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
1
The 'Joint Communiqué' of the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad focused on:
Answer:
Regional stability, digital economy, and opposition to unilateral sanctions
The Islamabad declaration of the SCO (2024) emphasized multilateralism and rejected 'protectionist' trade measures. It highlighted the need for a more equitable global economic order and enhanced security cooperation among member states.
2
Which country remains Pakistan's largest export destination in 2024-2025?
Answer:
United States
Despite political fluctuations, the United States remains the largest single-country market for Pakistani exports, particularly in the textile and IT sectors. Maintaining economic ties with the US is a vital component of Pakistan's 'Geo-economic' strategy.
3
In early 2025, Pakistan and ______ signed a 'Trans-Afghan Railway' project agreement to connect the region.
Answer:
Uzbekistan and Afghanistan
The Trans-Afghan Railway project (Termez–Mazar-e-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar) is a high-priority regional project intended to link the rail networks of Central Asia directly with Pakistan’s seaports, facilitating massive trade expansion.
4
Which port in Pakistan is seen as the gateway to Central Asian energy markets under the current foreign policy strategy?
Answer:
Gwadar Port
Gwadar is the centerpiece of CPEC and Pakistan's regional connectivity vision. It is strategically positioned to provide landlocked Central Asian Republics (like Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) with the shortest access to the Arabian Sea.
5
In 2025, which international body's President visited Pakistan to discuss the 'Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs)?
Answer:
UN General Assembly (President of the 79th Session)
The President of the UNGA visited Pakistan in 2025 to acknowledge Pakistan's progress on SDGs and its leadership role in climate diplomacy and UN peacekeeping missions, where Pakistan is one of the top troop contributors.
6
The 'Loss and Damage' fund established at COP27 was a major diplomatic victory for Pakistan because:
Answer:
Pakistan, as chair of G77, led the demand for climate justice after the 2022 floods
Following the devastating 2022 floods that affected 33 million people, Pakistan used its chairmanship of the G77 plus China at COP27 to successfully lobby for a fund to compensate developing countries for climate-related disasters they did not cause.
7
What is the primary objective of Pakistan's 'Economic Diplomacy' initiative launched in 2024?
Answer:
Shifting from geo-politics to geo-economics by prioritizing trade and investment
Pakistan's current foreign policy doctrine emphasizes 'Geo-economics.' This involves leveraging Pakistan's location as a transit hub between Central Asia, China, and the Middle East to build economic partnerships rather than engaging in regional power rivalries.
8
Pakistan hosted the extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in 2021 specifically to address the humanitarian crisis in:
Answer:
Afghanistan
Following the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Pakistan hosted an emergency OIC meeting in Islamabad to mobilize international support and prevent an economic collapse in Afghanistan. The meeting established the Humanitarian Trust Fund for Afghanistan.
9
Which Gulf nation signed an agreement in 2024 to invest $1 billion in the operations of the Karachi Port Terminal?
Answer:
United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi Ports)
The UAE-based AD Ports Group signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023/2024 to develop and operate the Karachi Gateway Terminal. This is part of the broader foreign policy shift towards 'investment-not-loans' with GCC partners.
10
The 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' in January 2024 involved Pakistan's retaliatory strikes against militant groups in which country?
Answer:
Iran
Following an Iranian missile strike in Balochistan, Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes on January 18, 2024, against hideouts of the 'Sarmachar' Baloch militants in Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. This was a rare military exchange between the two neighbors, though both sides quickly moved to de-escalate.