#1201

The 26th Constitutional Amendment (2024) introduced 'Constitutional Benches' which are seen as a way to prioritize:

(a) Land disputes

(b) Constitutional and political matters separately from regular litigation

(c) Divorce cases

(d) Tax collection

Explanation: The 26th Amendment was a significant legal reform that shifted the focus of high-level judicial interpretive power to specialized benches. This is seen by the state as a move toward a more predictable and less activist judiciary, which is essential for political and economic stability.

#1202

In late 2024, Pakistan hosted which major international gathering for the first time in nearly two decades, requiring a high-security lockdown of Islamabad?

(a) SAARC Summit

(b) SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) Meeting

(c) OIC Summit

(d) UN Climate Summit

Explanation: Pakistan hosted the 23rd SCO CHG meeting in October 2024. The presence of leaders from Russia, China, and Central Asia (and the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister) was a massive protocol and security challenge, which the state successfully managed to signal that the capital is secure.

#1203

In 2024, Pakistan hosted an extraordinary session of the OIC to address which humanitarian situation?

(a) Palestine only

(b) Afghanistan (preventing economic collapse)

(c) Sudan

(d) Ukraine

Explanation: Building on the success of the December 2021 session, Pakistan continues to use the OIC platform to mobilize international aid for Afghanistan. The goal is to ensure that the Afghan people are not penalized for the political changes in Kabul and to prevent a mass refugee influx into Pakistan.

#1204

Which Muslim majority country is the largest exporter of palm oil to Pakistan as of 2024-2025?

(a) Saudi Arabia

(b) Indonesia

(c) Egypt

(d) Jordan

Explanation: Indonesia is the primary supplier of palm oil to Pakistan. The bilateral trade relationship is robust, and both countries are working toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further boost commercial ties and investment.

#1205

Pakistan and Yemen gained the membership of UNO on 30 September, 1947.

(a) Iran

(b) Iraq

(c) Yemen

(d) Albania

Explanation: On September 30, 1947, both Pakistan and Yemen were formally admitted to the United Nations. While Pakistan entered as a newly independent state, Yemen joined as a sovereign kingdom, marking an early expansion of the UN's membership in the Muslim world.

#1206

The first US ambassador to Pakistan was appointed on September 20, 1947. His name was:

(a) Ayub Khan

(b) Liaquat Ali Khan

(c) Paul H. Alling

(d) None of these

Explanation: Paul H. Alling was appointed as the first United States Ambassador to Pakistan on September 20, 1947. He formally assumed his charge on September 23, 1947. This appointment signaled the early recognition of Pakistan's sovereignty by the United States and the beginning of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations.

#1207

The great loss occurred to infant Pakistan on September 11, 1948 was:

(a) Death of Liaquat Ali Khan

(b) Separation of East Pakistan

(c) Death of Quaid-i-Azam

(d) A massive earthquake in Quetta

Explanation: September 11, 1948, marks the passing of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His death just one year after independence left a massive leadership vacuum in the newly formed state of Pakistan during its most critical formative phase.

#1208

As of the FY 2024-25 Economic Survey, what is the total length of the NHA road network?

(a) 12,131 km

(b) 14,480 km

(c) 263,775 km

(d) 8,500 km

Explanation: According to the Economic Survey for 2024-25, the NHA network includes 48 national highways, motorways, and strategic roads with a total length of 14,480 kilometers, an increase from previous years.

#1209

What is the total revenue reported by Pakistan Railways for the July-March period of FY 2024-25?

(a) Rs 45.2 billion

(b) Rs 53.7 billion

(c) Rs 65.17 billion

(d) Rs 88.0 billion

Explanation: Pakistan Railways showed improved financial performance in FY 2025, with gross earnings reaching Rs 65.17 billion during the July-March period, compared to Rs 53.7 billion in the same period the previous year.

#1210

In 2024-25, the NHA reported a historic revenue increase of how much?

(a) Rs 10 billion

(b) Rs 50 billion

(c) Rs 100 billion

(d) Rs 110 billion

Explanation: In 2024-25, the NHA achieved a historic revenue surge of Rs 50 billion, with total earnings climbing from Rs 64 billion to Rs 114 billion, largely due to improved toll collection and management.

#1211

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 aims to cement macroeconomic stability and create conditions for stronger, more inclusive, and resilient growth.

#1212

Which city hosted the 23rd Meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in October 2024?

(a) Lahore

(b) Karachi

(c) Islamabad

(d) Gwadar

Explanation: Islamabad hosted the high-profile SCO summit on October 15-16, 2024. This was a major diplomatic milestone for Pakistan, attended by several heads of government, including the premiers of China and Russia, focusing on regional cooperation in trade, economy, and security.

#1213

Which multi-mission communication satellite did Pakistan launch in May 2024 to improve internet connectivity?

(a) PakSat-1R

(b) PakSat-MM1

(c) iCube-Qamar

(d) Badr-B

Explanation: PakSat-MM1 was launched in May 2024 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China. It is a multi-mission satellite designed to provide high-speed broadband internet, direct-to-home (DTH) services, and advanced communication capabilities across Pakistan for the next 15 years.

#1214

What is the primary focus of 'CPEC Phase II' as emphasized by both China and Pakistan in 2024-2025?

(a) Road construction only

(b) Energy generation only

(c) Industrialization, Agriculture, and Science & Tech

(d) Building more coal plants

Explanation: While Phase I focused on overcoming energy and infrastructure bottlenecks, Phase II shifts toward socio-economic development. The core priorities now include industrialization through Special Economic Zones (SEZs), agricultural modernization, and cooperation in science, technology, and information technology.

#1215

The 884 MW Suki Kinari Hydropower project, nearing completion in 2024-2025, is located in which district?

(a) Swat

(b) Mansehra

(c) Chitral

(d) Gilgit

Explanation: The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project is located on the Kunhar River in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is one of the largest private sector hydropower projects under CPEC and is a key contributor to the national grid's renewable energy capacity.

#1216

In 2024, Pakistan officially applied for membership in which major intergovernmental organization comprising emerging economies?

(a) G7

(b) BRICS

(c) European Union

(d) ASEAN

Explanation: Pakistan formally applied to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in late 2023/early 2024. Membership in BRICS is seen as a way for Pakistan to enhance its role in the 'Global South' and access new avenues for economic cooperation.

#1217

Which port in Sindh is being upgraded with the help of UAE-based AD Ports Group as part of major maritime developments in 2024?

(a) Gwadar Port

(b) Karachi Port (KPT)

(c) Port Qasim

(d) Keti Bandar

Explanation: In a major investment deal, the Abu Dhabi (AD) Ports Group signed an agreement to operate and develop the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) terminals. This involves significant investment in infrastructure and technology to improve the port's efficiency and handling capacity.

#1218

The 'Green Pakistan Initiative', launched in 2023-2024, primarily focuses on which sector through SIFC?

(a) Forestry

(b) Corporate Farming and Food Security

(c) Electric Vehicles

(d) Solar Panel Manufacturing

Explanation: The Green Pakistan Initiative aims to revolutionize the agricultural sector by introducing corporate farming on millions of acres of barren land. It utilizes modern technology and attracts foreign investment to ensure food security and increase agricultural exports.

#1219

Which country is a major partner in the 'Reko Diq' gold and copper mining project, which saw renewed progress in 2024?

(a) China

(b) Canada (Barrick Gold)

(c) Russia

(d) Japan

Explanation: The Reko Diq project in Balochistan is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits. In 2023-2024, the project was revitalized through an agreement with Barrick Gold of Canada, with the Government of Pakistan and Balochistan holding significant shares.

#1220

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.

September 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions