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
The second amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, passed in 1974, primarily addressed the status of which group?
Answer:
Ahmadiyya community
In September 1974, during the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed the Second Amendment. This amendment legally defined a 'Muslim' and 'non-Muslim,' thereby declaring the Ahmadiyya community as a non-Muslim minority for the purposes of the Constitution and law. This decision followed intense religious and political debates and has since remained a cornerstone of the country's religious laws.
42
Which religious community in Pakistan is primarily concentrated in the Karachi metropolitan area and is known for its contribution to education and business?
Answer:
Parsis (Zoroastrians)
The Parsi community, though very small in number, has had a profound impact on the development of Karachi. Known for their philanthropy and business acumen, members of this community established iconic institutions such as the Mama Parsi Girls' Secondary School and the NED University. They follow Zoroastrianism and have a distinct cultural identity that is highly respected in Pakistan.
43
Which constitutional body is responsible for providing legal advice to the government on whether laws are repugnant to the injunctions of Islam?
Answer:
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII)
The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) is a constitutional body established to ensure that no law is enacted which is contrary to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. While its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the Parliament or Provincial Assemblies, the CII plays a central role in the 'Islamization' of laws and providing expert opinions on sensitive religious and social issues.
44
The Kartarpur Corridor, inaugurated in 2019, connects the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India to which Gurdwara in Pakistan?
Answer:
Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur
The Kartarpur Corridor provides visa-free access for Indian Sikh pilgrims to reach Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in the Narowal district of Pakistan. This site is of immense spiritual importance as it is where Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life and established the first Sikh commune. The corridor is considered a significant milestone in religious diplomacy between Pakistan and India.
45
Which historic Hindu temple, located in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, is one of the most important Shakti Peethas in the region?
Answer:
Hinglaj Mata (Nani Mandir)
Hinglaj Mata, also known as Hinglaj Devi or Nani Mandir, is situated in a mountain cave on the banks of the Hingol River in Balochistan. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and is highly revered by Hindus across the subcontinent. The annual Hinglaj Yatra is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan, drawing thousands of devotees who travel through the rugged terrain of the Hingol National Park.
46
National Minorities Day is observed annually in Pakistan on which date?
Answer:
August 11
August 11 was declared National Minorities Day in 2009 to commemorate the historic speech made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947. In this speech, he famously stated, 'You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.' The day serves to recognize the contributions and rights of non-Muslim citizens in Pakistan.
47
Which religious group constitutes the largest minority in Pakistan as of 2025?
Answer:
Hindus
Hindus are the largest religious minority in Pakistan, making up roughly 2.14% of the population according to recent census data. The vast majority of the Hindu population resides in the Sindh province, where they play a significant role in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the region. Significant Hindu communities are also found in parts of Punjab and Balochistan.
48
According to the results of the 2023 Digital Census, approximately what percentage of Pakistan's population is Muslim?
Answer:
96.35%
The 7th Population and Housing Census (2023 Digital Census) indicates that Muslims constitute approximately 96.35% of the total population of Pakistan. This majority includes various sects, primarily Sunnis and Shias. The remaining percentage consists of Hindus, Christians, Ahmadis, Sikhs, and other religious minorities, maintaining a demographic trend that has remained relatively stable over the last few decades.
49
Which article of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan declares Islam as the state religion?
Answer:
Article 2
Article 2 of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly states that Islam shall be the State religion of Pakistan. This provision establishes the foundational religious character of the state, which is further reinforced by Article 2A, making the Objective Resolution a substantive part of the Constitution, ensuring that the state enables Muslims to order their lives in accordance with the fundamental principles of Islam.