Explanation: Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India, arriving in March 1947 with the mandate to transfer power. He advanced the date of independence to August 1947 and oversaw the chaotic partition process. His plan, the '3rd June Plan', led to the creation of Pakistan and India.
62
When was the National Anthem officially approved?
✅ Correct Answer:1954
Explanation: The National Anthem (Qaumi Taranah) was officially approved by the Cabinet in August 1954. The music had been composed earlier in 1949, and the lyrics were selected from 723 entries in 1952. It was broadcast for the first time on Radio Pakistan on August 13, 1954.
63
The national sport of Pakistan is:
✅ Correct Answer:Hockey
Explanation: Field Hockey is the national sport of Pakistan, although Cricket is the most popular. Pakistan has a glorious history in Hockey, winning 4 World Cups and 3 Olympic Gold Medals. However, the sport has seen a decline in recent decades due to lack of infrastructure and funding.
64
The Headquarters of the OIC is located in:
✅ Correct Answer:Jeddah
Explanation: The headquarters of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The OIC is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the UN, with 57 member states. Pakistan is a founding member and plays an active role in it.
65
Which of the following is not a Kharif crop?
✅ Correct Answer:Wheat
Explanation: Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown in winter and harvested in spring. Rice, Cotton, and Sugarcane are Kharif crops, which are sown in summer (starting with the monsoon) and harvested in autumn. Understanding crop seasons is vital for Pakistan's agrarian economy.
66
The literal meaning of 'Pakistan' is:
✅ Correct Answer:Land of the Pure
Explanation: The name Pakistan literally means 'Land of the Pure' in Urdu and Persian. 'Pak' means pure and 'Stan' means land or country. It reflects the ideological foundation of the country as a homeland where Muslims could live according to their religious and cultural values.
67
Who was the first Muslim woman to address the UN General Assembly?
✅ Correct Answer:Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali
Explanation: Begum Ra'ana Liaquat Ali Khan was the first Muslim woman to address the United Nations General Assembly in 1952. She was the delegate of Pakistan. She championed the cause of women's rights and humanity on the global stage. She was also the first woman ambassador of Pakistan.
68
Which pass connects Peshawar with Afghanistan?
✅ Correct Answer:Khyber Pass
Explanation: The Khyber Pass connects Peshawar (Pakistan) with Kabul (Afghanistan). It cuts through the Spin Ghar mountains. It has historically been the gateway for invasions into the Indian subcontinent. The pass is a vital trade route and strategic military point.
69
When was the Indus Water Treaty signed?
✅ Correct Answer:1960
Explanation: The Indus Water Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi between President Ayub Khan and PM Jawaharlal Nehru. It was brokered by the World Bank. The treaty allocated the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India.
70
The largest desert of Pakistan is:
✅ Correct Answer:Thar
Explanation: The Thar Desert is the largest desert in Pakistan, located mainly in the Sindh province and extending into India (Rajasthan). It is the 17th largest desert in the world. Despite being a desert, it is densely populated and culturally rich. It has significant coal reserves.
71
Who was the first Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan?
✅ Correct Answer:Quaid-e-Azam
Explanation: Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was elected as the first President (Speaker) of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947. Maulvi Tamizuddin Khan succeeded him as the President/Speaker after Jinnah's death. The term 'Speaker' was formally adopted in later constitutions.
72
The first census in the subcontinent was held in:
✅ Correct Answer:1881
Explanation: The first synchronous census in British India was held in 1881 by W.C. Plowden, the Census Commissioner. Although partial censuses were conducted in some areas between 1865 and 1872, 1881 marked the first complete and uniform census across the entire subcontinent. It was then held every 10 years.
73
Which city is famous for its blue pottery?
✅ Correct Answer:Multan
Explanation: Multan is famous for its traditional 'Kashi Gari' or Blue Pottery. The art form was introduced by craftsmen from Central Asia centuries ago. The pottery is characterized by floral patterns painted in vivid cobalt blue and turquoise colors on a white background. Hala in Sindh is also famous for pottery.
74
The length of the Line of Control (LoC) is approximately:
✅ Correct Answer:740 km
Explanation: The Line of Control (LoC) is the de facto border dividing Kashmir between Pakistan and India. It is approximately 740 km (460 miles) long. It was originally known as the Ceasefire Line, established in 1949, and was redesignated as the LoC after the Simla Agreement of 1972.
75
Who is the author of the book 'Jinnah of Pakistan'?
✅ Correct Answer:Stanley Wolpert
Explanation: Stanley Wolpert, an American historian, wrote the famous biography 'Jinnah of Pakistan' (1984). It is considered one of the most comprehensive biographies of Jinnah. The book was briefly banned in Pakistan due to a few controversial passages but is widely respected for its scholarship.
76
Which constitutional body conducts elections in Pakistan?
✅ Correct Answer:Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
Explanation: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is an independent, autonomous, and permanent constitutional body responsible for organizing and conducting elections to the Parliament, Provincial Assemblies, and Local Governments. It is also responsible for preparing electoral rolls and delimiting constituencies.
77
The Badshahi Mosque was built by:
✅ Correct Answer:Aurangzeb
Explanation: The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and completed in 1673. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and an iconic example of Mughal architecture, featuring red sandstone and white marble domes. It represents the grandeur of the Mughal era.
78
Pakistan purchased Gwadar from:
✅ Correct Answer:Oman
Explanation: Pakistan purchased the territory of Gwadar from the Sultanate of Oman on September 8, 1958, for 5.5 billion rupees (approx $3 million at the time). The transfer was officially completed in December 1958. Before this, Gwadar was an overseas possession of Oman for nearly 200 years.
79
The tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is located in:
✅ Correct Answer:Multan
Explanation: The Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam is located in Multan. It is a masterpiece of Tughlaq architecture, built between 1320 and 1324. The shrine is famous for its large dome, which is considered the second largest in the world after the Gol Gumbaz in India, and its intricate blue glazed tiles.
80
Which language is spoken by the majority of people in Pakistan?
✅ Correct Answer:Punjabi
Explanation: Punjabi is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan, spoken by approximately 39-44% of the population as a first language. Although Urdu is the National Language and lingua franca understood by most, Punjabi has the highest number of native speakers, primarily in the Punjab province.