PPSC Assistant (BS-16) Various Departments Past Papers 2024

This question asks to identify the highest mountain peak within Pakistan's territory. Pakistan is home to some of the world's most formidable mountains, particularly in the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is unequivocally the highest peak in Pakistan and the second-highest mountain in the entire world, standing at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). It is a part of the Karakoram mountain range.

• Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain globally and the second-highest in Pakistan, making it incorrect for the "highest" designation.
• Rakaposhi is a stunning peak in the Karakoram, but its elevation is considerably lower than K2, thus not the highest.
• Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, is the 11th highest mountain in the world and the third-highest in Pakistan, again not the highest overall.

K2's immense height makes it Pakistan's undisputed highest point.

In Microsoft Excel, understanding the fundamental data types is crucial for correct data entry and calculations. Excel primarily categorizes data into three main types: Numbers, Text (often referred to as Labels), and Date/Time. These types dictate how Excel stores and processes the information in a cell.

• Character (B) is not a distinct, valid data type name used within Excel's interface or common terminology for cell content. While text is composed of characters, Excel groups them under the 'Text' or 'Label' data type.
• Number (A) is a valid data type for numerical values.
• Label (C) is commonly used interchangeably with 'Text' to refer to non-numerical data.
• Date (D) is a valid data type, stored as a serial number.

This question pertains to Urdu grammar, specifically the classification of nouns. The words 'نرمی' (softness), 'تاریکی' (darkness), and 'سردی' (coldness) are abstract nouns that denote a quality, state, or condition rather than a concrete object or an action.

• 'اسم کیفیت' (A) is the correct answer. It refers to an abstract noun that expresses a quality, state, or condition. These words are derived from adjectives (نرم, تاریک, سرد) and represent the quality itself.
• 'اسم عالیه' (B) refers to an instrumental noun, which names a tool or instrument (e.g., چاقو - knife). The given words are not instruments.
• 'اسم صفت' (C) refers to an adjective, which describes a noun (e.g., نرم - soft). The given words are nouns representing the quality, not the descriptive adjectives.
• 'اسم مفعول' (D) refers to a passive participle, indicating the recipient of an action (e.g., لکھا ہوا - written). The given words are not passive participles.

This question relates to historical diplomatic visits between the US and Pakistan. Richard M. Nixon, as the President of the United States, visited Pakistan in 1969. This visit was part of his broader diplomatic efforts in Asia and was significant as Pakistan later played a crucial role in facilitating Nixon's secret visit to China in 1971, which dramatically altered Cold War geopolitics.

• Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Pakistan in 1959.
• Lyndon B. Johnson visited Pakistan in 1961 and 1965.
• William J. Clinton visited Pakistan much later, in 2000.

Each president had distinct periods of engagement with Pakistan.

The Panama Canal is a crucial artificial waterway that directly connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, specifically via the Caribbean Sea. This engineering marvel significantly shortens maritime voyages between these two vast bodies of water, eliminating the need for ships to navigate around the southern tip of South America. It is a foundational concept in global trade and geography.

• The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia, and does not connect the Atlantic and Pacific.
• The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, situated between Great Britain and mainland Europe, unrelated to trans-oceanic connections.
• The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a vital link between Europe and Asia, but it does not link the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

This problem requires basic algebraic reasoning to solve a system of two equations. Let the ages of the two children be 'x' and 'y'. We are given two conditions: their sum is 12 (x + y = 12) and their product is 32 (x * y = 32). By substituting y = 12 - x into the second equation, we get x(12 - x) = 32, which simplifies to x2 - 12x + 32 = 0. Factoring this quadratic equation yields (x - 4)(x - 8) = 0, giving possible ages of 4 and 8 years.

• The elder child's age is 8 years (A).
• If the elder child were 10 years (B), the other would be 2, making their product 20, not 32.
• If 12 years (C), the other would be 0, making the product 0.
• If 7 years (D), the other would be 5, making the product 35.

This question delves into the history of printing in British India, specifically at Fort William College. Established in 1800, the college was instrumental in promoting Urdu and Persian literature. It played a significant role in standardizing and printing texts, and the choice of script was crucial for its publications.

• 'نستعلیق' (A) is the correct answer. Fort William College extensively used the Nastaliq script for printing Urdu and Persian texts. Nastaliq was highly regarded for its aesthetic beauty and was the preferred calligraphic style for these languages, making it a natural choice for the college's publications.
• 'بند کو' (B) is not a recognized script and is therefore an incorrect option.
• '(Incomplete)' (C) is not a script but an indication of an incomplete option, making it invalid.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because Nastaliq was indeed the primary script used for Urdu printing at Fort William College.

This question pertains to the climatic patterns of Pakistan. Pakistan receives its primary rainfall during the Monsoon season, which typically occurs from July to September. The monsoon is a seasonal reversal of winds, bringing moist air from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, resulting in heavy and widespread precipitation across much of the country, crucial for agriculture and water resources.

• While July to September falls within the broader Summer season, 'Monsoon' specifically describes the atmospheric phenomenon responsible for the rainfall.
• Winter in Pakistan (December-February) receives rainfall from western disturbances, which is generally lighter and less widespread than monsoon rains.
• Autumn (October-November) follows the monsoon, and rainfall significantly decreases during this period.

Rakaposhi is a prominent peak located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is renowned for its dramatic vertical rise above local terrain, making it a visually striking mountain. Understanding the major mountain ranges is fundamental to world geography.

• The Himalayan range is a distinct mountain system, home to peaks like Mount Everest, but Rakaposhi is not part of it.
• The Hindu Kush is another separate major mountain range, primarily situated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with its own unique peaks.
• Therefore, stating 'None of these' would be incorrect as Rakaposhi is definitively located within the Karakoram range.

This is a classic work and time problem, which relies on the concept of total work units. First, calculate the total work required: 4 men working for 42 days equals 4 * 42 = 168 man-days of work. Next, determine the effective workforce under the new conditions. If three men work full days and one man works half days, the effective number of men is 3 + 0.5 = 3.5 men.

• To find the time taken, divide the total work by the effective workforce: 168 man-days / 3.5 men = 48 days (B).
• Options 45 days (A), 52 days (C), and 60 days (D) are incorrect calculations that do not account for the reduced work output of one man.

This question tests knowledge of prominent Urdu literary figures and their works. 'خیالستان' is a significant collection in Urdu literature, known for its unique style and themes. Identifying the author requires familiarity with the contributions of various writers to Urdu prose.

• 'سجاد حیدر یلدرم' (C) is the correct answer. 'خیالستان' is a celebrated collection of short stories and essays by Sajjad Haider Yaldram, who is considered a pioneer of romanticism and psychological realism in Urdu literature. His work profoundly influenced modern Urdu short story writing.
• 'پریم چند' (A) was a renowned Hindi and Urdu writer, famous for his realistic portrayal of rural life and social issues, but 'Khayalistan' is not his work.
• 'فرحت اللہ بیگ' (B) was a distinguished humorist and essayist, known for his simple and engaging prose and biographical sketches, but 'Khayalistan' is not attributed to him.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because Sajjad Haider Yaldram is the rightful author of 'Khayalistan'.

Understanding historical periodization is key here. Modern History, in a broad sense, refers to the period of global history that commenced after the Middle Ages (or Post-Classical Era). This era typically begins around the 16th century, marked by significant transformations like the Renaissance, the Age of Discovery, and the Reformation, which fundamentally reshaped political, economic, and social landscapes worldwide.

• Option B describes social or cultural history, focusing on lived experiences, not a specific historical period.
• Option C describes economic history, concentrating on commercial systems, again not defining the 'Modern History' period itself.

Therefore, the correct definition of Modern History is its chronological placement following the Middle Ages.

China shares land borders with 14 sovereign states, making it one of the countries with the most neighbors. Among the given options, Mongolia has the longest land border with China, stretching approximately 4,677 kilometers (2,906 miles). This extensive border runs across diverse terrains, including deserts and grasslands, and is a significant geographical feature.

• Russia shares a long border with China, but it is shorter than the border with Mongolia, approximately 4,209 km.

• Myanmar shares a border with China, but it is significantly shorter than those with Mongolia or Russia.

• None of these is incorrect, as Mongolia holds the distinction of having the longest border with China among the choices.

Posthuman International Relations (IR) represents a critical theoretical approach that challenges the anthropocentric (human-centered) biases prevalent in traditional IR theories. It fundamentally advocates for a total re-think of our relations with the rest of nature, including non-human actors, technology, and the environment, integrating them into our understanding of global politics.

• Option A describes conventional IR, focusing on state interactions.
• Option C aligns with realist IR theory, emphasizing state self-interest.

Posthuman IR moves beyond these human-centric perspectives to consider a broader spectrum of entities and their impact on international affairs, making option B the precise description of its core tenet.

Brazil is a global pioneer and leader in the successful use of alcohol (ethanol) as a motor fuel. The country launched its Proálcool program in the 1970s in response to global oil crises, developing a robust industry for producing ethanol from sugarcane. This initiative led to widespread adoption of flex-fuel vehicles and significantly reduced Brazil's reliance on imported oil, making it a model for sustainable biofuel use.

• Japan has explored alternative fuels but has not adopted alcohol fuel on the same widespread, successful scale as Brazil.

• The US uses ethanol, primarily from corn, blended with gasoline (e.g., E10, E85), but Brazil's program is more comprehensive and historically successful in replacing gasoline entirely.

• Germany also explores biofuels but does not have the same extensive and successful history with pure alcohol as motor fuel as Brazil.

The question refers to a significant urban development project by Saudi Arabia. NEOM is a groundbreaking futuristic mega-city project announced by Saudi Arabia in 2017. It is strategically located in the Tabuk Province, stretching along the Red Sea coast, and is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification and sustainable development. NEOM is envisioned as a smart, sustainable, and innovative hub.

• Tabuk is an existing city and province, not a newly founded mega-city in the same context as NEOM.
• Asir is a mountainous region in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, not on the Red Sea coast.

Therefore, NEOM is the correct answer, representing Saudi Arabia's ambitious new city on the Red Sea shores.

The Declaration of American Independence, a foundational document of the United States, was primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. As a member of the Committee of Five, he was tasked with drafting the initial version. His eloquent prose articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and their philosophical justification for independence, drawing on Enlightenment ideals of natural rights and self-governance. The document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

• Milton (John Milton) was an English poet from the 17th century, famous for

The Arcadia Education Project in South Kanarchor, Bangladesh, was indeed awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Architecture Award in 2019. This remarkable project, designed by Saif Ul Haque Sthapati, was recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach to building a school in a flood-prone area. It ingeniously utilizes local materials and traditional construction techniques, demonstrating architectural excellence that profoundly addresses environmental challenges and community needs. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture celebrates projects that successfully blend modern design with cultural context, addressing the needs and aspirations of Muslim societies worldwide.

• India, Sri Lanka, and Iran are incorrect because the specific project mentioned, known for its unique design and environmental adaptability, is definitively located in Bangladesh.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is historically recognized for his pivotal role in the abolition of slavery. During the American Civil War, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which declared millions of enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. He then championed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which formally abolished slavery throughout the entire United States in 1865, marking a monumental shift in American society.

• Thomas Jefferson, while authoring the Declaration of Independence, was a slave owner and did not abolish slavery during his presidency.

• George Washington, the first President, was also a slave owner and did not abolish slavery during his term.

• Stanley Jackson is not a recognized President of the United States.

The school of Dars-e-Nizamia in Indo-Pak was founded by Mulla Nizam-ud-Din Sihalvi. Mulla Nizam-ud-Din (1677-1748) formalized and popularized this comprehensive curriculum of Islamic studies at Firangi Mahal in Lucknow. Dars-e-Nizamia became the standard educational framework for madrasas across the Indian subcontinent, integrating rational sciences like logic, philosophy, and mathematics with traditional Islamic subjects such as Quranic studies, Hadith, and Fiqh. Its influence shaped Islamic education for centuries.

• Sheikh Sirhindi was a prominent Sufi reformer from an earlier period, known for his efforts to purify Islam, not for founding Dars-e-Nizamia.
• Fareed-ud-din Atar was a Persian Sufi poet from the 12th-13th century, unrelated to this curriculum's development in Indo-Pak.

The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, New York City, United States. It is a world-renowned symbol of freedom and democracy, gifted to the United States by the people of France.

• New York is the correct answer because the statue is prominently located in New York Harbor.
• Paris is incorrect; while France gifted the statue, it is not located in Paris.
• Washington is incorrect; Washington D.C. is the capital but not the location of the Statue of Liberty.
• Geneva is incorrect; Geneva is a city in Switzerland and has no connection to the Statue of Liberty.

On 12th September 1956, Hussain Shaheed Suharwardy assumed the office of Prime Minister of Pakistan. He was a prominent Bengali politician and lawyer who served as the fifth Prime Minister of Pakistan from September 12, 1956, to October 17, 1957. His tenure was significant for the adoption of Pakistan's first constitution in 1956, which established the country as an Islamic Republic. Suhrawardy played a crucial role in shaping the early political landscape of Pakistan.

• Ch. Muhammad Ali was Suhrawardy's predecessor, serving until September 1956.
• Muhammad Ali Bogra served as Prime Minister earlier, from 1953 to 1955.
• Feroz Khan Noon succeeded Suhrawardy, becoming Prime Minister in December 1957.

Rabia Basri, also known as Rabia al-Adawiyya, was an influential female Muslim saint and Sufi mystic. Her life and teachings significantly impacted early Sufism, emphasizing divine love and asceticism.

• 96 AH is the most widely accepted birth year for Rabia Basri, corresponding to approximately 712-717 CE. This makes option A the accurate choice based on historical consensus.
• 101 AH, 111 AH, and 88 AH are incorrect dates. While exact dates for historical figures from that era can sometimes vary slightly, 96 AH is consistently cited as her birth year, making the other options historically inaccurate.

The Delhi Agreement was a crucial trilateral agreement signed on August 28, 1973, between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This agreement aimed to resolve the humanitarian issues that arose following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Its primary objective was the repatriation of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees held by India and Pakistan, as well as the exchange of populations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. It marked a significant step towards normalizing relations in the subcontinent after the conflict.

• Afghanistan was not a party to this specific agreement, which focused on post-war issues between the three involved nations.
• China was also not a direct signatory to the Delhi Agreement, despite its broader geopolitical interests in the region.

In cricket, the pitch is the central strip of the cricket field where the main action of batting and bowling takes place. Its dimensions are strictly defined by the Laws of Cricket, which govern the game globally.

• The correct length of a cricket pitch is 22 yards (20.12 meters). This is a fundamental and unchanging rule of the sport, essential for fair play and consistent game mechanics.
• 20 yards, 24 yards, and 26 yards are incorrect measurements. Any deviation from the standard 22 yards would fundamentally alter the game, affecting bowling speeds, batting timing, and overall strategy.