#1621

Who is the current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force as of 2025?

(a) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan

(b) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu

(c) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman

(d) Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt

Explanation: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu assumed command of the Pakistan Air Force on March 19, 2021. He is the 16th Chief of the Air Staff and has been pivotal in overseeing the induction of modern platforms like the J-10C and advanced UAVs.

#1622

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.

#1623

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.

#1624

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.

#1625

In the 2024-2025 context, which Central Asian country has emerged as a key partner for Pakistan in 'Trans-Afghan' logistics and security?

(a) Kazakhstan

(b) Uzbekistan

(c) Turkmenistan

(d) Kyrgyzstan

Explanation: Uzbekistan and Pakistan have signed several agreements for the 'Trans-Afghan Railway' and regional trade corridors. This partnership has a strong security dimension, as both nations seek to stabilize Afghanistan to ensure the safety of transit routes and prevent the spread of regional militancy.

#1626

In 2025, Pakistan's participation in the 'SCO Peace Mission' exercises involves which unique feature?

(a) Using only nuclear weapons

(b) Joint counter-terrorism drills with Russian and Central Asian troops

(c) Building schools in Siberia

(d) Managing a space station

Explanation: The SCO Peace Mission exercises are focused on large-scale counter-terrorism operations. Participation in these drills allows the Pakistan Army to synchronize its tactics with major regional powers like Russia and China, enhancing its regional prestige and operational experience.

#1627

In 2025, which alliance remains the most important for Pakistan's 'Energy Security', involving a pipeline project from Turkmenistan?

(a) CPEC

(b) TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India)

(c) IP (Iran-Pakistan)

(d) ECO Energy Link

Explanation: TAPI is a strategic energy alliance aimed at bringing natural gas from Central Asia to South Asia. Despite the challenges in Afghanistan, Pakistan remains committed to TAPI in 2025 as a vital source of energy and a means to deepen ties with Turkmenistan.

#1628

In 2025, Pakistan's 'Green Pakistan Initiative' through the SIFC has attracted significant investment from which allied nation for corporate farming?

(a) China

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) UAE

(d) All of the above

Explanation: The Green Pakistan Initiative is a modern alliance-based approach to food security. Large-scale corporate farming projects are being developed with investment and technology from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China, turning agriculture into a strategic national security priority.

#1629

In 2024-2025, Pakistan’s 'Naval Expansion' includes the induction of four Milgem corvettes. What is the Pakistani name for this class?

(a) Tughril Class

(b) Babur Class

(c) Zulfiquar Class

(d) Alamgir Class

Explanation: The Babur-class corvettes (MILGEM) are a product of the Turkey-Pakistan defense alliance. They are multi-mission surface combatants equipped with indigenous Harbah missiles and modern stealth features, significantly boosting the Navy's offensive capabilities.

#1630

In 2025, Pakistan's 'Defence Export' target through allied markets like the Middle East and Africa is:

(a) $100 Million

(b) Over $1 Billion

(c) $10 Billion

(d) Zero (Pakistan only imports)

Explanation: With the push from SIFC and the success of platforms like the JF-17, Super Mushshak, and POF munitions, Pakistan has set an ambitious target to exceed $1 billion in defense exports. Alliances with Gulf countries are key to reaching this milestone.

#1631

Which international body serves as the 'Final Arbiter' for the Indus Waters Treaty disputes, as seen in the 2024-2025 Kishenganga case?

(a) The UN General Assembly

(b) The World Bank and the Court of Arbitration

(c) The SCO Court

(d) The OIC Secretariat

Explanation: As the signatory and mediator of the 1960 treaty, the World Bank plays a central role. For the current disputes over Indian hydroelectric projects, the World Bank has appointed both a 'Neutral Expert' and a 'Court of Arbitration' to address Pakistan's technical and legal objections.

#1632

As of 2025, what is the status of the Siachen dispute between India and Pakistan?

(a) The glacier has been demilitarized

(b) Both sides have withdrawn to pre-1984 positions

(c) The military standoff continues with troops maintaining permanent positions

(d) The area has been handed over to the UN

Explanation: As of late 2025, the military standoff in Siachen remains unchanged. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic talks and proposals for a 'Mountain of Peace' or demilitarization, both nations continue to maintain a permanent presence on the heights. India holds the dominant heights of the Saltoro Ridge, while Pakistan maintains its positions on the western slopes and the Gyong Sector, with a ceasefire effectively holding since 2003.

#1633

The 2025 status of the Siachen dispute remains a key indicator of the relationship between which two countries?

(a) China and India

(b) Pakistan and India

(c) Pakistan and China

(d) India and USA

Explanation: The Siachen dispute remains a centerpiece of the broader Indo-Pakistani conflict. It represents the issues of territorial integrity, military pride, and the lack of mutual trust. As of 2025, any progress on Siachen is viewed as a potential 'confidence-building measure' (CBM) that could lead to a broader dialogue on Kashmir, yet the strategic stakes remain too high for either side to make the first move toward withdrawal.

#1634

In late 2024 and early 2025, which major treaty became a point of severe contention between Pakistan and India following a modification notice by India?

(a) Tashkent Declaration

(b) Simla Agreement

(c) Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

(d) Lahore Declaration

Explanation: In September 2024, India issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking a fundamental review and modification of the 64-year-old Indus Waters Treaty. Throughout 2025, this led to intense diplomatic standoffs, with India citing 'changed circumstances' and 'persistent disputes' over hydroelectric projects like Kishenganga and Ratle, while Pakistan maintained the treaty must be upheld via the World Bank's existing mechanisms.

#1635

In 2025, what was the primary reason cited by the BCCI for India's refusal to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy?

(a) Lack of stadiums

(b) Financial disputes

(c) Security concerns and lack of government clearance

(d) Visa issues for players

Explanation: The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, originally scheduled to be hosted entirely in Pakistan, faced a major crisis when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially informed the ICC that they would not travel to Pakistan due to security concerns and the absence of government permission. This led to the proposal of a 'Hybrid Model,' similar to the 2023 Asia Cup, which Pakistan initially resisted.

#1636

Which multi-mission satellite launched by Pakistan in mid-2024 significantly enhanced its strategic communication and surveillance capabilities in 2025?

(a) Badr-1

(b) PakSat-MM1

(c) PRSS-1

(d) PakSat-1R

Explanation: PakSat-MM1 (Multi-Mission Satellite 1) became fully operational in early 2025. It provides high-speed broadband, DTH services, and secure communication links for the state. Strategically, it reduces reliance on foreign satellite providers for critical data, especially during periods of heightened border tensions.

#1637

In early 2025, which international body's report on 'Water Scarcity in South Asia' warned that Indus water disputes could lead to a 'hot conflict'?

(a) United Nations (UN)

(b) World Bank

(c) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

(d) World Economic Forum

Explanation: In early 2025, a UN-sponsored report highlighted the growing risk of conflict over shared water resources in the Indus Basin. The report noted that climate change, combined with the lack of bilateral communication between India and Pakistan regarding the 1960 treaty's modification, has created a volatile security environment.

#1638

Which advanced fighter jet, inducted by the PAF to counter Indian Rafales, saw increased deployments near the borders in 2025?

(a) F-16 Block 52

(b) JF-17 Block III

(c) J-10C (Vigorous Dragon)

(d) Mirage 5 ROSE

Explanation: The Chengdu J-10C, a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter, has become Pakistan's primary counter-measure against the Indian Air Force's Rafale jets. By 2025, the PAF had operationalized several squadrons of J-10Cs equipped with PL-15 beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, maintaining a credible air defense posture along the eastern border.

#1639

What technology did India test in 2024-2025 under 'Mission Divyastra' that altered the strategic balance in the region?

(a) Hypersonic Missiles

(b) MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle)

(c) Anti-Satellite Weapons

(d) Nuclear-powered Submarines

Explanation: In 2024, India successfully tested the Agni-V missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. In 2025, the deployment of this technology meant a single missile could carry multiple warheads and hit different targets, forcing Pakistan to reconsider its 'Full Spectrum Deterrence' and defensive missile shielding.

#1640

Which Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under CPEC became a focal point for security concerns in 2025 following cross-border tension accusations?

(a) Dhabeji SEZ

(b) Rashakai SEZ

(c) Allama Iqbal Industrial City

(d) Gwadar Free Zone

Explanation: Rashakai SEZ in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saw increased security deployments in 2025. Pakistan frequently accused external actors of sponsoring instability to sabotage CPEC Phase II projects, leading to heightened military surveillance in the industrial corridors connecting the northern areas.

January 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions