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
Who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly throughout the PDM government's tenure (2022-2023)?
Answer:
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, a senior leader of the PPP and former Prime Minister, was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the National Assembly on April 16, 2022. He oversaw the house during a period characterized by the mass resignations of PTI members and subsequent by-elections.
2
What was the peak headline inflation rate (CPI) recorded in May 2023, the highest in Pakistan's history?
Answer:
37.97%
In May 2023, Pakistan's headline inflation reached a record high of 37.97% on a year-on-year basis. This unprecedented surge was driven by high food prices, energy costs, and the devaluation of the rupee, posing a major challenge for the PDM government's economic management.
3
The 'Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023' introduced a ban on which activity for retired military personnel?
Answer:
Joining a political party for two years after retirement
This amendment barred retired military officers from participating in political activities for two years after their retirement. For those who served in sensitive positions, the ban was extended to five years, aimed at maintaining the institutional neutrality of the armed forces.
4
Which legislative bill passed in 2023 sparked controversy regarding the powers of intelligence agencies to search and arrest?
Answer:
Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023
The Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed by the Parliament in its final days. It initially contained provisions allowing intelligence agencies to search any person or place without a warrant, though some of the most controversial clauses were later modified following intense criticism from both treasury and opposition benches.
5
Who was appointed as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan in August 2022 under the PDM government?
Answer:
Jameel Ahmad
Jameel Ahmad was appointed as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a five-year term on August 19, 2022. His appointment came at a time when the country was facing severe economic challenges, including high inflation and a balance of payments crisis.
6
Which major data-gathering exercise was completed in 2023, marking Pakistan's first-ever digital survey of its kind?
Answer:
7th Population and Housing Census
The 7th Population and Housing Census, conducted in early 2023, was Pakistan's first digital census. The results, approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in August 2023, showed the population at 241.49 million and became the basis for new delimitation of constituencies.
7
On which date did Pakistan officially exit the FATF 'Grey List' after four years, during the PDM tenure?
Answer:
October 21, 2022
Pakistan was removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) 'increased monitoring' list (Grey List) on October 21, 2022. This followed years of legislative and administrative reforms to combat money laundering and terror financing, which the PDM government finalized during its initial months.
8
In June 2023, the PDM government amended the Elections Act to limit the disqualification period of lawmakers to how many years?
Answer:
5 years
The amendment to the Elections Act 2017 reduced the disqualification period for lawmakers under Article 62(1)(f) to a maximum of five years. This was widely seen as a move to clear the way for PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and IPP leader Jahangir Tareen to participate in future elections.
9
The 'Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023' was passed by the PDM government to regulate which power of the Chief Justice?
Answer:
The power to take suo motu notice and form benches
This Act aimed to limit the discretionary powers of the Chief Justice of Pakistan regarding the formation of benches and the initiation of suo motu proceedings. It proposed that such decisions be made by a committee of three senior judges, a move that sparked a significant legal debate over judicial independence.
10
Who was appointed as the 17th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by the PDM government in November 2022?
Answer:
General Asim Munir
General Asim Munir was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on November 24, 2022, succeeding General Qamar Javed Bajwa. The appointment was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after a period of significant political speculation and was seen as a key step in stabilizing the military leadership.