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
The 'Tangail Airdrop' was a major operation by which country to speed up the capture of Dhaka?
Answer:
India
The Tangail Airdrop (December 11, 1971) was a successful paratroop operation by the Indian Army. It aimed to capture the Poongli Bridge on the Jamuna River, cutting off the Pakistani 93rd Brigade and clearing the path for the final thrust into Dhaka.
22
Which Pakistani officer refused to conduct the military operation in East Pakistan and resigned in early March 1971?
Answer:
Admiral S.M. Ahsan / Lt Gen Sahabzada Yaqub Khan
Vice Admiral S.M. Ahsan (Governor) and Lt Gen Sahabzada Yaqub Khan (Commander Eastern Command) both resigned in early March 1971. They believed that a military solution was not viable for a political problem and warned against the crackdown.
23
What was the name of the 'Blood Telegram' sent by an American diplomat in 1971?
Answer:
A protest against the US government's silence on the atrocities in East Pakistan
The 'Blood Telegram' was a dissent cable sent by Archer Blood, the US Consul General in Dhaka. He criticized the Nixon administration for ignoring the humanitarian crisis and what he described as 'genocide' being committed by the Pakistan Army to maintain its strategic interests.
24
Which Indian city served as the headquarters for the 'Eastern Command' during the 1971 war?
Answer:
Calcutta (Fort William)
The Indian Eastern Command was headquartered at Fort William in Calcutta (Kolkata). Under the leadership of Gen J.S. Aurora, it planned and executed the lightning campaign that led to the capture of Dhaka in just 13 days of formal war.
25
Who was the Governor of East Pakistan when the military action 'Operation Searchlight' was launched?
Answer:
General Tikka Khan
General Tikka Khan was appointed as the Governor and Martial Law Administrator of East Pakistan in March 1971. He earned the nickname 'Butcher of Bengal' for his role in initiating the military crackdown that led to the deaths of thousands of Bengalis.
26
Which town was the site of the first major tank battle in the eastern sector during the 1971 war?
Answer:
Battle of Garibpur
The Battle of Garibpur (November 21, 1971) was a significant engagement even before the formal declaration of war. Indian tanks and troops moved into East Pakistan to support Mukti Bahini, resulting in a fierce clash with the Pakistani 14th Punjab Regiment and armored units.
27
What was the 'LFO' issued by Yahya Khan in 1970 to provide a framework for the elections?
Answer:
Legal Framework Order
The Legal Framework Order (LFO) was issued by Yahya Khan in March 1970. It dissolved the 'One Unit' scheme and set the rules for the 1970 elections, stating that the newly elected assembly would have 120 days to frame a constitution or face dissolution.
28
Which PAF squadron was stationed in East Pakistan and was the only one defending its airspace in 1971?
Answer:
No. 14 Squadron (Tailchoppers)
No. 14 Squadron, equipped with F-86 Sabres, was the only PAF fighter squadron based in Dhaka. Despite being severely outnumbered by the Indian Air Force, they fought valiantly until the Kurmitola runway was bombed and destroyed, making it impossible for them to fly.
29
Who succeeded General Yahya Khan as the President of Pakistan after the fall of Dhaka?
Answer:
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Following the humiliating defeat and the surrender of Dhaka, General Yahya Khan was forced to resign. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was flown back from New York and sworn in as the President and first civilian Chief Martial Law Administrator of Pakistan on December 20, 1971.
30
The famous '7th March Speech' of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took place at which venue?
Answer:
Ramna Race Course
In his historic speech at the Ramna Race Course (now Suhrawardy Udyan) on March 7, 1971, Mujib famously declared, 'The struggle this time is for our emancipation; the struggle this time is for independence.' This speech is considered the de facto declaration of independence for Bangladesh.