Explanation: Shukriya Khanum was the first Pakistani woman to obtain a commercial pilot license in 1959, but Ayesha Farooq became the first female fighter pilot to qualify for combat in 2013. Marium Mukhtiar was the first female fighter pilot to embrace martyrdom in the line of duty.
22
Which city is known as the 'Gateway to Pakistan'?
✅ Correct Answer:Karachi
Explanation: Karachi is known as the 'Gateway to Pakistan' (Bab-e-Pakistan) because it is the country's premier port city. Since independence, it has been the primary entry point for trade and travel via sea. It handles the vast majority of Pakistan's international trade.
23
What is the total number of Senate seats (2024)?
✅ Correct Answer:96
Explanation: After the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the 8 seats reserved for FATA were abolished. This reduced the total number of Senate seats from 104 to 96. Each province now has equal representation (23 seats each) plus 4 for Islamabad.
24
The national mammal of Pakistan is:
✅ Correct Answer:Indus River Dolphin
Explanation: While the Markhor is the National Animal, the Indus River Dolphin (Bhulan) is recognized as the National Aquatic Mammal of Pakistan. It is a blind dolphin species found only in the Indus River. It relies on echolocation to navigate and hunt in the muddy waters.
25
Who wrote 'The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam'?
✅ Correct Answer:Allama Iqbal
Explanation: Allama Muhammad Iqbal wrote 'The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam'. It is a compilation of six lectures he delivered in 1930. In this philosophical work, he called for a re-examination of Islamic intellect and argued that Islam is a dynamic religion capable of evolution.
26
Which pass connects Abbottabad with Gilgit?
✅ Correct Answer:Babusar Pass
Explanation: The Babusar Pass connects the Kaghan Valley (via Abbottabad/Mansehra) with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley (4,173 meters). The pass is only open during the summer months as it remains covered in snow during winter.
27
Pakistan's first nuclear power plant was set up in:
✅ Correct Answer:Karachi (KANUPP)
Explanation: The Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) was Pakistan's first nuclear power plant. It was inaugurated in 1972 and built with the help of Canada. It made Pakistan the first Muslim country to operate a nuclear power plant. It is located at Paradise Point in Karachi.
28
The largest island of Pakistan is:
✅ Correct Answer:Astola
Explanation: Astola Island (Haft Talar) is the largest offshore island of Pakistan. It is located in the Arabian Sea, approximately 25 km off the coast of Balochistan near Pasni. It is an uninhabited island known for its Seven Hills and as a nesting ground for green turtles and seabirds.
29
Which river is the smallest among the five rivers of Punjab?
✅ Correct Answer:Ravi
Explanation: The Ravi River is generally considered the smallest of the five main rivers of the Punjab system that flow through Pakistan. It originates in India and flows into Pakistan near Lahore. Its flow is significantly reduced due to the Indus Waters Treaty, which allocated its waters to India.
30
Who was the first Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team?
✅ Correct Answer:Abdul Hafeez Kardar
Explanation: Abdul Hafeez Kardar was the first captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team in Test cricket. He led Pakistan in its inaugural Test series against India in 1952. He is often called the 'Father of Pakistan Cricket' for his role in establishing the team's status on the international stage.
31
When is Kashmir Day observed?
✅ Correct Answer:5 February
Explanation: Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed on February 5th every year. It is a national holiday in Pakistan to show support and unity with the people of Indian-Administered Kashmir and their right to self-determination. The day was first proposed by Qazi Hussain Ahmed in 1990.
32
The Headquarters of the Pakistan Air Force is in:
✅ Correct Answer:Islamabad
Explanation: The Air Headquarters (AHQ) is the command center of the Pakistan Air Force, located in Islamabad. It was originally in Peshawar, then moved to Chaklala (Rawalpindi), and finally to Islamabad in the 1980s to be closer to the federal government and other military headquarters.
33
Which desert is located in Sindh?
✅ Correct Answer:Thar
Explanation: The Thar Desert is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan (and extends into India). It is also known as the Great Indian Desert. It covers districts like Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas. It is the most densely populated desert in the world and has a rich cultural heritage.
34
K-2 is also known as:
✅ Correct Answer:Both B and C
Explanation: K2 is officially named Mount Godwin-Austen after Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen, who first surveyed it. It is also famously known as the 'Savage Mountain' or 'Killer Mountain' due to the extreme difficulty and high fatality rate of climbers attempting to reach its summit in winter.
35
The national reptile of Pakistan is:
✅ Correct Answer:Indus Crocodile (Mugger)
Explanation: The Mugger Crocodile (Indus Crocodile) is considered the national reptile of Pakistan. It is a medium-sized crocodile found in freshwater habitats like marshes, lakes, and rivers (especially the Indus). It is distinct from the Gharial, which is critically endangered.
36
Who composed the tune of the National Anthem?
✅ Correct Answer:Ahmed G. Chagla
Explanation: Ahmed Ghulamali Chagla (Ahmed G. Chagla) composed the music (tune) of the National Anthem in 1949. He was a prominent musician and scholar. The tune was approved before the lyrics were written. It is unique for using 21 musical instruments and 38 different tones.
37
The first SOS Village in Pakistan was established in:
✅ Correct Answer:1977 (Lahore)
Explanation: The first SOS Children's Village in Pakistan was established in Lahore in 1977. SOS Children's Villages provide a loving home to orphaned and abandoned children. The project was initiated with the help of Austrian philanthropist Hermann Gmeiner. Today, there are SOS villages across the country.
38
Which is the largest man-made lake in Pakistan?
✅ Correct Answer:Keenjhar Lake
Explanation: Keenjhar Lake (Kalri Lake) in Thatta district, Sindh, is the largest man-made freshwater lake in Pakistan. It was formed by the union of two lakes, Sonehri and Keenjhar. It supplies drinking water to Karachi and is a popular tourist spot. It is also famous for the folklore of Noori Jam Tamachi.
39
The highest civil award for foreign nationals is:
✅ Correct Answer:Nishan-e-Pakistan
Explanation: Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest civil award, and it can be conferred upon foreign nationals (Heads of State/Government) for their distinguished services to Pakistan. Recipients include Nelson Mandela, Xi Jinping, and Queen Elizabeth II. It is equivalent to the Nishan-e-Haider in military awards.
40
Which city is known as the 'City of Colleges'?
✅ Correct Answer:Lahore
Explanation: Lahore is famously known as the City of Colleges because it has the highest number of educational institutions, colleges, and universities in Pakistan. Historic institutions like Government College (GCU), Forman Christian College (FCC), and Punjab University are located here, making it the education hub.