PPSC Past Paper 2024

The question asks for the capital city of a specific country. Athens is historically and currently the capital of Greece, a nation located in Southeast Europe. Greece is renowned for its ancient civilization, democratic origins, and significant contributions to Western philosophy, art, and architecture. The city of Athens itself is a major global center for culture, politics, and finance.

• Indonesia: Its capital is Jakarta.
• Austria: Its capital is Vienna.
• Mali: Its capital is Bamako.

These distractors represent other sovereign nations with their own distinct capital cities, none of which is Athens.

Following World War I, the victorious Allied powers embarked on a process to redraw the geopolitical map, particularly targeting the defeated Central Powers, which included the vast Ottoman Empire.

• Correct Option (A) Treaty of Sèvres: Signed on August 10, 1920, the Treaty of Sèvres was the peace agreement between the Allied powers and the Ottoman Empire. This treaty was designed to dismantle and fragment the Ottoman Empire, stripping it of its Arab provinces and significant territories in Anatolia, effectively reducing it to a small state. Although never fully ratified by the Turkish nationalist government, it laid the groundwork for the empire's dissolution.
• Distractors:
• (B) Treaty of Trianon concerned Hungary.
• (C) Treaty of Versailles dealt with Germany.
• (D) Treaty of Warsaw is unrelated to post-WWI Ottoman fragmentation.

The Hazara community is an ethnic group with a significant presence across multiple countries, primarily due to historical migrations and conflicts. They are native to the Hazarajat region of central Afghanistan, making 'Afghanistan' (Option B) a correct location.

• However, large Hazara populations have also established themselves in neighboring countries.
• Significant communities reside in 'Pakistan' (Option C), particularly in Quetta, and in 'Iran' (Option A), especially in cities like Mashhad and Tehran.
• Therefore, the most comprehensive and accurate answer is 'All of these', as Hazaras are found in all three listed countries.

The question pertains to the location of a world-famous landmark. The Notre Dame Cathedral is an iconic medieval Catholic cathedral situated on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France. It is celebrated for its magnificent French Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass, and historical significance, having witnessed numerous pivotal events in French history.

• Rome: This Italian capital is home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum, not Notre Dame.
• Washington: Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States, known for landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial.
• Miami: A major city in Florida, USA, famous for its beaches and vibrant culture, but not the site of Notre Dame.

Each distractor refers to a prominent city, but none is the correct location for Notre Dame Cathedral.

The 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan represents a pivotal legislative reform, fundamentally altering the nation's political and governance framework.

• Correct Option (B) April 2010: This historic amendment was unanimously passed by the Parliament of Pakistan on April 8, 2010, and subsequently received presidential assent on April 19, 2010. Its key provisions included stripping the President of the power to unilaterally dissolve Parliament, restoring the 1973 Constitution to its original parliamentary form, and significantly devolving powers from the federal government to the provinces, thereby strengthening provincial autonomy.
• Distractors:
• (A) March 2010, (C) May 2010, and (D) June 2010 are incorrect. The legislative process for this significant amendment was completed and enacted specifically in April 2010.

Ali Iqtadar Shah Dara holds the distinction of being the first captain of the Pakistan Hockey Olympic Team. He led the team during their inaugural appearance at the 1948 London Olympics, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan's post-independence sporting history. His leadership laid the foundation for Pakistan's future successes in international hockey.

• Options B, C, and D (Hamidullah Khan Burki, Manzoor Hussain Atif, and Munir Ahmed Dar) were all prominent figures in Pakistani hockey, contributing significantly to the sport.
• However, they served as captains or key players in later Olympic campaigns or eras, not as the very first Olympic captain.
• Thus, Ali Iqtadar Shah Dara is the correct answer.

This question refers to a tragic and widely reported event. Legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, tragically died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, in Calabasas, California. The incident occurred amidst foggy conditions, shocking fans and the sports world globally. California was his home state and the location of his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

• Delaware: A small state on the East Coast, unrelated to the crash.
• Florida: A southeastern state, known for its theme parks, not the crash site.
• New York: A major East Coast state, but not where the accident took place.

The distractors are other U.S. states that were not the location of this specific event.

India and Pakistan share a complex and often contentious history, marked by several significant military conflicts since their independence and partition in 1947, largely stemming from territorial disputes, particularly over Kashmir.

• Correct Option (C) 4: India and Pakistan have engaged in four major wars. These include the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 (First Kashmir War), the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 (which led to the creation of Bangladesh), and the Kargil War of 1999. While Kargil is sometimes termed a limited conflict, it is widely recognized as a full-scale military engagement.
• Distractors:
• (A) 2, (B) 3, and (D) 5 are incorrect. The historical record clearly indicates four primary military confrontations between the two nations.

The Morley-Minto Reforms, officially known as the Indian Councils Act of 1909, were indeed introduced in 1909. These reforms were a crucial legislative measure by the British Parliament aimed at introducing limited self-governance in British India. They expanded the legislative councils and notably introduced separate electorates for Muslims, significantly impacting Indian political landscape.

• Option A, '1907', is incorrect; this year saw the Surat Split in the Indian National Congress.
• Option C, '1911', is incorrect; the capital of British India was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in this year.
• Option D, '1916', is incorrect; this year is associated with the Lucknow Pact.
• Therefore, 1909 is the precise year for the introduction of the Morley-Minto Reforms.

The question asks about the originator of a fundamental concept in demography. The Demographic Transition Model (DTM), which describes the historical shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops, was first proposed by American demographer Warren Thompson in 1929. His work laid the groundwork for understanding population changes over time.

• J. Clarke: A geographer known for population studies, but not the DTM's originator.
• J.J. Spengler: A prominent economist and demographer, but not credited with the DTM.
• Trewartha: Glenn Trewartha was a geographer known for his climate classification and population geography, but not the DTM.

The distractors are other notable figures in related fields, but none originated the DTM.

The Simla Deputation of 1906 was a landmark event in the political history of British India, where a delegation of influential Muslim leaders sought to articulate their community's distinct political aspirations to the colonial administration.

• Correct Option (C) Agha Khan: The Simla Deputation, comprising 35 prominent Muslim leaders, was spearheaded by Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. On October 1, 1906, they met with Viceroy Lord Minto in Simla to present their demand for separate electorates for Muslims in any forthcoming constitutional reforms. This demand underscored the Muslim community's desire for distinct political representation, separate from the Hindu majority.
• Distractors:
• (A) Quaid-e-Azam (Muhammad Ali Jinnah), (B) Allama Iqbal, and (D) Rehmat Ali were all significant figures in the Pakistan Movement but were not involved in leading the Simla Deputation of 1906.

The question pertains to the historical context of Pakistan's entry into the United Nations. Afghanistan was the sole country to oppose Pakistan's membership in the UN in 1947. This opposition stemmed from Afghanistan's irredentist claims over Pashtun-majority areas along the Durand Line, which it referred to as 'Pashtunistan'.

• Egypt did not oppose Pakistan's UN membership; it maintained cordial relations.
• China, specifically the People's Republic of China, was not established until 1949, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) did not oppose.
• Malaysia was not an independent nation in 1947 and therefore had no role in the UN membership process.

Thus, Afghanistan's historical territorial claims were the direct reason for its opposition.

This question tests knowledge of world capitals. Ashgabat is the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, a Central Asian nation. The city is notable for its extensive use of white marble in its architecture, earning it a Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings. It serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center.

• Armenia: Its capital is Yerevan.
• Azerbaijan: Its capital is Baku.
• Bosnia: The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Sarajevo.

Each distractor is a country with its own distinct capital city, none of which is Ashgabat.

The Majlis-e-Shura, also known as the Federal Council, was an advisory legislative body established in Pakistan during the martial law regime of General Zia-ul-Haq. Its primary purpose was to provide a consultative forum in the absence of an elected parliament.

• The correct answer is 1981. General Zia-ul-Haq formally inaugurated the Majlis-e-Shura on January 11, 1982, following its establishment in 1981, to serve as an interim legislative assembly.
• Option A, 1977, is incorrect; this was the year martial law was imposed, but the Majlis-e-Shura was not formed then.
• Option C, 1985, is incorrect; this year marked the non-party elections and the restoration of a parliamentary system, which effectively superseded the Majlis-e-Shura's role.
• Option D, 1991, is also incorrect as it falls outside the period of the Majlis-e-Shura's establishment and primary function.

Understanding this body is crucial for comprehending Pakistan's political evolution under military rule.

The question focuses on a significant diplomatic achievement between Pakistan and China. In 1963, Pakistan and China successfully resolved their Boundary issue through the Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement. This agreement demarcated the border between the two countries, primarily in the Karakoram mountain range, and was a cornerstone in establishing strong bilateral relations.

• The Water issue, particularly concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, was primarily a dispute between Pakistan and India, resolved in 1960.
• The Kashmir issue remains a long-standing territorial dispute between Pakistan and India, not directly resolved with China in 1963.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as a specific and crucial dispute was indeed resolved.

The question asks to identify a tower famous for a specific architectural characteristic. The Pisa Tower, officially the bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral, located in Pisa, Italy, is globally recognized for its distinctive and unintended lean. This tilt began during its construction in the 12th century due to soft ground, making it a unique architectural marvel.

• Capital Gate Tower: Located in Abu Dhabi, it is known for its extreme lean, but it was intentionally designed that way.
• Blackpool Tower: A prominent landmark in Blackpool, England, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, but not known for leaning.
• Kyiv TV Tower: A tall lattice steel tower in Ukraine, not famous for leaning.

The distractors are other notable towers, but only Pisa Tower is famous for its accidental lean.

The national flag of Pakistan is a powerful symbol of its identity, history, and diverse population. Its design incorporates specific colors, each carrying significant meaning.

• The correct answer is Muslim majority. The dark green field, which occupies the majority of the flag's area, unequivocally represents the Muslim majority population of Pakistan. This design choice underscores the nation's Islamic foundation and the aspirations of its founders.
• Option B, Minority, is incorrect because the white vertical stripe on the flag is specifically designated to represent the religious minorities in Pakistan, ensuring their inclusion and protection.
• Option C, Both, is inaccurate as the green field's symbolism is distinct from the white stripe's.
• Option D, None, is false, as the green field clearly holds symbolic value.

Understanding these elements is key to appreciating Pakistan's national ethos.

This question highlights the concept of Geographical Indication (GI) and its application. Pakistan has decided to register Himalayan Pink Salt as a GI. A Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Pakistan aims to protect the unique identity and origin of its Himalayan Pink Salt, primarily sourced from the Khewra Salt Mine, to prevent its unauthorized commercial use by other countries.

• India, China, and Iran are not the primary originators of the specific Himalayan Pink Salt that Pakistan is seeking to protect with GI status.
• The initiative to register this specific GI belongs to the country of origin, which is Pakistan.

This question delves into foundational psychological concepts of motivation. Primary drives are innate, biological needs essential for survival, such as hunger, thirst, and the need for sleep. They are unlearned and directly related to physiological states. Affection, while a powerful human need, is considered a secondary drive. Secondary drives are learned or acquired through experience and often relate to social or psychological needs.

• Hunger: A primary drive, a biological need for food.
• Thirst: A primary drive, a biological need for water.
• Curiosity: Often considered a primary drive related to exploration and stimulation, crucial for learning and survival in a broader sense.

Affection is distinct from these as it is primarily a social-emotional need, not a direct physiological one.

Autobiographies offer invaluable insights into the lives and perspectives of influential figures, shaping our understanding of historical periods. "Daughter of the East" is a seminal work in this genre, particularly for its political and cultural significance.

• The correct answer is Benazir Bhutto. This acclaimed book is the autobiography of Benazir Bhutto, who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. It provides a deeply personal account of her life, her family's political legacy, her education, her struggles against military dictatorships, and her journey to becoming the first female head of government in a Muslim-majority nation.
• Option B, Ayesha Jalal, is incorrect; she is a distinguished historian, not the author of this memoir.
• Option C, G. Allana, and Option D, K.K. Aziz, are also incorrect; both were notable Pakistani writers and historians, but neither penned "Daughter of the East."

The book remains a vital resource for studying modern Pakistani politics.

The Agartala Conspiracy Case was a pivotal political event in Pakistan's history, particularly in East Pakistan. The case was primarily against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the leader of the Awami League. In 1968, the Ayub Khan government accused Mujibur Rahman and 34 other Bengali political and military figures of conspiring with India to achieve the secession of East Pakistan.

• Ayub Khan was the President of Pakistan at the time and the head of the government that initiated the case, not an accused party.
• Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a prominent political figure in West Pakistan but was not directly implicated as an accused in the Agartala Conspiracy Case.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the central figure.

The question relates to historical empires and their modern geographical counterparts. The Sassanid Empire, also known as the Neo-Persian Empire, was a powerful Iranian empire that existed from 224 to 651 AD. Its cultural, political, and geographical heartland was primarily located in what is modern-day Iran. The Sassanids were the last pre-Islamic Persian empire, leaving a profound legacy on Iranian culture and history.

• Pakistan: Was part of various empires, but not the core Sassanid territory.
• China: Had its own distinct imperial dynasties, entirely separate from the Sassanids.
• India: Home to its own ancient empires (e.g., Gupta, Maurya), not the Sassanid Empire.

The distractors are other countries that were not the primary territory of the Sassanid Empire.

Understanding the political tenures of key leaders is essential for comprehending a nation's governance and historical trajectory. Benazir Bhutto's time as Prime Minister of Pakistan was marked by two distinct periods.

• The correct answer is 1993–96. This period represents Benazir Bhutto's second term as Prime Minister of Pakistan. She assumed office in October 1993 after her party, the Pakistan Peoples Party, won the general elections, and her government lasted until November 1996 when it was dismissed by the then-President Farooq Leghari on charges of corruption and misgovernance.
• Option A, 1988–90, is incorrect; this was her first tenure as Prime Minister.
• Option B, 1990–93, is incorrect; this period was largely dominated by the government of Nawaz Sharif.
• Option D, 2005–07, is also incorrect, as it falls outside her active prime ministerial years.

Her tenures were pivotal in Pakistan's democratic journey.

This question tests geographical knowledge of major mountain ranges. The Karakoram mountain range serves as the natural geographical boundary separating Pakistan from China. This formidable range is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Xinjiang region of China, featuring some of the world's highest peaks, including K2.

• The Himalaya range primarily separates the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau, extending across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China, but not directly forming the border between Pakistan and China.
• The Hindukush range is mainly located in Afghanistan and extends into northern Pakistan, but it does not border China.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect as the Karakoram range distinctly separates the two nations.

This question asks about a significant milestone in cinematic history. The film "The Challenge" (original Russian title "Vyzov") is a 2023 Russian drama that holds the distinction of being the first feature film to be partially shot in outer space. Its director, Klim Shipenko, and lead actress, Yulia Peresild, spent 12 days on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2021 to film segments for the movie.

• Pulp Fiction: A classic 1994 American crime film, entirely shot on Earth.
• The Dark Knight: A 2008 American superhero film, also entirely Earth-bound.
• None: This option is incorrect, as "The Challenge" indeed achieved this feat.

The distractors are well-known films that were not shot in space, making "The Challenge" the correct answer.