CSS Pakistan Affairs MCQs - 2024

Pakistan opened its first embassy in Iran. Iran was the first to recognize Pakistan’s sovereign status when Pakistan earned freedom in August 1947.

On April 13, 2022, Pakistan was re-elected for the seventh time to the United Nations’ Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This election took place at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in New York. The Committee is an intergovernmental body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the legal framework governing NGOs’ participation in the work of the United Nations. It evaluates applications from NGOs seeking consultative status and accreditation to the ECOSOC. Pakistan’s re-election reflects the international community’s confidence in its role and contributions to the UN’s work. As a member of the Committee on NGOs, Pakistan will continue to promote cooperation between the UN and civil society organizations, working alongside governments to improve the lives of people worldwide.

Pakistan plays a crucial role in UN peacekeeping missions, consistently contributing troops and police personnel to maintain global peace and security. As of now, Pakistan constitutes over 9% of the UN’s total deployment in peacekeeping efforts¹. This commitment reflects Pakistan’s dedication to international peace and its active role in supporting conflict-affected regions worldwide. 🌐🕊️

On 27 February 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted a series of six airstrikes at multiple locations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). These airstrikes were part of the PAF’s military operation codenamed “Operation Swift Retort”. The operation was carried out in retaliation to the Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrike in Balakot just a day earlier, on 26 February 2019. Notably, this marked the first time since 1971 that both countries’ air forces had conducted airstrikes on each other’s territory across the Line of Control (LoC). During the ensuing dogfight, Pakistan claimed to have shot down two Indian jets and captured one Indian pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman. India acknowledged the loss of one IAF jet and the capture of the pilot. Additionally, a friendly fire incident resulted in the loss of an Indian Air Force Mil Mi-17 helicopter, leading to the tragic deaths of six IAF personnel, including Squadron Leaders Siddharth Vashisht and Ninad Mandavgane.

An agreement called “Sino-Pakistan Agreement” on the demarcation of boundaries was concluded between Pakistan and China in the year of 1963.

Samina Baig, a remarkable mountaineer from the Shimshal valley of Hunza, holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to conquer Mount Everest. She achieved this remarkable feat at the young age of 21. Notably, Samina Baig is also the youngest Muslim woman to climb Everest and the seven highest peaks on seven continents. Her determination and courage have left an indelible mark in the world of mountaineering, inspiring many others to follow in her footsteps.

The greatest monument of Pakistan-China collaboration is undoubtedly the Karakoram Highway (also known as the KKH). This remarkable feat of engineering stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations.

Here are some key points about the Karakoram Highway:

1. Significance:
   • The Karakoram Highway is a high-altitude road that connects Pakistan (specifically Havelian) to China (specifically Kashgar in Xinjiang).
   • It traverses the spectacular Karakoram mountain range, known for its rugged terrain, glaciers, and breathtaking vistas.
   • The highway serves as a vital trade route between the two countries, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and ideas.
2. Engineering Marvel:
   • The Karakoram Highway is an engineering marvel due to its challenging construction in a harsh environment.
   • It winds through treacherous mountain passes, crosses deep gorges, and navigates steep cliffs.
   • The highway required immense effort and collaboration to overcome natural obstacles.
3. Strategic Importance:
   • Beyond its economic significance, the KKH holds immense strategic importance for both Pakistan and China.
   • It enhances connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia, promoting regional trade and cooperation.
   • The highway also plays a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), fostering closer ties between the two nations.
4. Symbol of Friendship:
   • The Gwadar Port Authority aptly describes the Karakoram Highway as the “second great monument of Pakistan-China friendship” after the Karakoram Highway itself.
   • Its construction exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision between Pakistan and China.

In summary, the Karakoram Highway stands as a remarkable achievement—an enduring link that binds two nations across formidable mountain ranges, symbolizing their enduring friendship and commitment to progress. 🌐🏔️🤝

The Book of India, also known as “Kitab-ul-Hind” or “Tahqiq-i-Hind”, was authored by the renowned scholar Al-Biruni. Al-Biruni, whose full name is Abu al-Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni, was a multifaceted thinker, mathematician, and historian. He hailed from the region of Khwarezm, which corresponds to modern-day Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. His significant work, “Kitab-ul-Hind”, was composed after he visited India and delved into its rich cultural heritage. In this historical treatise, Al-Biruni provides insights into Indian sciences, Hindu religious beliefs, customs, and social organization. His meticulous observations serve as a valuable resource for understanding India during that era.

The Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is an 18th-century Sufi shrine situated in the town of Bhit Shah, which lies in the Matiari district of the Sindh province in Pakistan. This revered shrine is considered one of the most important in Sindh, and its annual urs festival attracts up to 500,000 visitors. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a noted Sindhi Sufi scholar, mystic, saint, and poet, is widely regarded as the greatest Muslim poet of the Sindhi language. His collected poems are assembled in the compilation known as Shah Jo Risalo. The shrine complex, richly decorated with Sindhi-style tile work, includes a mosque, a mausoleum, and a large courtyard encircled by domed arcades.

The Tashkent Declaration, an accord signed on January 10, 1966, was a significant event in the aftermath of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. It brought an end to the hostilities between India and Pakistan. The declaration was mediated by Soviet Premier Aleksey Kosygin and involved the participation of India’s Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistan’s President Mohammad Ayub Khan. Unfortunately, Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away unexpectedly the day after the agreement was signed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

A person shall be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan if he meets the following qualifications:

1. He must be a citizen of Pakistan.
2. He must have served as a judge of a High Court for a period of, or for periods aggregating, not less than five years.
3. Alternatively, he should have been an advocate of a High Court for a period of, or for periods aggregating, not less than fifteen years.