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 'Practice and Procedure Act' and the '26th Amendment' are seen as attempts to transition the judiciary from 'individual' activism to:
Answer:
Institutionalized and regulated processes
Both reforms represent a desire by the political class to move away from an era of 'One-Man Show' activism. By creating committees and constitutional benches, the power is distributed among more judges and regulated by law, rather than being left to the whims of a Chief Justice.
2
In 2024, six judges of the ______ High Court wrote a letter to the SJC alleging interference by intelligence agencies.
Answer:
Islamabad
The letter by six Islamabad High Court judges in March 2024 was a bombshell event. It led to a Suo Motu notice by the Supreme Court, highlighting the struggle for judicial independence against 'external' institutional pressures.
3
Which article of the Constitution allows the President to seek the 'Opinion' of the Supreme Court on any question of law?
Answer:
Article 186
Article 186 provides for 'Advisory Jurisdiction.' The President can send a 'Reference' to the Supreme Court. This was used for the Senate election open ballot case and the Z.A. Bhutto case, allowing the court to give non-binding but authoritative opinions.
4
The 'Supreme Court Bar Association' (SCBA) often plays a role in activism by:
Answer:
Filing petitions on matters of national importance and democratic rights
The SCBA is a powerful legal body. It often acts as a petitioner in high-profile cases (like the Election Delay case or the 26th Amendment challenge), representing the legal community's stance on constitutional issues.
5
Which judge was the subject of a controversial presidential reference in 2019, which the Supreme Court eventually quashed in an act of institutional self-defense?
Answer:
Justice Qazi Faez Isa
The reference against Justice Isa regarding foreign properties was seen by many as executive pressure for his activism in the Faizabad Sit-in case. The Supreme Court quashed the reference, protecting its own judge from what it perceived as a biased move.
6
The 'Practice and Procedure Act' allows for an 'Appeal' against a Suo Motu decision. Previously, such decisions were:
Answer:
Final and could not be appealed (except for a limited review)
One of the major criticisms of Article 184(3) was the lack of an appeal right. The new Act created an appeal to a larger bench, addressing a significant due process concern in Pakistan's judicial system.
7
Which Chief Justice took a Suo Motu notice on the 'Katara Raj Temple' water issue in 2018?
Answer:
Justice Saqib Nisar
Justice Saqib Nisar took notice of the drying pond at the historic Katara Raj temple. This was an example of 'environmentalist' and 'minority rights' activism, where the court ordered cement factories to stop using the underground water.
8
The 'Nasla Tower' demolition order (2021) in Karachi was a controversial example of:
Answer:
Environmental and urban planning activism
Justice Gulzar Ahmed ordered the Nasla Tower to be demolished because it was built on encroached land. The case was controversial because many residents had valid-looking documents, but the court prioritized the 'restoration of city plans' over individual ownership.
9
Judicial activism regarding 'Missing Persons' is primarily conducted through which writ?
Answer:
Writ of Habeas Corpus
The writ of Habeas Corpus ('produce the body') is the most powerful tool for High Courts and the Supreme Court to demand the state to present individuals who have been allegedly picked up by security agencies.
10
The 'Tayyaba Torture Case' (2017) was a Suo Motu notice that highlighted the judiciary's role in:
Answer:
Child Labor and Human Rights within the judicial family
The Supreme Court took notice of the torture of a child maid in the house of a judge. This Suo Motu was significant because it showed the court's willingness to hold its own members (lower court judges) accountable for human rights violations.