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 'Waseela-e-Haq' scheme was an early BISP initiative designed to provide:
Answer:
Interest-free loans to start small businesses via a lucky draw
Waseela-e-Haq was launched to promote self-reliance among BISP beneficiaries. It provided interest-free loans of up to PKR 300,000 to randomly selected families to help them set up small enterprises. While the program's format has evolved into different 'Livelihood' initiatives, its core goal was to graduate families out of poverty.
42
In 2024, which province launched the 'Himmat Card' to provide dedicated quarterly stipends to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)?
Answer:
Punjab
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in 2024, launched the 'Himmat Card'. This initiative specifically targets non-working persons with disabilities, providing them with a quarterly stipend of PKR 10,500 to assist them in meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life.
43
The 'Kamyab Pakistan Program' (KPP), launched to provide a bottom-up economic shift, primarily focuses on:
Answer:
Interest-free loans for small businesses, farmers, and low-cost housing
The Kamyab Pakistan Program is designed to empower the lower-income strata by providing interest-free microloans. Its components include Kamyab Karobar (for small businesses), Kamyab Kissan (for farmers), and Kamyab Ghar (for housing finance), integrated with health insurance through the Sehat Card.
44
Which semi-autonomous body under the federal government manages 'Panahgahs' (Shelter Homes) and provides individual financial assistance for medical treatment?
Answer:
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM)
Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal is a major social welfare organization that provides a variety of services including funding for life-threatening diseases, the establishment of 'Great Homes' for the elderly, 'Sweet Homes' for orphans, and the management of 'Panahgahs' which provide free food and shelter to laborers and travelers.
45
What is the specific name of the BISP component that provides educational stipends to encourage school enrollment?
Answer:
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif (formerly Waseela-e-Taleem) is a conditional cash transfer program. It provides quarterly stipends to the children of BISP beneficiaries, ranging from primary to higher secondary levels, provided they maintain at least a 70% school attendance rate. The program also offers a higher stipend amount for girls to reduce the gender gap in education.
46
Which system is used to identify and categorize eligible households for social welfare benefits in Pakistan?
Answer:
National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)
The National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) is a comprehensive database maintained by BISP that uses a Proxy Means Test (PMT) score to determine the socio-economic status of households. As of 2024-2025, the registry has transitioned to a 'Dynamic Registry' to allow families to update their data in real-time at specialized centers.
47
The 'Sehat Sahulat Program', commonly known as the Sehat Card, provides health insurance coverage of up to how much per family annually?
Answer:
PKR 1,000,000
The Sehat Sahulat Program is a flagship health insurance initiative providing universal health coverage in various provinces. It allows eligible families to receive free-of-cost indoor medical treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals for up to PKR 10 lakh (1 million) per year, covering major surgeries and chronic diseases.
48
In the 2024-2025 federal budget, the allocation for BISP was increased to approximately:
Answer:
PKR 593 Billion
Reflecting the government's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable against inflation, the budget for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was enhanced to PKR 593 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. This increase aims to expand the beneficiary base and adjust the stipend amounts to maintain the purchasing power of the poor.
49
What is the primary objective of the 'Nashonuma' program under the BISP framework?
Answer:
Addressing stunting and malnutrition in children and pregnant women
BISP Nashonuma is a health and nutrition-centered initiative launched to tackle high rates of stunting in Pakistan. It provides specialized nutritious food and conditional cash transfers to pregnant and lactating women and their children under the age of two, contingent upon regular health check-ups and immunization.
50
Which social safety net program was launched in 2008 and remains Pakistan's largest welfare initiative?
Answer:
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) was established in July 2008 to provide unconditional cash transfers to the poorest families in Pakistan. Over the years, it has expanded to include conditional transfers for education and health, becoming the primary platform for social protection and financial inclusion for millions of women across the country.