Question 1

Pakistan joined the United Nations on:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 30 September 1947

Explanation: Pakistan joined the United Nations on September 30, 1947, just over a month after its independence. The delegation was led by Sir Zafarullah Khan. Interestingly, Afghanistan was the only country to vote against Pakistan's membership at that time due to border disputes (Durand Line).

Question 2

The longest river of Pakistan is:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: River Indus

Explanation: The Indus River (Sindhu) is the longest river in Pakistan, stretching over 3,180 km. It originates in Tibet, flows through Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and merges into the Arabian Sea near Karachi. It is the lifeline of Pakistan's agriculture.

Question 3

Which city is known as the 'City of Lights'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Karachi

Explanation: Karachi is famously known as the City of Lights (Roshniyon ka Shehar). It earned this title in the 1960s and 70s due to its vibrant nightlife and bustling economic activity. It is the largest city and the financial hub of Pakistan, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Question 4

Who proposed the name 'Pakistan'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Chaudhry Rahmat Ali

Explanation: Chaudhry Rahmat Ali proposed the name 'Pakistan' in a pamphlet titled 'Now or Never', published on January 28, 1933. The name was an acronym derived from Punjab, Afghania (NWFP), Kashmir, Sindh, and BaluchisTAN. The letter 'i' was added later for pronunciation.

Question 5

The total area of Pakistan is approximately:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 881,913 sq km

Explanation: Following the official inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir territories in statistical data, the total area is often cited as 881,913 sq km. Historically, the area without these territories was cited as 796,096 sq km. It is important to note which figure the specific exam board accepts, but 881,913 is the comprehensive figure.

Question 6

Who composed the National Anthem of Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Ahmed G. Chagla

Explanation: The music of the National Anthem (Qaumi Taranah) was composed by Ahmed G. Chagla in 1949. The lyrics were written later by Hafeez Jalandhari in 1952. The anthem was officially adopted in 1954. The music is unique as it uses instruments from both East and West.

Question 7

The capital of Pakistan was shifted from Karachi to Islamabad in:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1967

Explanation: Islamabad was officially made the capital on August 14, 1967, although the decision and construction began earlier under Ayub Khan's regime in 1960. While Islamabad was being built, Rawalpindi served as the interim capital. Karachi was the first capital of Pakistan from 1947.

Question 8

Which constitution is currently enforced in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1973 Constitution

Explanation: The Constitution of 1973 is the supreme law currently enforced in Pakistan. It was drafted by the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and passed by the Parliament on April 10, 1973. It established a parliamentary form of government with a bicameral legislature. It has been amended multiple times (e.g., 18th Amendment).

Question 9

When did East Pakistan become Bangladesh?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1971

Explanation: East Pakistan separated to become the independent nation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, following a civil war and the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka marked the end of the conflict. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became the first leader of the new country.

Question 10

The national flower of Pakistan is:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Jasmine (Chambeli)

Explanation: Jasmine (Chambeli) is the national flower of Pakistan. It was chosen for its white color, which represents peace and purity, and its sweet fragrance. The flower is commonly found in gardens across the country and is often used in weddings and festivals.

Question 11

Who was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Liaquat Ali Khan

Explanation: Liaquat Ali Khan was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, serving from 1947 until his assassination in 1951. He was a close associate of Jinnah and played a key role in the partition negotiations. He is often referred to as Quaid-e-Millat (Leader of the Nation) and Shaheed-e-Millat.

Question 12

Which pass connects Pakistan with Afghanistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Khyber Pass

Explanation: The Khyber Pass is a mountain pass in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, connecting Pakistan with Afghanistan. It has been an integral part of the ancient Silk Road and a strategic military route for invaders like Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and the British. It connects Peshawar with Kabul.

Question 13

When was the Tashkent Declaration signed?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1966

Explanation: The Tashkent Declaration was signed on January 10, 1966, between Pakistan (President Ayub Khan) and India (PM Lal Bahadur Shastri). It brought an end to the Indo-Pak War of 1965. The agreement was mediated by the Soviet Union in Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan). It mandated the withdrawal of forces to pre-war positions.

Question 14

The Indus River empties into the:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Arabian Sea

Explanation: The Indus River, which is the longest river in Pakistan, flows from the Himalayas in Tibet, through Kashmir and Pakistan, and finally drains into the Arabian Sea near Karachi. It is the backbone of Pakistan's agriculture and economy. The Indus Delta is a significant ecological region.

Question 15

Who is known as the 'Poet of the East'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Allama Iqbal

Explanation: Allama Muhammad Iqbal is known as Shair-e-Mashriq (Poet of the East). He was a philosopher, poet, and politician who inspired the Pakistan Movement. His poetry in Urdu and Persian emphasized the spiritual and political revival of Muslims. He presented the idea of a separate Muslim state in his Allahabad Address in 1930.

Question 16

Which is the highest peak in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: K2 (Godwin-Austen)

Explanation: K2, also known as Mount Godwin-Austen, is the highest peak in Pakistan and the second-highest in the world, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 ft). It is located in the Karakoram range on the China-Pakistan border. It is known as the 'Savage Mountain' due to the extreme difficulty of ascent.

Question 17

The Objective Resolution was passed in which year?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1949

Explanation: The Objective Resolution was moved by Liaquat Ali Khan and passed by the Constituent Assembly on March 12, 1949. It laid the foundation of the constitution of Pakistan, declaring that sovereignty belongs to Allah alone. It has been a preamble to all of Pakistan's constitutions and was made a substantive part of the 1973 Constitution.

Question 18

Which represents the National Animal of Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Markhor

Explanation: The Markhor (Capra falconeri) is the national animal of Pakistan. It is a large wild goat species found in the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The name 'Markhor' means 'Snake eater' in Persian, referring to local folklore about its ability to kill snakes.

Question 19

When did Pakistan become a Republic?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 23 March 1956

Explanation: Pakistan became an Islamic Republic on 23rd March 1956 with the promulgation of its first constitution. Before this date, Pakistan was a Dominion of the British Commonwealth with the British Monarch as the head of state. 23rd March is celebrated as Pakistan Day to commemorate this and the Lahore Resolution.

Question 20

Who was the first Governor General of Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Explanation: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder and the first Governor General of Pakistan. He took office on August 15, 1947, and served until his death on September 11, 1948. His leadership was crucial in the early months of the new state, dealing with refugee crises and administrative setup.

Pak Studies MCQs