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
Pakistan’s participation in UN missions is often described as a 'silent' service. What does this refer to?
Answer:
The work is done professionally and selflessly without much domestic media fanfare
Despite being one of the world's top contributors and making massive sacrifices, the work of Pakistani peacekeepers often receives less coverage in domestic news compared to political or local security issues. This 'silent service' has earned the respect of the global community for its professionalism and impartiality.
2
Which Pakistani officer served as the 'Head of Mission' and Force Commander for the UN mission in Liberia (UNMIL)?
Answer:
Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal
Lieutenant General Sikander Afzal served as the Force Commander for UNMIL from 2009 to 2012. His tenure was crucial for the stabilization of Liberia and the preparation for national elections in a post-conflict environment.
3
Which Pakistani hospital ship was used to provide relief during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (operating under UN-supported relief frameworks)?
Answer:
PNS Moawin
PNS Moawin was deployed to Sri Lanka and Indonesia as part of the massive international relief effort. It provided medical aid, food, and water to thousands of tsunami survivors, demonstrating Pakistan's 'maritime' dimension of peacekeeping and humanitarian aid.
4
What is the 'Quick Reaction Force' (QRF) in a UN mission context?
Answer:
A high-readiness unit designed to respond to emergencies or attacks on UN personnel
The QRF is an elite, heavily armed unit that remains on standby. Pakistani QRF units in missions like MONUSCO are often called upon to rescue civilians or UN observers when they are surrounded by armed rebels or during sudden outbreaks of violence.
5
Which Pakistani province produces the highest number of peacekeepers for the UN missions?
Answer:
Punjab
Since the Pakistan Army is the largest contributor to peacekeeping and a significant portion of the army's recruits come from the Punjab province, it naturally follows that a large number of peacekeepers originate from Punjab, though all provinces are represented.
6
Which UN mission in East Timor saw Pakistani police assisting in the formation of a new nation's security sector?
Answer:
UNTAET / UNMIT
Pakistani personnel served in the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) and later UNMIT. They helped the world's youngest nation (at the time) build its police and administrative structures after its independence from Indonesia.
7
What is the role of a 'Military Observer' (UNMO) in a UN mission?
Answer:
To monitor ceasefires and report violations while remaining unarmed
Military Observers are usually senior officers (Majors to Colonels) who serve in an unarmed capacity. Their job is to maintain a neutral presence, investigate ceasefire violations, and report back to the UN headquarters, requiring high diplomatic and professional skills.
8
Which Pakistani General served as the 'Force Commander' of the UN mission in Sudan (UNMIS)?
Answer:
Major General Pervaiz Akram
Major General Pervaiz Akram served as the Force Commander of UNMIS from 2007 to 2009. His leadership during the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between North and South Sudan was widely appreciated by the UN.
9
Pakistani peacekeepers in Haiti were particularly remembered for which specialized skill after the 2010 earthquake?
Answer:
Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief
After the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Pakistani engineers and medical teams worked tirelessly to clear debris, find survivors in collapsed buildings, and provide emergency medical care, utilizing the experience they gained during Pakistan's own 2005 earthquake.
10
What is the name of the UN mission in Ivory Coast where Pakistani troops helped end a civil war in 2011?
Answer:
UNOCI
The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) saw a strong Pakistani presence. Pakistani peacekeepers were involved in protecting civilians during the post-election violence in 2010-2011 and helped stabilize the country for a peaceful transition.