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
The '7th Amendment' (1977) was a last-minute attempt by Z.A. Bhutto to resolve the PNA crisis by providing for a:
Answer:
Referendum on the Prime Minister's office
In 1977, as the PNA movement grew, Bhutto passed the 7th Amendment, which allowed the Prime Minister to seek a 'Vote of Confidence' via a national referendum. However, the plan was never executed as the military took over in July 1977.
2
Which alliance was formed in 2022 to form a government after the removal of Imran Khan?
Answer:
PDM (Coalition government)
Following the successful vote of no-confidence in April 2022, the parties of the PDM alliance (PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, etc.) formed a coalition government with Shahbaz Sharif as Prime Minister, marking a new phase of alliance politics in Pakistan.
3
The '4th Amendment' (1975) reduced the number of days the 'High Court' could stay the operation of an order for preventive detention. This was seen as curbing the power of:
Answer:
The Judiciary
The 4th and 5th amendments under the Bhutto government were criticized for curtailing the powers of the judiciary and the High Courts in particular, reflecting the executive's attempt to consolidate power against constitutional challenges.
4
Who was the Chairman of the Senate during the 18th Amendment process who also served as the head of the Constitutional Reforms Committee?
Answer:
Raza Rabbani
Senator Raza Rabbani of the PPP chaired the multi-party Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. He is widely considered the architect of the 18th Amendment for his role in building a consensus among all political parties.
5
The '1st Amendment' (1974) to the 1973 Constitution was passed to redefine the 'Boundaries' of Pakistan after:
Answer:
The secession of East Pakistan
The 1st Amendment was necessary to officially recognize the reality of the secession of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and to redefine the borders of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to consist of the four provinces of West Pakistan and the tribal areas.
6
The 'Sunni Ittehad Council' (SIC) became a focal point of constitutional debate in 2024 regarding the allocation of:
Answer:
Reserved Seats for Women and Minorities
In 2024, after PTI-backed independent candidates joined the SIC, a major constitutional dispute arose regarding whether a party that did not win any general seats or contest the election could be allocated reserved seats. The Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of PTI.
7
Which Chief Justice led the bench that disqualified Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case in 2017?
Answer:
Justice Mian Saqib Nisar
The Panama Papers case (2017) was a significant moment in constitutional politics. A five-member bench, headed by Justice Saqib Nisar (though the initial judgment was by a bench including Justice Khosa), disqualified Nawaz Sharif for not being 'Sadiq and Ameen' under Article 62(1)(f).
8
The '3rd Amendment' (1975) dealt with the period of 'Preventive Detention'. Which right does this affect?
Answer:
Right to Liberty and Fair Trial
The 3rd Amendment extended the period for which a person could be detained without trial under preventive detention laws, reflecting the tense political climate and the state's use of security laws against opposition alliances in the mid-70s.
9
The 'NFC' (National Finance Commission) Award's frequency and provincial share were constitutionally secured by which amendment?
Answer:
18th Amendment
The 18th Amendment (2010) secured the NFC Award by mandating that the provincial share in a new award cannot be less than the share given in the previous award, providing fiscal autonomy to the provinces.
10
The '2nd Amendment' (1974) to the 1973 Constitution is famous for:
Answer:
Declaring Ahmadis as non-Muslims
In 1974, under the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and following a unanimous vote in the Parliament, the 2nd Amendment was passed, which formally defined 'Muslim' in the constitution and declared the Ahmadiyya community as non-Muslims.