024 General Elections?

(a) Nawaz Sharif

(b) Shehbaz Sharif

(c) Imran Khan

(d) Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar

Explanation: Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was elected as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan on March 3, 2024. He leads a multi-party coalition government. His leadership in 2024 and 2025 has been focused on economic stabilization through an IMF program and the facilitation of foreign investment via the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

#1699

Who was elected as the 14th President of Pakistan in March 2024, becoming the first civilian to hold the office twice?

(a) Arif Alvi

(b) Asif Ali Zardari

(c) Mahmood Khan Achakzai

(d) Fazal-ur-Rehman

Explanation: Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was sworn in as the President of Pakistan for a second time on March 10, 2024. He previously served as President from 2008 to 2013. His second term is characterized by a role as a mediator between the various coalition partners in the federal government.

#1700

In February 2024, who became the first woman in the history of Pakistan to be elected as a Provincial Chief Minister?

(a) Fatima Jinnah

(b) Maryam Nawaz Sharif

(c) Fahmida Mirza

(d) Hina Rabbani Khar

Explanation: Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made history by being elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab on February 26, 2024. Her tenure has seen a heavy focus on administrative reforms, digitalizing land records, and launching various social welfare schemes like the 'Himmat Card' and solar panel distributions.

May 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions