#501

Which controversial bill regarding media was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2024?

(a) Punjab Journalist Protection Act

(b) Punjab Defamation Act 2024

(c) Punjab Media Freedom Bill

(d) Punjab Digital Rights Act

Explanation: The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 was passed to address disinformation on social media, though it faced criticism for potentially curbing freedom of speech.

#502

The 'National Firewall' project installed in 2024 is intended for:

(a) Preventing physical border intrusions

(b) Internet traffic monitoring and filtering

(c) Stopping floods

(d) Protecting nuclear assets

Explanation: The government deployed a national firewall to monitor internet traffic, filter content deemed 'propaganda' or 'fake news', and manage cybersecurity threats.

#503

Which state-owned entity's privatization process faced significant bidding challenges in late 2024?

(a) Pakistan Railways

(b) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

(c) PSO

(d) NHA

Explanation: The privatization of PIA hit a snag when the final bidding process attracted lower-than-expected offers, leading to a review of the privatization strategy.

#504

Under the 2024 Finance Act, the government imposed higher tax rates on 'Non-Filers', including blocking their:

(a) Bank accounts

(b) Mobile SIM cards

(c) Passports

(d) All of the above

Explanation: To enforce tax compliance, the government empowered the FBR to block mobile SIMs and utility connections, and restrict foreign travel for non-filers.

#505

The 'Benazir Income Support Programme' (BISP) introduced a new banking model in 2024 to:

(a) Reduce stipend amounts

(b) Directly transfer funds via biometric verification at more bank branches

(c) Give cash through post offices only

(d) Issue cryptocurrency

Explanation: BISP revamped its payment model, hiring multiple banks to expand the number of cash-out points and reduce fraud/deductions by agents.

#506

The 'Practice and Procedure Act Amendment Ordinance 2024' gave the power of constituting SC benches to:

(a) The CJP alone

(b) A committee of the CJP, the next senior judge, and a CJP-nominated judge

(c) The Full Court

(d) The President

Explanation: The amendment changed the committee structure: instead of the three senior-most judges, it now includes the CJP, the next senior judge, and a third judge nominated by the CJP.

#507

Under the new 'Visa Policy' introduced to promote tourism and investment, Pakistan abolished visa fees for citizens of how many countries in 2024?

(a) 50

(b) 126

(c) 10

(d) All countries

Explanation: To boost tourism and investment, Pakistan abolished visa fees for citizens of 126 countries and simplified the online visa process.

#508

The 'Sovereign Wealth Fund' act was amended in 2024 to:

(a) Close the fund

(b) Remove tax exemptions to meet IMF conditions

(c) Invest only in crypto

(d) Sell all assets

Explanation: The government amended the Sovereign Wealth Fund Act to remove certain tax and legal privileges, ensuring it operates on a level playing field as per IMF requirements.

#509

Which sector was declared an 'Industry' by the Punjab government in 2024 to facilitate loans and insurance?

(a) Tourism

(b) Livestock / Agriculture

(c) Education

(d) Media

Explanation: The Punjab government declared livestock and corporate agriculture as an 'industry' to grant them access to industrial loans, insurance, and electricity rates.

#510

The 'School Meal Program' was reintroduced in 2024 in Islamabad and Punjab to:

(a) Sell food to students

(b) Combat stunting and increase enrollment

(c) Train chefs

(d) Reduce teacher salaries

Explanation: The program provides free meals to primary school students to improve nutritional health (stunting) and encourage school attendance.

#511

The 'National Minimum Wage' was raised in the 2024-25 budget to:

(a) Rs. 25,000

(b) Rs. 37,000

(c) Rs. 50,000

(d) Rs. 30,000

Explanation: The federal government increased the minimum wage for unskilled laborers to Rs. 37,000 per month.

#512

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).

#513

As of November 2025, what is the policy rate set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)?

(a) 22%

(b) 17.5%

(c) 15%

(d) 11%

Explanation: Following a period of economic stabilization and declining inflation, the State Bank of Pakistan's Monetary Policy Committee maintained the policy rate at 11% in its meeting held in late 2025.

#514

Which major state-owned entity is set to have 75% of its shares privatized as of November 2025?

(a) Pakistan Steel Mills

(b) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

(c) Pakistan Railways

(d) State Life Insurance

Explanation: The government has finalized the plan to privatize 75% of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with the bidding process involving pre-qualified consortiums initiated in late 2025.

#515

In the Federal Budget 2024-25, the government increased the tax rate on capital gains from securities for non-filers to a maximum of:

(a) 20%

(b) 35%

(c) 45%

(d) 50%

Explanation: The 2024-25 budget significantly tightened the tax net for non-filers, setting the capital gains tax (CGT) on securities for non-filers at normal rates with a maximum slab of 45%.

#516

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) set a tax collection target of approximately what amount for the fiscal year 2024-25?

(a) Rs 9.4 Trillion

(b) Rs 11.5 Trillion

(c) Rs 12.97 Trillion

(d) Rs 15.2 Trillion

Explanation: The government set an ambitious tax revenue target of Rs 12.97 trillion for FY 2024-25, aiming for a roughly 40% increase over the previous year's collection.

#517

Which tax was imposed on milk sold by corporate farms or brands in the 2024-25 Budget?

(a) 10% Excise Duty

(b) 18% General Sales Tax (GST)

(c) 5% Withholding Tax

(d) Zero-rated

Explanation: The 2024-25 budget removed the zero-rating status for packaged milk sold by corporate farms and brands, subjecting it to an 18% General Sales Tax.

#518

The 'Tajir Dost Scheme' launched in 2024 aims to bring which group into the tax net?

(a) Freelancers

(b) Retailers and Wholesalers

(c) Real Estate Agents

(d) Software Developers

Explanation: The Tajir Dost Scheme is a specific initiative by the FBR aimed at registering retailers and wholesalers to broaden the tax base and formalize the retail sector.

#519

In the 2024-25 budget, the tax rate on dividend income for mutual funds earning more than 50% from debt was increased to:

(a) 15%

(b) 20%

(c) 25%

(d) 35%

Explanation: To discourage arbitrage, the tax rate on dividends from mutual funds that derive 50% or more of their income from profit-on-debt was raised from 15% to 25%.

#520

Which sector was identified for 'Right-Sizing' and privatization to reduce fiscal losses in 2024-25?

(a) Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs)

(b) Public Universities

(c) Motorway Police

(d) NADRA

Explanation: The government initiated a policy to 'provincialize' or privatize Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to curb massive circular debt and operational losses.

November 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions