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 primary focus of the 'Nashonuma' program under the BISP for women and children?
Answer:
Addressing stunting and malnutrition through conditional cash and specialized food
The Ehsaas/BISP Nashonuma program is a health and nutrition-centered initiative. It provides pregnant and lactating women with conditional cash transfers and specialized nutritious food to prevent 'stunting' (low height for age) in children under two years. The program is vital for addressing Pakistan's high rate of child malnutrition and improving maternal health.
2
Who is the first Pakistani woman to be appointed as an 'Ambassador' to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2024?
Answer:
Fauzia Fayyaz
Fauzia Fayyaz, a senior career diplomat, has served as a counselor and later in key roles in Saudi Arabia, becoming the first female Pakistani diplomat in the Kingdom. Her work and recent appointments of senior female diplomats to Gulf countries reflect the changing dynamics of Pakistan's 'Diplomatic Diversity' in 2024-2025.
3
The 'Aurat March', held annually on International Women's Day (March 8), first began in which city in 2018?
Answer:
Karachi
The first Aurat March (Women's March) was organized in Karachi in 2018. It has since become an annual nationwide event held in major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Quetta. The march has sparked significant national debate regarding women's rights, bodily autonomy, and social justice, becoming a major cultural and political phenomenon in contemporary Pakistan.
4
Which Pakistani woman was the first to be appointed as the 'Chief Justice' of a High Court?
Answer:
Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar
Justice Syeda Tahira Safdar became the first woman in Pakistan to head a high court when she was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court in 2018. Subsequently, Justice Musarrat Hilali became the first female Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court in 2023, both marking historic breakthroughs for women in the superior judiciary.
5
In 2025, what is the status of 'Gender-X' on Pakistani CNICs issued by NADRA?
Answer:
It is a legally recognized category for transgender and non-binary individuals
Following the Transgender Persons Act and subsequent court rulings, NADRA provides the option for citizens to choose 'X' as their gender on their National Identity Cards if they do not wish to be identified as male or female. This is a significant step toward the legal recognition and inclusion of the transgender community in the national database.
6
Who was the first woman in Pakistan to win the 'Ramon Magsaysay Award' for her work with the marginalized in urban slums?
Answer:
Bilquis Edhi
Bilquis Edhi, the wife of Abdul Sattar Edhi and the co-founder of the Edhi Foundation, was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award (often called Asia's Nobel Prize) in 1986. She was known as the 'Mother of the Nation' for her work with abandoned infants, orphans, and women in distress, managing a vast network of maternity homes and shelters.
7
The 'Womens Empowerment Package' announced in 2024-2025 includes which major feature for working mothers?
Answer:
Mandatory Day Care Centers in all government and large private offices
To encourage female labor force participation, the government has moved to enforce laws requiring workplaces to have day-care facilities. In 2024-2025, several grants were provided to offices to establish these centers, ensuring that working mothers can continue their careers while their children are in a safe and nearby environment.
8
Which prominent Pakistani woman served as the country's first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York?
Answer:
Dr. Maleeha Lodhi
Dr. Maleeha Lodhi made history by being appointed as Pakistan's envoy to the UN in 2015. She had previously served as the Ambassador to the US twice and as the High Commissioner to the UK. She is recognized as one of Pakistan's most accomplished diplomats, consistently advocating for the country's interests on the global stage.
9
In 2024, which Pakistani province introduced a 'Quota' for women in the allotment of government-owned agricultural land to promote rural empowerment?
Answer:
Punjab
Under the recent agricultural reforms in 2024-2025, the Punjab government has prioritized rural women in the distribution of state land for corporate and small-scale farming. This initiative aims to provide land ownership to women, which is a critical factor in their economic and social independence in rural communities.
10
The 'Hindu Marriage Act 2017' was significant for Hindu women in Pakistan because it provided for:
Answer:
The registration of marriages and the right to seek divorce and remarriage
For decades, the Hindu community in Pakistan lacked a formal legal mechanism for registering marriages. The 2017 Act was a landmark for Hindu women, as it provided them with legal documentation (the 'Shadi Parat') which is essential for obtaining CNICs, passports, and proving inheritance. It also legalized divorce and remarriage, providing greater social protection.