The 'SIFC' was established to attract foreign investment in key sectors. What does SIFC stand for?
Answer:
Special Investment Facilitation Council
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was established to act as a 'single window' to facilitate foreign investment, primarily from Gulf countries, in sectors like agriculture, mining, IT, and defense production.
2
Which major reform was introduced in the government pension system in the Federal Budget 2024-25?
Answer:
Contributory Pension Scheme
To reduce the ballooning pension bill, the government introduced a 'Contributory Pension Scheme' for new employees, where they contribute a portion of their salary toward their retirement fund.
3
The 'Tajir Dost Scheme' launched by the FBR in 2024 aims to:
Answer:
Bring retailers and wholesalers into the tax net
The Tajir Dost Scheme is a voluntary tax compliance registration scheme designed to bring unregistered retailers and wholesalers into the formal tax net to broaden the tax base.
4
In September 2024, the IMF approved a new Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan worth approximately:
Answer:
$7 Billion
The IMF Executive Board approved a 37-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement of about $7 billion to support Pakistan's economic stability and reform program.
5
Which provincial government launched the 'Kisan Card' initiative in 2024 to provide direct subsidies and loans to farmers?
Answer:
Punjab
The Punjab government, under CM Maryam Nawaz, launched the Kisan Card to provide subsidies on fertilizers and seeds and offer low-interest loans to farmers.
6
The 'Winter Package 2024' announced by the Federal Government offers relief on:
Answer:
Electricity tariff for incremental consumption
To encourage electricity usage in winter (when demand drops) and discourage gas usage, the government offered a reduced tariff rate for any electricity units consumed above the previous year's usage.
7
Which new agency was notified in 2024 to replace the FIA's Cybercrime Wing for handling digital crimes?
Answer:
National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
The government established the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to take over the mandate of investigating cybercrimes from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
8
As part of the 2024-2025 reforms, the government terminated the contracts of several 'IPPs'. What does IPP stand for?
Answer:
Independent Power Producers
The government terminated contracts with five Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in late 2024 to reduce 'capacity payments' and lower the overall cost of electricity.
9
The 'Apni Chat Apna Ghar' scheme is a flagship housing project of which province?
Answer:
Punjab
Launched by the Punjab government, 'Apni Chat Apna Ghar' provides interest-free loans and subsidies to help low-income citizens build or purchase homes.
10
The 26th Constitutional Amendment mandates that the Chief Justice of Pakistan be selected from:
Answer:
The three most senior judges of the Supreme Court
The reform changed the appointment process so that the CJP is selected by a Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior judges, rather than automatically being the single most senior judge.
11
The 'National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority' was established to:
Answer:
Regulate the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial use
The government established this authority to formalize and regulate the cultivation, extraction, and export of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes to generate revenue.
12
Under the 'Right-Sizing' policy of 2024, the government aims to:
Answer:
Merge or dissolve unnecessary ministries and departments
The High-Powered Committee on Rightsizing, led by the Finance Minister, recommended abolishing or merging various ministries and departments to cut government expenditure.
13
Which controversial bill regarding media was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2024?
Answer:
Punjab Defamation Act 2024
The Punjab Defamation Act 2024 was passed to address disinformation on social media, though it faced criticism for potentially curbing freedom of speech.
14
The 'Green Pakistan Initiative' primarily focuses on modernizing which sector?
Answer:
Agriculture
Under the umbrella of SIFC, the Green Pakistan Initiative aims to modernize agriculture through corporate farming and foreign investment to ensure food security.
15
In 2025, the government legislated to bring 'Agricultural Income' under the tax net to meet the conditions of:
Answer:
IMF
As a key condition of the $7 billion IMF loan, provincial assemblies legislated to align agricultural income tax rates with federal personal income tax rates.
16
The 'National Firewall' project installed in 2024 is intended for:
Answer:
Internet traffic monitoring and filtering
The government deployed a national firewall to monitor internet traffic, filter content deemed 'propaganda' or 'fake news', and manage cybersecurity threats.
17
Which state-owned entity's privatization process faced significant bidding challenges in late 2024?
Answer:
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
The privatization of PIA hit a snag when the final bidding process attracted lower-than-expected offers, leading to a review of the privatization strategy.
18
The 27th Constitutional Amendment established which court to handle constitutional matters exclusively?
Answer:
Federal Constitutional Court (FCC)
The amendment created the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to separate constitutional interpretation from regular civil/criminal appeals.
19
Under the 2024 Finance Act, the government imposed higher tax rates on 'Non-Filers', including blocking their:
Answer:
All of the above
To enforce tax compliance, the government empowered the FBR to block mobile SIMs and utility connections, and restrict foreign travel for non-filers.
20
The 'Benazir Income Support Programme' (BISP) introduced a new banking model in 2024 to:
Answer:
Directly transfer funds via biometric verification at more bank branches
BISP revamped its payment model, hiring multiple banks to expand the number of cash-out points and reduce fraud/deductions by agents.
