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
Which document is considered the 'Magna Carta' of provincial autonomy in modern Pakistan?
Answer:
The 18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment is widely hailed as the 'Magna Carta' of provincial autonomy because it fundamentally restructured the state, removed the center's ability to dismiss provincial governments easily, and devolved significant legislative and fiscal powers to the provinces.
2
In the event of a dispute between the Federal Government and a Province regarding a project's environmental impact, which forum should it be taken to first?
Answer:
The Council of Common Interests (CCI)
Since environment is a devolved subject but often involves federal-provincial coordination (e.g., dams or energy projects), the CCI is the mandated constitutional forum to discuss and resolve such policy and implementation disputes.
3
Which body is responsible for conducting elections for Local Governments?
Answer:
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
Under Article 140A(2), the Election Commission of Pakistan is constitutionally responsible for holding elections to the local government institutions, although the laws governing those institutions are made by the Provincial Assemblies.
4
What is the constitutional status of 'Gilgit-Baltistan' in the federation of Pakistan?
Answer:
An administrative territory with a provincial-like setup
Gilgit-Baltistan is not a constitutionally recognized province like the other four due to the Kashmir dispute. However, through various 'Orders' (like the 2009 and 2018 Orders), it has been given an administrative setup similar to a province, with its own Chief Minister and Assembly.
5
The 'Principles of Policy' in the Constitution suggest that the state should encourage:
Answer:
Local Government institutions
Article 32 of the Principles of Policy states that the State shall encourage local Government institutions composed of elected representatives of the areas concerned and in such institutions special representation will be given to peasants, workers and women.
6
Which province receives a special 1% allocation from the divisible pool to compensate for the 'War on Terror'?
Answer:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Recognizing that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the frontline province and suffered the most economic and infrastructure damage due to the 'War on Terror', the 7th NFC Award allocated an additional 1% of the total divisible pool specifically to KP.
7
Which amendment removed the President's power to unilaterally dissolve the National Assembly (Article 58-2b)?
Answer:
13th and 18th Amendments
Article 58-2b was a tool used by Presidents to dismiss elected governments. It was first removed by the 13th Amendment, brought back by the 17th (under Musharraf), and finally removed again by the 18th Amendment to restore parliamentary sovereignty.
8
Under Article 140A, who is responsible for establishing a 'Local Government' system?
Answer:
The Provincial Governments
Article 140A mandates that each province shall, by law, establish a local government system and devolve political, administrative, and financial responsibility and authority to the elected representatives of the local governments.
9
Which of the following is NOT a member of the Council of Common Interests?
Answer:
Governor of the State Bank
The CCI consists of the PM, the four CMs, and three federal cabinet members. The Governor of the State Bank is not a constitutional member of the CCI, although they may be invited for specific discussions.
10
The 'Concurrent List' of the 1973 Constitution originally contained how many items?
Answer:
47
The original Fourth Schedule of the 1973 Constitution included a Concurrent Legislative List with 47 items. These were subjects like labor, criminal law, and environment where both center and provinces could legislate.