Question 1

Which is the largest coal mine in Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Thar

Explanation: The Thar Coalfield in the Tharparkar district of Sindh is the largest coal reserve in Pakistan and the 16th largest in the world. It contains lignite coal. The government and Chinese companies are developing it for power generation to reduce energy shortages.

Question 2

Identify the smallest Civil Award:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Tamgha-e-Khidmat

Explanation: The hierarchy of Civil Awards in descending order is: Nishan, Hilal, Sitara, and Tamgha. Therefore, Tamgha (Medal) is the lowest tier among these categories. 'Tamgha-e-Khidmat' is awarded for services rendered to the state.

Question 3

Who was the Viceroy during the Partition of Bengal (1905)?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Lord Curzon

Explanation: Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India who ordered the Partition of Bengal in 1905. He argued it was for administrative efficiency, but nationalists saw it as a 'divide and rule' tactic. The partition created a Muslim-majority province in the East, which benefitted Muslims.

Question 4

Total number of amendments in 1973 Constitution so far (approx)?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 26

Explanation: As of 2024, there have been 26 amendments to the Constitution of Pakistan. The 25th Amendment (2018) merged FATA with KP. The 26th Amendment was related to the increase in seats. The exact number updates as parliament passes new bills, but 26 is the current significant count.

Question 5

Which province is called 'Bab-ul-Islam'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Sindh

Explanation: Sindh is known as Bab-ul-Islam (Gateway of Islam) because it was the first region in the Indian subcontinent to be conquered by Muslims. Muhammad bin Qasim, an Arab general, conquered Sindh in 712 AD, introducing Islam to the region.

Question 6

When did Pakistan win the Hockey World Cup for the last time?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1994

Explanation: Pakistan won its fourth and last Hockey World Cup in 1994 in Sydney, Australia. They defeated the Netherlands in the final on penalty strokes. Pakistan is the most successful team in World Cup history with 4 titles (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994).

Question 7

The oldest barrage on Indus River is:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Sukkur

Explanation: Sukkur Barrage (Lloyd Barrage) is the oldest barrage on the Indus River, completed in 1932. It was an engineering marvel of its time and provides water to the world's largest unified irrigation network. It irrigates the fertile lands of Sindh.

Question 8

Which gas field was discovered in 1952?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Sui

Explanation: Natural gas was discovered at Sui in Balochistan (Dera Bugti district) in 1952. It was a massive discovery that became the primary source of energy for Pakistan's industries and households. 'Sui Gas' became synonymous with natural gas in Pakistan.

Question 9

Aligarh Anglo-Oriental College became a University in:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: 1920

Explanation: The Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1877 (school in 1875), was granted the status of a University in 1920. Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) became the intellectual center for the Pakistan Movement, producing many Muslim leaders.

Question 10

Who was the third Governor General of Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Ghulam Muhammad

Explanation: Malik Ghulam Muhammad was the third Governor General of Pakistan, serving from 1951 to 1955. He was a bureaucrat and financier who became powerful after Liaquat Ali Khan's death. He is known for dismissing Prime Minister Khawaja Nazimuddin and dissolving the Constituent Assembly.

Question 11

Which river flows through Balochistan?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Hingol River

Explanation: The Hingol River is the longest river in Balochistan. It flows through the Makran coastal region and empties into the Arabian Sea. It passes through the Hingol National Park. Other major rivers in Balochistan include the Porali, Dasht, and Hub rivers. They are mostly seasonal.

Question 12

The first capital of British India before Delhi was:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Calcutta

Explanation: Calcutta (Kolkata) was the capital of British India until 1911. The capital was shifted to Delhi in 1911 because Delhi was centrally located and had a historical significance as the seat of power for previous empires (Mughals). The announcement was made by King George V.

Question 13

Which city is the 'Heart of Pakistan'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Lahore

Explanation: Lahore is affectionately called the 'Heart of Pakistan' (Dil of Pakistan) due to its rich history, culture, and liveliness. It is the capital of Punjab and the cultural hub of the country. A popular saying is 'Jine Lahore nai dekhya o jamya nai' (He who hasn't seen Lahore hasn't been born).

Question 14

Who presented the 'Chenab Formula' to resolve Kashmir issue?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Various diplomats (Track II)

Explanation: The Chenab Formula was a compromise plan proposed in the 1960s and revisited during Track II diplomacy. It suggested dividing Kashmir along the line of the Chenab River: Muslim-majority areas north of the river going to Pakistan and Hindu-majority areas south of it going to India. It was never officially adopted.

Question 15

Siachen Glacier is located in which mountain range?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Karakoram

Explanation: The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. It is the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second-longest in the world's non-polar areas. It is known as the highest battlefield in the world, where Pakistan and India have military posts.

Question 16

The Mazar-e-Quaid was designed by:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Yahya Merchant

Explanation: The Mazar-e-Quaid (Jinnah Mausoleum) in Karachi was designed by the Indian architect Yahya Merchant. It is made of white marble with curved Moorish arches and copper grills. The design is a blend of traditional Islamic architecture and modern style. It was completed in 1970.

Question 17

What was the official language of Pakistan in 1956?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Urdu and Bengali

Explanation: The 1956 Constitution recognized both Urdu and Bengali as the state languages of Pakistan. This was done to address the grievances of the East Pakistani population (Bengali Language Movement). However, English continued to be used for official purposes for a transitional period.

Question 18

Which pass connects Pakistan with China?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Khunjerab Pass

Explanation: The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved international border crossing in the world, connecting Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan) with China (Xinjiang). It sits at an elevation of 4,693 meters (15,397 ft). It is the strategic point through which the Karakoram Highway passes.

Question 19

Who is the author of 'The Sole Spokesman'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Ayesha Jalal

Explanation: Ayesha Jalal, a prominent Pakistani-American historian, wrote 'The Sole Spokesman: Jinnah, the Muslim League and the Demand for Pakistan'. The book analyzes Jinnah's political strategy and the partition of India, arguing that Jinnah used the demand for Pakistan as a bargaining chip.

Question 20

The Rohtas Fort was built by:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Sher Shah Suri

Explanation: Rohtas Fort, located near Jhelum, was built by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century (started in 1541). It was built to suppress the local Gakkhar tribes and block the return of Emperor Humayun (whom Sher Shah had defeated). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive defensive walls.

Pak Studies MCQs