#1221

What is the name of the cross-border trade route that was reopened and expanded for year-round trade between Pakistan and China in 2024?

(a) Khyber Pass

(b) Khunjerab Pass

(c) Bolan Pass

(d) Gomal Pass

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass, the world's highest paved border crossing, has traditionally been closed in winter. In 2024, agreements were reached to keep the pass open for longer periods or year-round to facilitate continuous trade under the CPEC framework.

#1222

Which major dam project on the Indus River, designed for 4,500 MW of power, reached significant construction milestones in 2024?

(a) Mohmand Dam

(b) Diamer-Bhasha Dam

(c) Tarbela 5th Extension

(d) Munda Dam

Explanation: Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a vital national project for water storage and power generation. Located on the Indus River, it will have a live storage capacity of 6.4 million acre-feet (MAF) and provide clean energy while extending the life of Tarbela Dam.

#1223

Which organization manages the 'Digital Pakistan' projects, including the 2024-2025 E-Office implementation?

(a) PTA

(b) Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT)

(c) NTC

(d) SUPARCO

Explanation: The MoITT is the lead ministry for the 'Digital Pakistan' vision. It oversees the rollout of the E-Office system across federal ministries to ensure transparency and efficiency, as well as the expansion of broadband and software exports.

#1224

Which country hosted the first 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) roadshow abroad in 2023-2024?

(a) China

(b) United Arab Emirates (UAE)

(c) United Kingdom

(d) Qatar

Explanation: The SIFC conducted its first major international roadshow in the UAE to pitch projects in agriculture, mining, and IT to Gulf investors. This resulted in several MoUs and investment commitments from UAE-based entities.

#1225

Which country recently pledged $10 billion in investment to Pakistan following the Prime Minister's visit in 2024?

(a) China

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) United Arab Emirates (UAE)

(d) Qatar

Explanation: Following high-level visits in mid-2024, the UAE pledged $10 billion in investment for various sectors in Pakistan. This commitment reflects the strengthening economic ties and the success of the SIFC in attracting Gulf capital.

#1226

Which CPEC project involves the 'Lining of Watercourses' to improve agricultural efficiency in 2024-2025?

(a) Green Revolution 2.0

(b) Agriculture Modernization Project

(c) CPEC Canal Project

(d) Indus Lining Scheme

Explanation: Under CPEC Phase II, agriculture modernization includes projects for water conservation. Lining of watercourses and the introduction of high-efficiency irrigation systems are being implemented to reduce water wastage and boost crop yields.

#1227

In 2024, the Pakistan government announced the digitization of which major revenue-collecting department?

(a) Pakistan Post

(b) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)

(c) Ministry of Tourism

(d) Sports Board

Explanation: The FBR modernization and digitization program is a major priority for the government in 2024-2025. This includes implementing track-and-trace systems and end-to-end digital processing to increase tax compliance and transparency.

#1228

In 2024-2025, Pakistan commissioned several new frigates built by China. What is the name of this class of ships?

(a) Tariq Class

(b) Tughril Class (Type 054A/P)

(c) Zulfiquar Class

(d) Alamgir Class

Explanation: The Tughril-class frigates (Type 054A/P) are the most advanced multi-role surface combatants in the Pakistan Navy's inventory. Equipped with state-of-the-art surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, these ships significantly enhance the fleet's defensive and offensive capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.

#1229

Who is the professional head of the Pakistan Navy (as of 2024-2025)?

(a) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi

(b) Admiral Naveed Ashraf

(c) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi

(d) Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah

Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf assumed command as the 16th Chief of Naval Staff on October 7, 2023. He is responsible for the operational readiness and strategic direction of the Pakistan Navy.

#1230

The 'Indus Shield' is an international exercise hosted by the PAF. Where did its 2023-2024 editions primarily take place?

(a) PAF Base Risalpur

(b) Air Power Center of Excellence (ACE)

(c) PAF Base Samungli

(d) PAF Base Peshawar

Explanation: The Indus Shield exercise is hosted at the Air Power Center of Excellence (ACE) at PAF Base Mushaf. It involves participation from various friendly countries to enhance interoperability and share modern combat tactics.

#1231

What was the name of the operation launched by the Indian Army to secure the Srinagar airfield in October 1947?

(a) Operation Vijay

(b) Operation Jak

(c) Operation Gulmarg

(d) Operation Polo

Explanation: Operation Jak was the codename for the Indian airlift of troops to Srinagar on October 27, 1947. This followed the signing of the Instrument of Accession by the Maharaja. The successful defense of the Srinagar airfield by Indian troops prevented the tribal forces from capturing the capital city.

#1232

Which document did Maharaja Hari Singh sign on October 26, 1947, to finalize his state's merger with India?

(a) The Treaty of Amritsar

(b) The Instrument of Accession

(c) The Simla Agreement

(d) The Tashkent Declaration

Explanation: The Instrument of Accession was the legal document provided by the Indian Independence Act 1947. By signing it, the Maharaja surrendered control of defense, external affairs, and communications to the Indian government in exchange for military protection.

#1233

What was the primary reason for the delay in tribal forces reaching Srinagar in late October 1947?

(a) Heavy snowfall

(b) Stopping to loot and pillage in Baramulla

(c) Lack of ammunition

(d) A ceasefire agreement

Explanation: The tribal forces reached Baramulla, just 50km from Srinagar, by October 26. However, they spent several critical days in the town engaging in looting and indiscipline. This delay gave the Maharaja time to sign the accession and allowed the first Indian troops to land in Srinagar.

#1234

Pakistan is consistently ranked among the top contributors of troops to the UN. As of 2024-2025, approximately how many Pakistani personnel are serving in UN missions?

(a) 1,000

(b) Over 4,000

(c) 10,000

(d) 25,000

Explanation: Pakistan remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries (TCC) to the United Nations. As of recent data in 2024-2025, over 4,000 Pakistani peacekeepers, including troops, police, and staff officers, are deployed in some of the most challenging conflict zones across the world.

#1235

As of the 2024-2025 cycle, approximately how many Pakistani peacekeepers have embraced martyrdom in the line of duty since 1960?

(a) 50

(b) Over 170

(c) 300

(d) 500

Explanation: Pakistan has paid a heavy price for global peace. More than 170 Pakistani peacekeepers, including officers and soldiers, have lost their lives in various UN missions across the globe, reflecting the country's deep commitment to the UN's peacekeeping mandates.

#1236

Pakistani engineers are often deployed in UN missions for specialized tasks. In 2023-2024, they were praised for building roads and bridges in which mission?

(a) UNIFIL (Lebanon)

(b) UNMISS (South Sudan)

(c) UNMOGIP

(d) UNSMIL

Explanation: Pakistani engineers in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have been widely commended for their infrastructure projects. They have constructed hundreds of kilometers of roads and numerous bridges, which are vital for delivering humanitarian aid to remote populations.

#1237

As of 2024-2025, Pakistan has increasingly engaged in 'Defense Diplomacy' with which country, resulting in the 'Druzhba' (Friendship) series of military exercises?

(a) Germany

(b) Russia

(c) Japan

(d) Italy

Explanation: Following the lifting of a Russian arms embargo on Pakistan in 2014, the two countries have moved toward closer defense ties. The 'Druzhba' exercises started in 2016 and have continued through 2024-2025, focusing on counter-terrorism and mountain warfare, signaling a 'thaw' in Cold War-era rivalries.

#1238

In October 2024, which major summit was hosted in Islamabad, bringing together leaders from China, Russia, and Central Asia to discuss regional stability?

(a) OIC Summit

(b) SCO Council of Heads of Government

(c) ECO Summit

(d) SAARC Summit

Explanation: Islamabad successfully hosted the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in October 2024. The summit was a major diplomatic success for Pakistan, emphasizing regional security, CPEC integration into the SCO framework, and collective economic resilience.

#1239

What is the name of the 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) initiative introduced in 2023-2024 to boost defense exports through alliances?

(a) Green Pakistan

(b) Defense Production Indigenization Hub

(c) SIFC Defense Wing

(d) Defense Export Promotion Organization (DEPO)

Explanation: While DEPO has existed for years, the SIFC (established in 2023) introduced a specialized focus on defense production as a key investment sector. It seeks to form joint ventures with allied nations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar to modernize Pakistan's defense industries and increase foreign exchange through exports.

#1240

Which country signed an agreement with Pakistan in 2024 to cooperate on the development of 'AI-driven defense systems'?

(a) USA

(b) China

(c) Turkey

(d) Azerbaijan

Explanation: As part of the CPEC Phase II and broader strategic ties, China and Pakistan have intensified cooperation in high-tech defense fields. This includes AI for surveillance, electronic warfare, and the development of next-generation unmanned systems to maintain parity in a rapidly digitizing battlefield.

October 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions