Government Policies and Reforms in Pakistan MCQs with Answers & Explanations

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established to act as a 'single window' to facilitate foreign investment, primarily from Gulf countries, in sectors like agriculture, mining, IT, and defense production.

To reduce the ballooning pension bill, the government introduced a 'Contributory Pension Scheme' for new employees, where they contribute a portion of their salary toward their retirement fund.

The Tajir Dost Scheme is a voluntary tax compliance registration scheme designed to bring unregistered retailers and wholesalers into the formal tax net to broaden the tax base.

The IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of about $7 billion to support Pakistan's economic stability and reform program.

The Punjab government, under CM Maryam Nawaz, launched the Kisan Card to provide subsidies on fertilizers and seeds and offer low-interest loans to farmers.

To encourage electricity usage in winter (when demand drops) and discourage gas usage, the government offered a reduced tariff rate for any electricity units consumed above the previous year's usage.

The government established the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take over the mandate of investigating cybercrimes from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The government terminated contracts with five Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in late 2024 to reduce 'capacity payments' and lower the overall cost of electricity.

Launched by the Punjab government, 'Apni Chat Apna Ghar' provides interest-free loans and subsidies to help low-income citizens build or purchase homes.

The reform changed the appointment process so that the CJP is selected by a Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior judges, rather than automatically being the single most senior judge.

The government established this authority to formalize and regulate the cultivation, extraction, and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes to generate revenue.

The High-Powered Committee on Rightsizing, led by the Finance Minister, recommended abolishing or merging various ministries and departments to cut government expenditure.

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

Under the umbrella of SIFC, the Green Pakistan Initiative aims to modernize agriculture through corporate farming and foreign investment to ensure food security.

As a key condition of the $7 billion IMF loan, provincial assemblies legislated to align agricultural income tax rates with federal personal income tax rates.

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

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.

The amendment created the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to separate constitutional interpretation from regular civil/criminal appeals.

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

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