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
Which sector was the backbone of the 'Socialist Economy' vision in the mid-1970s?
Answer:
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs)
The socialist vision of the 1970s centered on the dominance of the public sector. The government believed that by controlling major industries, banks, and educational institutions through State-Owned Enterprises, it could ensure equitable distribution of wealth and prevent the concentration of capital in a few hands.
32
The 'Bonus Voucher Scheme' of 1959 was designed to:
Answer:
Promote manufactured exports
The Bonus Voucher Scheme allowed exporters of manufactured goods to keep a percentage of their foreign exchange earnings in the form of vouchers. These vouchers could be sold in the market at a premium or used to import restricted luxury goods. This provided a massive incentive for industrial growth and export diversification during the 1960s.
33
In 1949, Pakistan faced a 'Trade War' with India because:
Answer:
Pakistan refused to devalue its rupee when India did
In 1949, when Britain devalued the Pound Sterling, India also devalued its Rupee. However, Pakistan decided not to devalue its currency due to a strong export market for jute and cotton. This led to a trade deadlock with India, which refused to recognize the new exchange rate, forcing Pakistan to find new international trade partners.
34
The CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) was officially launched in which year?
Answer:
2015
Although discussions began earlier, CPEC was officially launched in April 2015 during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan. The multi-billion dollar project focuses on energy infrastructure, transport networks (roads and railways), and the development of the Gwadar port to connect China's Xinjiang region to the Arabian Sea.
35
Which organization was created in 1952 to promote industrial development in the public sector?
Answer:
PIDC
The Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) was established in 1952 to set up industries in sectors where the private sector was hesitant to invest, such as jute mills, paper, chemicals, and cement. Once these industries became profitable, PIDC would often sell them to private entrepreneurs, playing a vital role in early industrialization.
36
What was the purpose of the 1959 'Land Reforms' introduced by Ayub Khan?
Answer:
To limit individual land holdings and redistribute to tenants
The 1959 Land Reforms aimed to reduce the power of the landed aristocracy by setting a ceiling on individual ownership (500 acres of irrigated or 1000 acres of non-irrigated land). While the impact was limited due to various exemptions, it was the first serious attempt to modernize the feudal structure and redistribute land to landless peasants.
37
The 'Separation of East Pakistan' in 1971 had what major economic impact on West Pakistan?
Answer:
Loss of the main market for manufactured goods
The separation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was a massive economic shock. West Pakistan lost its 'captive market' for manufactured goods like textiles and cement. It also lost access to the foreign exchange earned from jute exports, which had been the primary source of hard currency for the unified country for two decades.
38
Which Pakistani Prime Minister introduced the '20-Point Economic Program' in 1985?
Answer:
Muhammad Khan Junejo
Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo introduced the Five-Point (often associated with a broader 20-point social agenda) development program in 1985. It focused on rural electrification, literacy, water supply, and the creation of jobs. It was the first major civilian-led development initiative following years of martial law.
39
Pakistan’s second five-year plan (1960-1965) is widely regarded as successful because:
Answer:
It surpassed all its major economic targets
The Second Five-Year Plan is considered the most successful in Pakistan’s history as it exceeded its targets for GDP growth, industrial output, and exports. It was during this plan that the concept of 'Prospective Planning' was introduced, and the country saw a significant expansion in its manufacturing base and physical infrastructure.
40
During the Musharraf era (1999-2008), which sector experienced a massive 'boom' due to deregulation?
Answer:
Telecommunications
The telecommunications sector saw unprecedented growth during the early 2000s following the deregulation of the industry. The entry of international players like Telenor and Warid, along with the privatization of PTCL, led to a surge in mobile phone penetration and foreign direct investment, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy.