Pakistan Studies/Affairs MCQs
Topic Notes: Pakistan Studies/Affairs
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
21
Which Pakistani journalist's murder in Kenya in 2022 sparked a massive outcry from media and civil society regarding the safety of exiled journalists?
Answer:
Arshad Sharif
Arshad Sharif, a prominent investigative journalist, was killed in Kenya after fleeing Pakistan due to security threats. His death led to a Supreme Court Suo Motu and remains a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists who criticize the state establishment.
22
The 'Protection of Civil Society' is often linked to the freedom of 'Association,' which is guaranteed by which article?
Answer:
Article 17
Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to form associations or unions, subject to reasonable restrictions. This is the legal basis for the existence of NGOs, political parties, and trade unions in Pakistan.
23
In the context of 2025 digital governance, what does 'E-Governance' mean in Pakistan?
Answer:
Digitalization of government services to improve transparency and efficiency
E-Governance initiatives in Pakistan (like the Punjab IT Board's projects) aim to reduce the interface between civil servants and the public, thereby reducing corruption and providing better access to documents like driving licenses and land records.
24
Which of these is a state-owned media organization in Pakistan?
Answer:
PTV (Pakistan Television Corporation)
PTV is the national state broadcaster. While private channels are popular, PTV remains influential because of its terrestrial reach in remote areas where satellite or cable TV is not available.
25
The 'Missing Persons' issue is a major human rights theme often highlighted by which specific civil society movement from Balochistan?
Answer:
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), led by figures like Dr. Mahrang Baloch, has organized massive sit-ins and long marches to Islamabad to highlight the issue of enforced disappearances and human rights in Balochistan, representing a resilient segment of civil society.
26
Which segment of civil society was most vocal in 2025 regarding the high inflation and cost of living in Pakistan?
Answer:
Traders' associations and labor unions
In 2024 and 2025, several nationwide strikes (shutter-down strikes) were organized by traders' associations and labor unions to protest high electricity tariffs and rising taxes, showcasing the power of organized economic interest groups in civil society.
27
The 'Pakistan Media Development Authority' (PMDA) was a proposed (but later abandoned) body that sought to:
Answer:
Merge all media regulators (Print, Electronic, Digital) into one centralized body
The PMDA was proposed in 2021 by the then-government. It was fiercely resisted by journalists and civil society as a 'media martial law' because it aimed to centralize all regulatory powers, allowing the state to control digital and print media as strictly as broadcast.
28
What is 'Self-Censorship' in the context of Pakistani media today?
Answer:
Journalists avoiding sensitive topics due to fear of harassment, abduction, or legal action
Due to 'red lines' drawn by various state and non-state actors, many journalists and media houses practice self-censorship. This involves avoiding reporting on certain sensitive security, judicial, or political topics to prevent professional or physical repercussions.
29
The 'Dawn' media group is one of the oldest in Pakistan, founded by which national figure?
Answer:
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Dawn was founded in 1941 by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to serve as the mouthpiece of the All India Muslim League. It remains a premier English-language daily and is often seen as a bastion of liberal, independent journalism in Pakistan.
30
Which of the following is a key function of the 'Pakistan Telecommunication Authority' (PTA) in relation to the media?
Answer:
Regulating internet content and blocking 'unlawful' websites
While PEMRA regulates broadcast, PTA regulates the telecom sector and the internet. Under various laws like PECA, the PTA has the power to block access to content it deems blasphemous, indecent, or prejudicial to the security of Pakistan.