FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission) · CSS (Central Superior Services)
Media & Civil Society in Pakistan
Social Sectors of Pakistan
· Pakistan Studies/Affairs
50 MCQs
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1–20
of 50 MCQs
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1
Which article of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the freedom of the press, subject to reasonable restrictions?
Answer:
Article 19
Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press. However, this is subject to 'reasonable restrictions' imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam, the integrity, security, or defense of Pakistan, or public order.
2
The right to 'Access to Information' was added to the Constitution as a fundamental right through which amendment?
Answer:
18th Amendment
The 18th Constitutional Amendment (2010) inserted Article 19A, which states that every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance, subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions. This has been a cornerstone for investigative journalism and transparency in Pakistan.
3
Which regulatory body is responsible for licensing and monitoring private electronic media (TV and Radio) in Pakistan?
Answer:
PEMRA
The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was established in 2002. Its primary mandate is to regulate the establishment and operation of all private broadcast media and distribution services in Pakistan, ensuring they adhere to a specific code of conduct.
4
The boom of private news channels in Pakistan began under the presidency of which leader?
Answer:
Pervez Musharraf
In 2002, General Pervez Musharraf opened the airwaves to private television channels, ending the state monopoly held by PTV. While this was seen as a move toward liberalization, it also led to frequent standoffs between the military regime and the newly empowered private media.
5
Which legislation is primarily used in Pakistan to regulate 'cybercrimes' but is often criticized by civil society for curbing online dissent?
Answer:
PECA 2016
The Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), passed in 2016, is the primary law governing online behavior. Sections of this act, particularly those dealing with the 'dignity of natural persons,' have been criticized by digital rights groups for being used to silence online critics of the state and institutions.
6
The 'Human Rights Commission of Pakistan' (HRCP), a leading civil society organization, was co-founded by which iconic figure?
Answer:
Asma Jahangir
Asma Jahangir, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, was one of the co-founders of HRCP in 1986. The organization remains an independent, non-governmental body that monitors human rights violations and publishes the annual 'State of Human Rights' report.
7
In 2024 and 2025, a major point of contention between the government and digital rights activists was the implementation of what technology?
Answer:
National Firewall
The installation of a 'National Firewall' for content filtering and the resulting internet slowdowns became a massive controversy in 2024-2025. Civil society and IT experts argued that it would harm the freelance economy and restricted the right to information and free digital communication.
8
Which social media platform remained blocked in Pakistan for over a year starting from February 2024?
Answer:
X (formerly Twitter)
The platform X (Twitter) was restricted in Pakistan following the February 2024 general elections. The government cited national security concerns, while civil society challenged the ban in the Sindh and Islamabad High Courts as a violation of the right to expression.
9
What is the primary role of the 'Press Council of Pakistan' (PCP)?
Answer:
To act as an ethical watchdog for print media
The Press Council of Pakistan is an independent body that implements the Ethical Code of Practice for the press. It provides a forum for the public to lodge complaints against newspapers and ensures that print journalism maintains professional standards.
10
Which organization represents the interest of 'owners' of television channels in Pakistan?
Answer:
PBA
The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) is a representative body of the owners and management of private TV and radio channels. It is often a key stakeholder in negotiations with the government regarding media policies and advertisement rates.
11
The 'Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists' (PFUJ) is historically significant for its struggle against which military ruler?
Answer:
Zia-ul-Haq
During General Zia-ul-Haq's martial law in the late 1970s, the PFUJ led a heroic struggle against censorship. Journalists faced floggings and imprisonment for protesting against the 'Press and Publications Ordinance' and the banning of several progressive newspapers.
12
Which law was enacted in 2021 to ensure the safety and security of media workers in Pakistan?
Answer:
Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act
The Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act was passed in 2021. It was a significant win for civil society, as it mandated the state to protect journalists from harassment, violence, and intimidation, and proposed a commission to investigate crimes against journalists.
13
The 'Press and Publications Ordinance' (PPO) of 1962, often called a 'Black Law,' was promulgated by:
Answer:
Ayub Khan
Ayub Khan introduced the PPO in 1962 to strictly control the print media. It gave the government powers to seize printing presses and ban any publication it deemed 'prejudicial' to national interests, serving as a template for censorship in Pakistan for decades.
14
In the context of Pakistani media, what does the term 'Vloggers' refer to in the post-2020 landscape?
Answer:
Independent digital journalists/content creators on YouTube/social media
With the rise of internet penetration, many mainstream journalists and independent creators moved to 'Vlogging.' By 2024-2025, these digital platforms became significant alternatives to traditional TV, often carrying content that PEMRA-regulated channels were hesitant to broadcast.
15
Which province was the first to pass a provincial-level 'Right to Information' (RTI) law in 2013, which is often cited as the most robust in the country?
Answer:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa passed the KP RTI Act in 2013. It set a high standard for transparency, including the creation of a strong Information Commission and allowing citizens to access government data with minimal hurdles, outperforming the federal and other provincial laws at the time.
16
The 'Lawyers' Movement' of 2007 is a prime example of which segment of civil society asserting its power?
Answer:
Professional Bar Associations
The 2007 movement for the restoration of the judiciary was led by the Bar Councils and Bar Associations. This was a pivotal moment in Pakistan's civil society history, where the legal community mobilized the public to challenge a military dictator and restore constitutional order.
17
Which of the following describes the 'INGO' policy implemented in Pakistan post-2015?
Answer:
Strict registration and monitoring by the Ministry of Interior
In 2015, Pakistan introduced a new policy for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs), requiring them to re-register with the Ministry of Interior. This policy led to the closure of several international groups as the state sought tighter control over foreign funding and activities in sensitive areas.
18
The 'Aurat March', held annually on March 8, represents which segment of Pakistani civil society?
Answer:
Feminist movements and women's rights advocates
The Aurat March is an annual demonstration held in major Pakistani cities since 2018. It advocates for women's rights, bodily autonomy, and an end to gender-based violence. It has become a focal point for debates on social norms and civil liberties in Pakistan.
19
In 2024, the ECP and the government faced criticism from civil society for 'internet shutdowns' during which specific day?
Answer:
The Election Day (Feb 8, 2024)
On February 8, 2024, mobile and internet services were shut down across Pakistan. The government cited security concerns, but civil society and international observers criticized the move for hindering voters' access to polling information and the transmission of results.
20
The 'Niazi vs. ECP' and other digital rights cases in the Islamabad High Court in 2024 were overseen by which judge known for his focus on civil liberties?
Answer:
Justice Babar Sattar
Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court has been at the forefront of digital rights cases in 2024. He has repeatedly questioned the state's authority to conduct mass surveillance and install web-filtering systems without a clear legislative framework.
