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
Which Pakistani singer received the Pride of Performance in 2024 for promoting 'Sufi' music globally?
Answer:
Sanam Marvi
Sanam Marvi was recognized with the Pride of Performance for her mastery of Sufi music and her role in taking the message of Sufi saints to international audiences. The award highlights the state's support for cultural heritage and the 'Sufi' identity of Pakistan.
2
Which award was posthumously given to the 'Martyr of the APS Attack', Principal Tahira Qazi?
Answer:
Sitara-e-Shujaat
Tahira Qazi, the principal of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, was martyred during the 2014 terrorist attack while trying to protect her students. She was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Shujaat for her exemplary bravery and sacrifice.
3
The 'Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam' is often given to foreign leaders on which occasion?
Answer:
During official state visits to Islamabad
The conferment of high civil awards like the Nishan-e-Quaid-e-Azam or Nishan-e-Pakistan is a standard feature of high-level state visits. It serves as the highest diplomatic honor Pakistan can offer to show respect to a visiting leader and their country.
4
In 2025, which sector was prioritized for the 'Tamgha-e-Khidmat' to recognize grassroots social work?
Answer:
Community Health and Rural Education
The 2025 award cycle placed a heavy emphasis on 'unsung heroes'—individuals working in remote villages to promote literacy and primary healthcare. The Tamgha-e-Khidmat was used to honor these grassroots contributors who strengthen the social fabric of Pakistan.
5
Which award was given to the team of engineers who successfully launched Pakistan's first moon mission 'iCube-Qamar' in 2024?
Answer:
Collective Pride of Performance / Sitara-e-Imtiaz
The engineers from the Institute of Space Technology (IST) and SUPARCO were recognized in the 2024-2025 honors list. The success of the lunar orbiter was hailed as a major scientific milestone, earning the leads of the project high-level civilian decorations.
6
What happens if a recipient of a civil award is later found guilty of a crime against the state?
Answer:
The President has the power to withdraw/annul the award
Civil awards are an honor bestowed by the state, and the President has the constitutional and legal authority to withdraw or annul any award if the recipient acts in a manner prejudicial to the national interest or is convicted of serious crimes.
7
Which Pakistani writer and poet received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2024 for his contribution to Urdu literature?
Answer:
Iftikhar Arif
Iftikhar Arif, a legendary poet and scholar, was honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2024. He has served as the head of the Pakistan Academy of Letters and the National Language Authority, making immense contributions to the preservation of Urdu literature.
8
The 'Nishan-e-Pakistan' is technically equivalent to which British honor in terms of its status as the highest order?
Answer:
Order of the Garter
In diplomatic protocol and international honor systems, the Nishan-e-Pakistan is treated as the equivalent of a supreme national order, similar to the Order of the Garter in the UK or the Legion of Honour (Grand Cross) in France.
9
Which award was conferred upon the 'Unknown Soldier' (symbolically) or martyrs of the War on Terror in recent state speeches?
Answer:
A collective mention equivalent to Nishan-e-Shujaat in spirit
While individual awards are given to specific soldiers and civilians, the state often uses the March 23rd investiture ceremony to pay collective tribute to the 'Martyrs of the Nation'. Many posthumous Nishan-e-Shujaat awards are given to the families of those who died fighting terrorism.
10
Which religious leader and scholar received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 2024-2025 for his services to interfaith harmony and education?
Answer:
Mufti Taqi Usmani
Mufti Taqi Usmani, a world-renowned scholar and expert in Islamic finance, has been honored with the Nishan-e-Imtiaz. This recognizes his academic brilliance and his role in promoting Pakistan's image in the global Muslim community through his writings and educational work.