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
71
Which Pakistani judge was elected as the Vice President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2018-2021 term?
Answer:
Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani
Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, a former Chief Justice of Pakistan, served as an ad hoc judge at the ICJ in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. Pakistan has a long history of contributing distinguished jurists to the ICJ, starting with Sir Zafrullah Khan, highlighting its commitment to international law.
72
The 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) in Pakistan (2023) has engaged with which UN agency to align its projects with environmental standards?
Answer:
UNDP (UN Development Programme)
The UNDP is a long-standing partner of Pakistan in governance and environmental sustainability. In 2024-2025, the SIFC has sought technical advice from the UNDP to ensure that its large-scale agricultural and mining projects are aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 'Green' investment criteria.
73
Which article of the UN Charter allows Pakistan to exercise its 'Right to Self-Defense' in case of an external attack?
Answer:
Article 51
Article 51 of the UN Charter recognizes the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations. Pakistan has frequently invoked this article to justify its responses to border incursions and to emphasize its commitment to national sovereignty.
74
In 2024, Pakistan was elected as the Vice President of which UN body in Geneva, focusing on international trade and development?
Answer:
UNCTAD (UN Conference on Trade and Development)
Pakistan's election to the leadership of UNCTAD's Trade and Development Board in 2024 reflects its growing role in economic diplomacy. Pakistan uses this platform to advocate for a more equitable global trade system that benefits developing countries and addresses the 'digital divide'.
75
The 'Indus Waters Treaty' of 1960, while a bilateral treaty, was mediated by which international body that is part of the UN system?
Answer:
World Bank
The World Bank (a specialized agency of the UN) played the role of mediator in the decade-long negotiations between Pakistan and India over the sharing of the Indus river system. The resulting 1960 treaty is considered one of the most successful examples of transboundary water dispute resolution in the world.
76
Pakistan’s 'Polio Eradication' efforts are supported by which primary UN agency and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
Answer:
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO is the lead UN agency supporting Pakistan’s National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication. Along with UNICEF and international partners, the WHO provides the technical expertise and vaccines needed to immunize every child in Pakistan, making it a critical partner in the country's public health diplomacy.
77
Which Pakistani lawyer and activist served as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief from 2004 to 2010?
Answer:
Asma Jahangir
Asma Jahangir was a world-renowned human rights icon who held several high-level UN positions. She served as the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief and later on the situation of human rights in Iran. Her work at the UN was characterized by her fearless defense of minorities and the marginalized.
78
Which UN body's executive board did Pakistan get elected to for the 2024-2027 term, focusing on the rights of children?
Answer:
UNICEF
Pakistan was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for the term 2024-2027. In this role, Pakistan aims to contribute to global policies regarding child health, education, and protection, reflecting its domestic commitment to the welfare of its large youth population.
79
Pakistan’s 2024-2025 foreign policy in the UN regarding the 'Middle East' is characterized by its demand for:
Answer:
A sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital
Consistently since its inception, Pakistan has used the UN platform to advocate for the rights of Palestinians. In 2024 and 2025, Pakistan has been at the forefront of demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and reiterating that regional peace is only possible through a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders and UN resolutions.
80
The 'Geneva Conference' hosted by the UN and Pakistan in January 2023 was aimed at mobilizing funds for:
Answer:
Climate Resilient Pakistan (Flood Recovery)
The 'International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan' was co-hosted by the UN and the Government of Pakistan in Geneva. It aimed to secure international support for the Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) following the 2022 floods. The conference was highly successful, with international donors pledging over $9 billion.