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
41
What is the minimum age for a citizen to be registered as a voter in Pakistan?
Answer:
18 years
Under Article 51 of the Constitution and the Elections Act 2017, every citizen of Pakistan who is not less than 18 years of age, is of sound mind, and is a resident of an electoral area is entitled to be registered as a voter.
42
Which institution has the power to allocate 'Election Symbols' to political parties in Pakistan?
Answer:
The Election Commission of Pakistan
The ECP has the exclusive authority to allocate symbols to political parties and independent candidates. A party must comply with the Elections Act 2017, including holding internal intra-party elections, to remain eligible for a common election symbol, which is crucial in a country with varying literacy rates.
43
Pakistan's first-ever general elections on the basis of adult franchise were held in which year?
Answer:
1970
Although Pakistan gained independence in 1947, its first direct general elections on the basis of 'one man, one vote' were held on December 7, 1970. These elections were conducted under the Legal Framework Order (LFO) issued by General Yahya Khan and resulted in a victory for the Awami League in East Pakistan.
44
Who is responsible for the delimitation of constituencies for the National and Provincial Assemblies?
Answer:
The Election Commission of Pakistan
Under the Elections Act 2017, the ECP is the sole authority responsible for delimiting constituencies after every official census. The ECP forms delimitation committees to divide provinces and districts into electoral units based on population, ensuring that the principle of 'one man, one vote' is maintained with minimal population variance.
45
Which major piece of legislation consolidated eight different electoral laws into a single unified law in Pakistan?
Answer:
Elections Act 2017
The Elections Act 2017 was a landmark reform that unified various scattered laws including the Electoral Rolls Act, the Delimitation of Constituencies Act, and the Representation of the People Act. It granted the ECP more administrative and financial autonomy and formalized the powers of the Commission.
46
In case of a deadlock between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition over the appointment of the CEC, who makes the final selection?
Answer:
A 12-member Parliamentary Committee
If the PM and the Leader of the Opposition cannot agree on a name, both send separate lists to a Parliamentary Committee. This committee consists of 12 members, with equal representation from the Treasury and the Opposition, ensuring a bipartisan approach to the appointment of the country's top electoral officer.
47
What is the constitutional tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner and the members of the ECP?
Answer:
5 years
The term of office for the Chief Election Commissioner and the four members of the Commission is five years. This was standardized to align with the term of the National and Provincial Assemblies, providing stability to the electoral management body during an entire parliamentary cycle.
48
Following the 22nd Amendment (2016), who is eligible to be appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner?
Answer:
Retired Judges or senior civil servants/technocrats
Before the 22nd Amendment, only retired judges could be appointed as CEC. The amendment expanded the criteria to include retired senior civil servants and technocrats with at least 20 years of experience, provided they meet the age and qualification requirements, ensuring a more diverse pool of candidates for the role.
49
What is the total membership of the Election Commission of Pakistan, including the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)?
Answer:
5 members
The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner, who serves as the Chairman, and four other members. According to the 18th and 22nd Amendments, each of the four members must be from one of the four provinces of Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan) to ensure federal representation.
50
Which article of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan provides for the establishment of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)?
Answer:
Article 218
Article 218 of the Constitution specifically mandates the creation of a permanent Election Commission of Pakistan. It is charged with the duty of organizing and conducting elections and ensuring that they are conducted honestly, justly, fairly, and in accordance with the law, while guarding against corrupt practices.