FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Pakistan & SAARC
Role of Pakistan in International Organizations
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
94 MCQs
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of 94 MCQs
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1
In which city and year was the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) officially established?
Answer:
Dhaka, 1985
SAARC was formally established on December 8, 1985, during the first summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pakistan was one of the seven founding members, alongside Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The organization was created to promote economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the South Asian region through collective self-reliance.
2
Which Pakistani city was declared as South Asia's cleanest city in 2025, an achievement highlighted in regional urban development forums?
Answer:
Islamabad
Islamabad was officially ranked as the cleanest city in South Asia in 2025. This recognition was a significant milestone for Pakistan's urban management and environmental policies, showcasing the capital's commitment to waste management, green spaces, and sustainable development goals, which are key areas of cooperation within SAARC specialized bodies.
3
Which SAARC specialized body is permanently headquartered in Islamabad?
Answer:
SAARC Energy Centre
The SAARC Energy Centre (SEC) was established in Islamabad in 2006. It serves as a focal point to coordinate and facilitate regional energy cooperation. The centre plays a vital role in addressing the energy crisis in South Asia by promoting integrated energy markets, cross-border energy trade, and the development of renewable energy resources among member states.
4
In 2025, Pakistan launched which satellite that is expected to enhance regional digital connectivity and data sharing for research?
Answer:
PakSat-MM1
Pakistan launched the PakSat-MM1 communication satellite in 2025. This advanced multi-mission satellite provides high-speed internet and digital services across the region, aligning with SAARC's objectives of bridging the digital divide and enhancing cooperation in information technology, tele-medicine, and disaster management data sharing.
5
Which article of the SAARC Charter prohibits the discussion of 'bilateral and contentious issues' in its meetings?
Answer:
Article X
Article X of the SAARC Charter explicitly states that 'bilateral and contentious issues shall be excluded from the deliberations.' This provision was intended to ensure that regional cooperation proceeds smoothly despite political differences between members. However, in practice, this clause is often cited as a reason for the organization's limited progress in resolving major regional conflicts.
6
Which historic summit held in Islamabad in 2004 led to the signing of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement?
Answer:
12th SAARC Summit
The 12th SAARC Summit held in Islamabad in January 2004 was a landmark event where member states signed the SAFTA agreement. SAFTA aimed to reduce customs duties on traded goods to zero by 2016. This summit was also notable for the 'thaw' in Pakistan-India relations, leading to a renewed push for regional economic integration.
7
Afghanistan became the 8th member of SAARC during the 14th Summit held in which city in 2007?
Answer:
New Delhi
Afghanistan officially joined SAARC as its eighth member during the 14th Summit held in New Delhi in April 2007. Pakistan supported Afghanistan's inclusion, viewing it as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia. This expansion reflected the organization's desire to encompass the entire geographical and cultural landscape of the region.
8
The SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO), an inter-governmental body to resolve commercial disputes, is located in which city?
Answer:
Islamabad
The SAARC Arbitration Council (SARCO) is headquartered in Islamabad. It was established to provide a legal framework and forum for the fair and efficient settlement of commercial, investment, and trade-related disputes within the region. Its presence in Islamabad underscores Pakistan's role in facilitating regional legal and economic infrastructure.
9
Who was the first Pakistani diplomat to serve as the Secretary-General of SAARC (1996-1998)?
Answer:
Naeem U. Hasan
Naeem U. Hasan was the first Pakistani official to hold the office of SAARC Secretary-General, serving from 1996 to 1998. The post of Secretary-General rotates among member states in alphabetical order. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening the administrative framework of the Secretariat and promoting the South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA).
10
The 19th SAARC Summit, which was scheduled to be held in Islamabad in 2016, was postponed indefinitely because:
Answer:
India and several other members boycotted the summit citing security concerns
The 19th SAARC Summit was cancelled after India refused to participate following the Uri attack, leading Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan to also withdraw. Since the SAARC Charter requires the presence of all member heads of state for a summit to occur, the meeting has remained postponed. As of late 2025, the organization continues to face a stalemate in its highest decision-making process.
11
The South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA), which preceded SAFTA, was signed in which year?
Answer:
1993
SAPTA was signed in April 1993 during the 7th SAARC Summit in Dhaka and became operational in 1995. It was the first formal step toward liberalizing trade in South Asia. Unlike SAFTA, which is a free trade area, SAPTA was based on a product-by-product basis of concessions, providing a foundational experience for Pakistan's regional trade diplomacy.
12
Which regional disaster management framework was hosted as a virtual conference by Pakistan in 2020 to coordinate the regional COVID-19 response?
Answer:
SAARC Health Ministers Video Conference
In early 2020, following a video conference of SAARC leaders, Pakistan hosted a follow-up video conference of Health Ministers and senior officials. Pakistan proposed a regional mechanism to share real-time data and best practices to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlighted Pakistan's commitment to using the SAARC platform for humanitarian and health emergencies despite political tensions.
13
The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), which funds regional social and infrastructure projects, is headquartered in which city?
Answer:
Thimphu
The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is headquartered in Thimphu, Bhutan. It was established in 2010 to serve as the umbrella financial institution for SAARC projects. Pakistan has been an active contributor to the fund and a recipient of support for various social projects, including those focused on poverty alleviation and women's empowerment.
14
What is the primary function of the SAARC Food Bank, established in 2007?
Answer:
To act as a regional reserve during food shortages and emergencies
The SAARC Food Bank was established to provide food security to member states during times of emergency or localized crop failures. Pakistan maintains a significant reserve of wheat and rice specifically for this regional pool. It reflects the organization's goal of collective self-reliance in basic commodities.
15
The SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), which promotes private sector cooperation, has a prominent regional office in which Pakistani city?
Answer:
Islamabad
The SCCI's permanent headquarters was inaugurated in Islamabad. It is a recognized SAARC body that brings together the apex chambers of all member states. The SCCI plays a crucial role in advocating for the removal of non-tariff barriers and promoting Business-to-Business (B2B) links between Pakistani entrepreneurs and their South Asian counterparts.
16
Under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, certain categories of people can travel within the region without a visa. This includes:
Answer:
Dignitaries, Parliamentarians, and Senior Judges
The SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme was launched in 1992 to promote people-to-people contact. It allows 24 specific categories of persons, including high-ranking officials, athletes, and award-winning journalists, to travel within member states without visas. This scheme is often cited as a key 'soft diplomacy' achievement of the organization.
17
Which 1988 SAARC summit held in Islamabad is famous for the first meeting between Benazir Bhutto and Rajiv Gandhi?
Answer:
4th Summit
The 4th SAARC Summit was held in Islamabad in December 1988. It was a historic moment as it marked the first meeting between the young democratic leaders Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India. The two leaders signed several bilateral agreements on the sidelines of the SAARC event, highlighting the platform's role in easing tensions.
18
The SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism was signed in which year?
Answer:
1987
The Convention on Suppression of Terrorism was signed in Kathmandu in 1987. It provides a regional framework for cooperation in the prevention and elimination of terrorism. Pakistan has ratified this convention and its additional protocols, although differences in defining and addressing terrorism remain a major hurdle in effective regional security coordination.
19
The SAARC Social Charter, signed in 2004, focuses on which area of cooperation?
Answer:
Poverty alleviation, health, and children's welfare
The SAARC Social Charter was signed during the 12th Summit in Islamabad. It established regional targets for improving literacy, reducing infant mortality, and alleviating poverty. Pakistan has integrated many of these goals into its national developmental programs, such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
20
Which SAARC Specialized Body is located in New Delhi and has seen active participation from Pakistani students?
Answer:
South Asian University (SAU)
The South Asian University (SAU) is an international university established by the eight member states. While located in New Delhi, it is co-funded by all members, including Pakistan. It aims to provide world-class education to South Asian students, although visa issues sometimes hinder the mobility of students and faculty between Pakistan and India.
