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
What is the future outlook for Pakistan-Gulf relations under the 'Geo-economics' doctrine of 2024-2025?
Answer:
Shift from geopolitical security to an integrated economic and investment partnership
The current doctrine focuses on leveraging Pakistan's location as a bridge. The future outlook involves making Pakistan a permanent part of the Gulf's food and energy security supply chains through deep industrial and agricultural integration.
2
The term 'Brotherly and Strategic' is most frequently used in Pakistani diplomacy to describe the relationship with:
Answer:
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States
Pakistani leaders across the political spectrum consistently use this terminology for the Gulf states, signifying that the ties are based on shared religious identity, historical mutual support, and vital contemporary economic interests.
3
In 2025, which international body's President visited Pakistan and praised the 'SIFC' model for regional development?
Answer:
UN General Assembly (79th Session President)
The President of the UNGA visited Pakistan in early 2025 and acknowledged the SIFC as a transparent and efficient mechanism for mobilizing international capital for sustainable development goals (SDGs).
4
The 'M-8 Motorway' in Balochistan is considered a strategic link for Gulf trade because it connects Gwadar with:
Answer:
The Indus Highway and the rest of Pakistan/China
The M-8 is a critical east-west corridor under CPEC. For Gulf investors in Gwadar, this motorway is the primary link that connects the port to the national trade network, making the 'transit hub' vision a reality.
5
Which Gulf state's airline, 'Qatar Airways,' has the most frequent flights to multiple Pakistani cities in 2025?
Answer:
Qatar
Qatar Airways operates extensive flight networks from cities like Doha to Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, and Multan. This connectivity is essential for the transit of Pakistani labor and for the growing 'Geo-economic' business exchanges.
6
What is the name of the $1 billion project for a 'Health City' in Islamabad being discussed with Gulf investors in 2025?
Answer:
Gulf-Pakistan Medical City
The proposed Medical City is an SIFC-backed project intended to provide world-class healthcare and medical tourism facilities in Islamabad, with primary investment coming from Saudi and Qatari healthcare conglomerates.
7
The 'Niazi' era of foreign policy (2018-2022) saw a brief attempt to form a 'new' Islamic bloc with which countries, causing temporary concern in Riyadh?
Answer:
Turkey, Malaysia, and Iran
The 2019 Kuala Lumpur Summit was seen as an attempt to create an alternative to the Saudi-led OIC. Under pressure from Riyadh, Prime Minister Imran Khan eventually skipped the summit, highlighting the 'red lines' in Pakistan's relationship with its Gulf partners.
8
Which international body's 'Human Rights' stance on Palestine is most strongly echoed by Pakistan and the Gulf states in 2025?
Answer:
The United Nations (advocating for a two-state solution and 1967 borders)
Pakistan and all GCC countries maintain a unified stance on Palestine, demanding an end to the occupation and the creation of a sovereign state. This shared foreign policy priority is a major factor in their coordination within the OIC and the UN.
9
In 2025, which Pakistani province signed an agreement with a UAE-based firm for 'Carbon Credits' through mangrove plantation?
Answer:
Sindh
Sindh has become a leader in 'Blue Carbon' initiatives. In partnership with UAE investors, the province has expanded its mangrove forests, generating carbon credits that are traded globally, showcasing a new era of environmental-economic cooperation.
10
The 'Trans-Afghan Railway' project is supported by Gulf nations because it provides a land-link to which region?
Answer:
Central Asian energy and mineral markets
Gulf sovereign funds are interested in the railway project (Termez-Kabul-Peshawar) as it would allow them to invest in and transport minerals and energy from Central Asia to the Arabian Sea seaports of Pakistan.