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 of the following is a 'Civil-Military' award often given to soldiers for merit in non-combat areas?
Answer:
Sitara-e-Imtiaz
Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Star of Excellence) is a dual-purpose award. It is awarded to civilians for excellence in various fields and to military personnel (typically Colonels or Brigadiers) for their high degree of professional merit and service during peace or war.
2
What is 'Imtiazi Sanad' in the Pakistani military award system?
Answer:
A mention in despatches for distinguished service in the field
Imtiazi Sanad is a prestigious recognition, equivalent to being 'Mentioned in Despatches.' It is awarded to those who perform an act of distinguished service in the field of action which is noteworthy but does not quite reach the threshold for a gallantry medal.
3
Which Nishan-e-Haider recipient was martyred in the 1971 war at the Wagah-Attari sector?
Answer:
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz
Lance Naik Muhammad Mahfuz Shaheed was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his bravery in the Wagah-Attari sector during the 1971 war. Despite his machine gun being destroyed and being wounded, he charged an enemy bunker and engaged in hand-to-hand combat before being martyred.
4
In 2025, which authority formally approves the recommendations for the highest military awards?
Answer:
President of Pakistan
While the military hierarchy (GHQ, NHQ, AHQ) initiates the citations for awards based on field reports, the final constitutional authority to confer all state honors, including military awards, rests with the President of Pakistan on the advice of the Prime Minister.
5
Which hero of the 1971 war was martyred at the Hilli sector in East Pakistan?
Answer:
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed
Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed defended the Hilli sector during the 1971 war with such tenacity that the Indian Army had to bypass his position. He and his men repulsed an entire Indian brigade supported by tanks for two weeks. He was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for his 'last stand' bravery.
6
Which Pakistani military award features a five-pointed star and is the lowest of the 'Jurat' (Gallantry) series?
Answer:
Tamgha-e-Jurat
Tamgha-e-Jurat (Medal of Courage) is the fourth-highest gallantry award. It is generally awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers for acts of bravery in the field. The Jurat series in order is Nishan-e-Haider, Hilal-e-Jurat, Sitara-e-Jurat, and Tamgha-e-Jurat.
7
The 'Tamgha-e-Diffa' (Defense Medal) with a 'Sialkot 1965' clasp would be awarded to whom?
Answer:
A soldier who served in the Sialkot sector during the 1965 war
Tamgha-e-Diffa is a general service medal for participation in defense operations. Clasps (bars) are added to the ribbon to specify the war or sector, such as '1965', '1971', or specific regions like 'Kutch' or 'Sialkot' to denote the exact service of the recipient.
8
In the context of 2024-2025, which medal is awarded to officers who successfully complete 10 years of meritorious service?
Answer:
Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Military)
Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) is the basic tier of the Order of Imtiaz. For military personnel, it is awarded to recognize a decade or more of distinguished service. As officers progress, they may be eligible for Sitara-e-Imtiaz and eventually Hilal-e-Imtiaz based on their rank and achievements.
9
Which 'Sowar' of the Armored Corps received the Nishan-e-Haider during the 1971 war?
Answer:
Muhammad Hussain
Sowar Muhammad Hussain Shaheed was a driver in the Armored Corps who displayed incredible bravery during the 1971 war in the Zafarwal sector. He delivered ammunition to front-line tanks under heavy fire and spotted enemy targets for his commanders until he was martyred by machine-gun fire.
10
Which Pakistani military award is equivalent to the 'Victoria Cross' or the 'Medal of Honor'?
Answer:
Nishan-e-Haider
Nishan-e-Haider is the equivalent of the British Victoria Cross and the American Medal of Honor. It is Pakistan's highest military decoration, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or daring act of self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.