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
Critics of the 18th Amendment often argue that it led to a 'Vertical Imbalance.' What does this mean in the Pakistani context?
Answer:
The federal government has too many expenses (Defense, Debt) but too few funds compared to the provinces
A common federal-level criticism is that the 18th Amendment/7th NFC gave too much money to the provinces (57.5% of the pool) while the federal government is left with 42.5% to pay for 100% of the national debt and 100% of the defense budget, leading to permanent federal deficits.
2
Which province has recently been most vocal about the 'Net Hydel Profit' arrears discussed in the CCI?
Answer:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has consistently used the CCI forum to demand the payment of billions in arrears from the federal government regarding Net Hydel Profits, which is a provincial right under Article 161 of the Constitution.
3
The 18th Amendment made 'High Treason' more strictly defined under Article 6 to prevent military coups. It now states that:
Answer:
Suspension or subversion of the Constitution is high treason
Article 6 was amended to state that any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution by use of force or show of force or by any other unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason. It also explicitly states that the Supreme Court cannot validate such acts.
4
Which of the following describes a 'Caretaker Government' post-18th Amendment?
Answer:
Appointed through a consensus between the PM and the Leader of the Opposition
The 18th Amendment (and later the 20th) refined Article 224 to ensure neutral elections. The Caretaker PM is appointed by the President on the advice of the PM and the Leader of the Opposition. If they disagree, the matter goes to a parliamentary committee and then to the ECP.
5
The 18th Amendment's impact on 'Fiscal Federalism' primarily refers to:
Answer:
The transfer of more financial resources from the center to the provinces through the NFC
Fiscal federalism involves the division of financial resources. The 18th Amendment, alongside the 7th NFC Award, shifted more than 50% of the national divisible pool to the provinces, allowing them to fund the new responsibilities they gained through devolution.
6
Which article provides for the 'Council of Islamic Ideology', which was also slightly modified in its reporting structure by the 18th Amendment?
Answer:
Article 228
While Article 228 provides for the Council, the 18th Amendment ensured that its reports are laid before both the National Assembly and the Senate, reinforcing the bicameral oversight of the legislative process regarding Islamic laws.
7
Which of these is a 'Federal' subject that was NOT devolved by the 18th Amendment?
Answer:
Defense
Subjects essential for national sovereignty, such as Defense, Foreign Affairs, Currency, and Communications, remain in the Federal Legislative List Part I and are under the exclusive control of the federal government.
8
The 18th Amendment requires the Prime Minister to be a member of which house?
Answer:
The National Assembly
In keeping with the principles of a parliamentary system where the head of government must be directly accountable to the people, the Constitution (as amended) requires the Prime Minister to be a member of the National Assembly.
9
Which major port's management was a subject of discussion during 18th Amendment negotiations regarding provincial control?
Answer:
Gwadar Port
The ownership and revenue sharing of Gwadar Port was a major point for Balochistan's representatives. While 'Major Ports' remain a federal subject in Part II, the amendment's emphasis on joint ownership of resources (Art 172) impacted how port developments are perceived by provinces.
10
Post-18th Amendment, what is the role of the 'Senate' in the National Finance Commission (NFC)?
Answer:
NFC reports are laid before both Houses (NA and Senate)
To ensure that the representatives of the provinces (the Senate) are kept informed about fiscal distribution, the 18th Amendment mandated that the federal government must lay the biannual monitoring reports of the NFC before both the National Assembly and the Senate.