FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Pakistan & Central Asia relations
Foreign Policy of Pakistan
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
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of 50 MCQs
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1
In which year did Pakistan recognize the independence of the Central Asian Republics (CARs) following the collapse of the Soviet Union?
Answer:
1991
Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the independence of the five Central Asian Republics (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) in December 1991. This rapid diplomatic response was aimed at reviving historical, cultural, and economic ties that had been restricted during the Soviet era, viewing the region as Pakistan's 'strategic backyard' and a potential trade hub.
2
Which major regional organization, headquartered in Tehran, counts Pakistan and all five Central Asian states as members?
Answer:
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO)
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was expanded in 1992 to include the newly independent Central Asian states and Azerbaijan, joining the founding members Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey. The ECO serves as the primary platform for regional integration, focusing on trade, energy, and transportation corridors like the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) railway and various road links to Central Asia.
3
The 'Trans-Afghan Railway' project, discussed heavily in 2024-2025, aims to connect Pakistan primarily with which Central Asian country?
Answer:
Uzbekistan
The Trans-Afghan Railway project (Termez–Mazar-e-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar) is a flagship initiative intended to link Uzbekistan's rail network with Pakistan's seaports. In 2024 and early 2025, technical feasibility studies and funding mechanisms were fast-tracked under the geo-economic vision to provide Uzbekistan with the shortest route to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar and Karachi.
4
The CASA-1000 project is designed to transmit surplus hydroelectricity from which two Central Asian countries to Pakistan?
Answer:
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
The Central Asia-South Asia (CASA-1000) project is a $1.2 billion initiative to transmit 1,300 MW of clean electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. As of 2025, the project remains a critical component of Pakistan's energy security strategy, aiming to reduce domestic power shortages using Central Asian renewable energy.
5
What is the total length of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project?
Answer:
1,814 km
The TAPI pipeline stretches approximately 1,814 kilometers from the Galkynysh gas field in Turkmenistan to Fazilka in India. Pakistan expects to receive roughly 1.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day through this link. In late 2024, Turkmenistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to begin the construction of the Pakistani section to meet growing industrial energy demands.
6
Which Pakistani port is marketed as the 'natural gateway' for Central Asian trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?
Answer:
Gwadar Port
Gwadar Port, due to its deep-sea capacity and geographical proximity to the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is the strategic exit point for landlocked Central Asian Republics. Under CPEC Phase II (2024-2025), Pakistan has offered dedicated terminals and 'special economic zones' to Central Asian states to facilitate their transit trade and mineral exports.
7
Which Central Asian country signed a 'Strategic Partnership' agreement with Pakistan during a high-level visit in 2021/2022, focusing on 'Geo-economics'?
Answer:
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Pakistan elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on the 'Transit Trade Agreement' (UPPTA). This agreement allows for the simplified movement of goods and has led to a significant increase in bilateral trade volume, which surpassed $300 million in 2023-2024 as both nations prioritize economic connectivity over geopolitical rivalry.
8
The 'Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement' (QTTA) provides a transit route between Pakistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and which other country?
Answer:
Kazakhstan
The QTTA is a transit trade framework that links Pakistan's ports to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan via the Karakoram Highway in China, bypassing Afghanistan. This route is increasingly seen as a viable alternative for regional trade during periods of instability in Afghanistan, facilitating the movement of Pakistani textiles and agricultural products to Central Asian markets.
9
In 2025, which Central Asian capital city hosted a 'Pakistan-Central Asia Trade Expo' to showcase Pakistani pharmaceutical and surgical goods?
Answer:
Tashkent
Tashkent has emerged as the commercial hub for Pakistan's 'Look Central Asia' policy. The 2025 trade expo highlighted Pakistan's competitive edge in the pharmaceutical and surgical sectors, aiming to increase non-traditional exports to the resource-rich Uzbek market and beyond.
10
Which Central Asian leader visited Islamabad in late 2024 to discuss the 'Joint Security Commission' and border management?
Answer:
Emomali Rahmon
President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan has been a frequent visitor to Pakistan, emphasizing security cooperation. Tajikistan and Pakistan share concerns regarding spillover from Afghanistan, and their 2024-2025 dialogue focused on counter-terrorism and the safe completion of energy corridors like CASA-1000.
11
Pakistan's 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) has identified which Central Asian resource as a key area for joint ventures in 2025?
Answer:
Minerals and Rare Earth Elements
Under the SIFC framework, Pakistan is seeking to collaborate with Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, in the mining sector. Central Asia’s expertise in extracting copper, gold, and lithium is being paired with Pakistan's geological potential and transit routes to attract global investment.
12
Which Central Asian country is the largest landlocked nation in the world and a major trade partner for Pakistan in the energy sector?
Answer:
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, is a key partner for Pakistan within the SCO and ECO. In 2024, both nations discussed long-term arrangements for the supply of crude oil and coal to Pakistan, leveraging Kazakh energy surpluses to stabilize Pakistan's industrial production.
13
The 'Bishkek Incident' in May 2024, involving Pakistani students, led to high-level diplomatic engagements with which country?
Answer:
Kyrgyzstan
The May 2024 mob violence in Bishkek targeting international students, including many from Pakistan, required urgent diplomatic intervention. Pakistan's Foreign Office engaged with the Kyrgyz government to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Pakistani students enrolled in medical universities there, highlighting the significance of educational links in the bilateral relationship.
14
Which international body's 'RATS' (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) mechanism involves Pakistan and Central Asian states in sharing intelligence?
Answer:
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
As full members of the SCO since 2017, Pakistan and the Central Asian states coordinate through RATS, based in Tashkent. This mechanism is vital for regional stability, focusing on combating the 'three evils' of terrorism, separatism, and extremism that threaten trans-regional infrastructure projects.
15
Pakistan officially applied for membership in which global economic bloc in late 2023, seeking support from Central Asian partners already involved?
Answer:
BRICS
Pakistan's application to join BRICS in November 2023 is part of its 'multi-alignment' strategy. Central Asian states like Kazakhstan have also shown interest or are engaged with BRICS+, and Pakistan seeks their diplomatic support to diversify its global economic partnerships beyond Western-led institutions.
16
Which historical figure, who founded the Mughal Empire in India, hailed from the Fergana Valley in modern-day Uzbekistan?
Answer:
Babur
Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur was born in Andijan, Uzbekistan. This historical link is frequently invoked in modern diplomacy to emphasize the deep-rooted cultural and ancestral ties between the people of Pakistan and Central Asia, serving as a 'soft power' bridge for modern bilateral relations.
17
What is the name of the $7 billion IMF program approved in 2024 that requires Pakistan to improve its trade competitiveness with regional partners?
Answer:
Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
The 37-month EFF approved in September 2024 mandates structural reforms to boost exports. Pakistan's strategy to meet these targets involves expanding its market share in Central Asia by finalizing transit trade agreements and reducing the cost of logistics through the Trans-Afghan railway.
18
Which Pakistani city was declared South Asia's cleanest city in 2025, a point of discussion in urban diplomacy with Central Asian municipalities?
Answer:
Islamabad
Islamabad was ranked as the cleanest city in South Asia in 2025. This achievement has been used in regional forums (like the ECO and SCO) to promote Islamabad as a model for green governance and sustainable urban development to Central Asian counterparts.
19
Pakistan launched which communication satellite in 2025 to enhance digital connectivity with regional partners, including Central Asia?
Answer:
PakSat-MM1
The PakSat-MM1, launched in 2025, provides high-capacity digital services and internet connectivity. It is intended to support the digitalization goals of the 'Digital Silk Road,' linking Pakistan with Central Asian states for e-commerce, tele-medicine, and secure communications.
20
The 'Wagah-Attari' border is for India, but which border crossing is the primary 'Gateway' for Central Asian transit through Afghanistan?
Answer:
Torkham
Torkham, in the Khyber Pass, is the most critical border crossing for Central Asian transit trade. Most goods moving between Karachi/Gwadar and Tashkent or Dushanbe pass through Torkham, making its efficient management a priority for Pakistan-Central Asia economic ties.
