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
31
How many days before the election must the ECP publish the final list of polling stations?
Answer:
15 days
According to the Elections Act 2017, the ECP must publish the final list of polling stations at least 15 days before the polling day. This allows candidates and voters to know their designated voting locations and ensures transparency in the electoral logistics.
32
The 'Code of Conduct' for political parties and candidates during an election is issued by:
Answer:
The Election Commission of Pakistan
The ECP issues a comprehensive Code of Conduct before every election to ensure a level playing field. It covers rules regarding campaign spending, use of official resources, hate speech, and the behavior of candidates and supporters during the polling process.
33
Which constitutional body is responsible for hearing and deciding 'Election Petitions' filed after the results are announced?
Answer:
Election Tribunals
Election Petitions challenging the validity of an election result are heard by Election Tribunals. These tribunals are appointed by the ECP and usually consist of sitting or retired judges of the High Court. Decisions of the tribunal can be appealed in the Supreme Court.
34
Under the Elections Act 2017, what is the mandatory percentage of 'Women Voters' turnout required for an election in a constituency to be valid?
Answer:
10%
Section 9 of the Elections Act 2017 states that if the turnout of women voters is less than 10% of the total votes polled in a constituency, the ECP has the power to declare the election at that polling station or the entire constituency void and order a re-poll.
35
Who serves as the 'Registration Officer' for the preparation of electoral rolls at the local level?
Answer:
The ECP appoints an officer, usually a District Election Commissioner
The ECP appoints Registration Officers and Assistant Registration Officers for each electoral area. They are responsible for the preparation, revision, and updating of the electoral rolls in coordination with NADRA to ensure all eligible citizens are registered.
36
Which system of voting is used for the election of members of the Senate in Pakistan?
Answer:
Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote (STV)
Senators are elected by the members of the Provincial Assemblies (and the NA for Islamabad seats) using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. This ensures that the representation of political parties in the Senate is proportional to their strength in the respective assemblies.
37
The 'Electoral College' for the election of the President of Pakistan consists of:
Answer:
The Senate, National Assembly, and all four Provincial Assemblies
According to the Second Schedule of the Constitution, the President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both houses of Parliament (Senate and National Assembly) and the members of the four Provincial Assemblies. Votes in provincial assemblies are weighted to ensure parity among the provinces.
38
What is the total number of general seats in the National Assembly for which direct elections are held (post-FATA merger)?
Answer:
266
The 25th Amendment and subsequent delimitations reduced the general seats of the National Assembly from 272 to 266. The total strength of the House is 336, which includes 266 general seats, 60 reserved for women, and 10 reserved for non-Muslims.
39
On what date were the General Elections for the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan held?
Answer:
February 8, 2024
The 2024 General Elections took place on February 8, 2024, following the dissolution of the National Assembly in August 2023. These elections were held across Pakistan for both the National Assembly and the four Provincial Assemblies simultaneously.
40
Who was the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan during the 2024 General Elections?
Answer:
Sikandar Sultan Raja
Sikandar Sultan Raja was appointed as the CEC in January 2020. He oversaw the 2024 General Elections, which were notable for the use of the 2023 Digital Census data for delimitation and the significant challenges regarding the allocation of symbols and election delays.