PPSC Past Papers 2025

Qasr prayer (shortening of prayers) is a significant concession in Islam specifically allowed for travellers (Musafir). When a Muslim travels a certain distance (typically around 48 miles or 80 km, though interpretations vary), they are permitted to shorten the four-rak'ah prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, Isha) to two rak'ahs. This is a mercy from Allah to ease the burden of travel and facilitate worship.

• When sick, one might adjust prayer posture but not necessarily shorten the number of rak'ahs.
• During Ramazan, Muslims fast, but Qasr rules are independent of the month.
• Therefore, "None of these" is incorrect.

The correct indirect speech for the exclamatory sentence "He said, "What a beautiful day it is."" is "He exclaimed with wonder that it was a very beautiful day." When converting exclamatory sentences to indirect speech, the reporting verb changes to "exclaimed" (often with an adverb like "wonder" or "joy"). The exclamation is transformed into a declarative statement, and the tense shifts from present ("is") to past ("was"). "What a beautiful day" becomes "a very beautiful day."

• Option A uses "sorrow," which is the wrong emotion.
• Option C and D incorrectly retain the present tense "is" instead of shifting to the past tense "was."

Abdul Malik ibn Marwan is widely recognized for standardizing the currency of the Umayyad Caliphate. He introduced the first purely Islamic coinage, replacing the Byzantine and Sasanian coins previously in circulation. These new coins, dinars (gold) and dirhams (silver), bore Arabic inscriptions and Islamic symbols, establishing an independent Islamic economic identity.

• Umar bin Abdul Aziz (Umar II) was known for his piety and just rule, not primarily currency standardization.
• Marwan II was the last Umayyad caliph.
• Al-Walid I was Abdul Malik's son, known for building projects, but the currency reform was his father's achievement.

When converting direct speech to indirect speech, several changes occur. The pronouns shift from first person to third person, tenses usually move one step back into the past, and time/place expressions are adjusted.

• Correct Option (B): "They said that they would visit London the following week." This correctly changes "We" to "they," "will visit" to "would visit" (past conditional), and "next week" to "the following week."
• Distractor (A): Fails to change "we" and "next week."
• Distractor (C): Fails to change "will" and "next week."
• Distractor (D): Uses an incorrect tense "were visit" and fails to change "we" and "next week."

The question asks about the number of sons Hazrat Yaqoob (A.S.), known as Jacob in English, had. Hazrat Yaqoob (A.S.) had 12 sons, who are historically significant as the progenitors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. This is a foundational fact in Abrahamic religions, particularly in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Option C (12) is correct because it accurately reflects the historical and religious accounts.
• Options A (10), B (11), and D (13) are incorrect numbers. The narrative consistently mentions twelve sons, including Yusuf (Joseph) and Binyamin (Benjamin), who were born to his wife Rachel, and the others born to Leah and his concubines.

Understanding vocabulary is crucial for this question. The word "Loathe" means to feel intense dislike or disgust for someone or something.

• Correct Option (C): "Detest" is a direct synonym for "Loathe," meaning to dislike intensely.
• Distractor (A): "Entrench" means to establish firmly, which is unrelated to disliking.
• Distractor (B): "Abjure" means to solemnly renounce a belief or claim, which involves rejection but not necessarily intense dislike in the same way as loathe.
• Distractor (D): "Meddle" means to interfere in something that is not one's concern, which is entirely different from the meaning of loathe.

The question asks about the first Amir-ul-Hajj (leader of the Hajj pilgrimage) in Islamic history. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.) was the first Amir-ul-Hajj. This significant event occurred in the 9th year of Hijra (631 CE), when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sent him to lead the pilgrimage to Mecca, a year before the Prophet's own Farewell Pilgrimage.

• Option A (حضرت ابو بکر صدیقؓ) is correct as he was appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) for this role.
• Options B (حضرت عمر فاروقؓ), C (حضرت عثمانؓ), and D (حضرت علیؓ) were all revered companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and later Caliphs, but they were not the first to hold the title of Amir-ul-Hajj.

This question tests knowledge of verb forms and their functions in grammar. A verb form ending in "-ing" can serve different roles.

• Correct Option (B): A Gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun in a sentence (e.g., "Swimming is good for you").
• Distractor (A): An Adjective describes a noun or pronoun. While some "-ing" words can be adjectives (e.g., "a running man"), they don't act as nouns.
• Distractor (C): An Infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to" (e.g., "to run"), and does not end in "-ing" when acting as a noun.
• Distractor (D): A Participle is a verb form used as an adjective or to form verb tenses. Present participles end in "-ing" but function as adjectives or part of a verb phrase, not as nouns.

The question pertains to the marriage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the fifth year of Hijra. The Prophet (PBUH) married Hazrat Zainab bint Jahsh (R.A.) in the 5th year of Hijra. This marriage was divinely ordained and addressed a significant social custom of the time regarding adopted sons, as Zainab (R.A.) was previously married to Zayd ibn Harithah, the Prophet's adopted son.

• Option B (حضرت زینب بنت جحشؓ) is correct as her marriage to the Prophet (PBUH) took place in the 5th year of Hijra.
• Options A (حضرت صفیہؓ), C (حضرت جویریہؓ), and D (حضرت ام سلمہؓ) were also Mothers of the Believers, but their marriages to the Prophet (PBUH) occurred in different years. Hazrat Umm Salamah (R.A.) was married in the 4th year of Hijra, while Hazrat Safiyyah (R.A.) and Hazrat Juwayriyah (R.A.) were married later.

When reporting commands or prohibitions, the structure changes from direct imperative to an infinitive phrase, often preceded by a reporting verb that reflects the nature of the command.

• Correct Option (C): "He ordered not to sleep." For negative commands, "not to" + infinitive is the correct structure. "Ordered" is an appropriate reporting verb for a direct command like "Don't sleep."
• Distractor (A): "He advised to not sleep." The placement of "not" is incorrect; it should be "not to sleep."
• Distractor (B): "He said to not sleep." "Said" is too neutral for a command, and "to not sleep" is grammatically awkward.
• Distractor (D): "He instructed not to sleep." While "instructed" is plausible, "ordered" often conveys a stronger, more direct command, fitting the imperative "Don't sleep" more precisely.

The question asks about the number of chapters in Shaukat Siddiqui's renowned Urdu novel, "Khuda Ki Basti." This novel is a classic of Urdu literature, known for its social commentary and realistic portrayal of society. The novel "Khuda Ki Basti" consists of 21 chapters.

• Option B (21) is correct, accurately stating the number of chapters in this famous work.
• Options A (11), C (31), and D (41) are incorrect. Knowing the structural details of prominent literary works is part of literary knowledge.

This question delves into the terminology of Urdu/Arabic rhetoric, specifically figures of speech related to comparison.

• Correct Option (A): تشبیہ (Tashbeeh) is the literary term for simile. It involves comparing one thing to another based on a shared quality, where the comparison is explicitly stated using words like "like" or "as." The question precisely describes Tashbeeh: comparing something to a clearer thing based on a common attribute.
• Distractor (B): استعاره (Ista'ara) is metaphor, a stronger comparison where one thing is directly identified with another, implying the comparison without explicit comparison words.
• Distractor (C): کتابه (Kinaya) refers to metonymy or allusion, where something is referred to indirectly by mentioning an attribute or something associated with it, rather than a direct comparison.
• Distractor (D): "null" is not a valid literary term.

The question asks for the term used to describe a handwritten manuscript, document, or an unpublished book. In Urdu, the specific term for such an item is "مخطوطہ." This word refers to any text written by hand, especially before the advent of printing, or a document that has not yet been published.

• Option C (مخطوطہ) is correct, as it precisely translates to 'manuscript' and fits the description.
• Option A (کتاب) means a 'book,' typically implying a published one.
• Option B (رسالہ) means a 'magazine' or a 'treatise.'
• Option D (دستاویز) means a 'document,' which is broader but doesn't specifically convey the 'handwritten' or 'unpublished book' aspect as accurately as 'مخطوطہ.'

The correct answer is for. The phrase "do for" in this context means "to serve as" or "to be sufficient for a particular purpose." So, "The piece of cloth will do for a turban" means the cloth is suitable or sufficient to be made into a turban. Options A ("to"), C ("by"), and D ("with") are incorrect because they do not form a grammatically correct or contextually meaningful phrasal verb in this sentence. "Do to" implies an action performed on something, "do by" implies treatment, and "do with" implies handling or managing.

The idiom "یوسف ہے کارواں سے" (Yusuf hai karwan se) originates from the Quranic story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph), who was separated from his brothers and left alone in a well, away from his caravan. This phrase metaphorically signifies being isolated or left alone by one's group or companions.

• Correct Option C: اکیلا ہونا (Being alone) is accurate because it directly reflects the core meaning of the idiom, emphasizing separation and solitude.
• Option A: کسی کا بہادر ہونا (Someone being brave) is incorrect as the idiom does not convey bravery.
• Option B: کسی کا بے حد خوش ہونا (Someone being extremely happy) is false; the context is one of abandonment, not joy.
• Option D: کسی کا کامیاب ہونا (Someone being successful) is incorrect; while Yusuf eventually achieved success, the idiom itself refers to his initial state of isolation.

The correct answer is Creditable. "Praiseworthy" means deserving praise or approval. "Creditable" also means deserving praise or commendation, especially for being good or important. Therefore, they are synonyms. Options A ("Despicable"), B ("Shameful"), and C ("Ignoble") are all antonyms of "praiseworthy." "Despicable" means deserving hatred and contempt. "Shameful" means deserving disgrace or causing shame. "Ignoble" means not noble in character or quality, dishonorable. These words convey negative connotations, directly opposite to the positive meaning of "praiseworthy."

علامہ اقبال کی مشہور تصنیف بال جبریل میں "انیس کی مجلس شوریٰ" شامل ہے۔ یہ ایک علامتی نظم ہے جس میں اقبال نے مختلف شعراء کے کلام اور ان کے فن پر تبصرہ کیا ہے۔

• بال جبریل (B): یہ علامہ اقبال کا ایک اہم شعری مجموعہ ہے جس میں فلسفہ، تصوف اور سیاسی بیداری کے موضوعات شامل ہیں۔ "انیس کی مجلس شوریٰ" اسی مجموعے کا حصہ ہے۔
• ضرب کلیم (A): یہ اقبال کا ایک اور شعری مجموعہ ہے جو زیادہ تر سیاسی اور انقلابی نوعیت کی نظمیں رکھتا ہے۔ اس میں "انیس کی مجلس شوریٰ" شامل نہیں۔
• پیغام مشرق (C): یہ اقبال کی فارسی تصنیف ہے جو گوئٹے کے "دیوانِ مغربی مشرقی" کے جواب میں لکھی گئی تھی۔ اس کا موضوع مختلف ہے۔
• ارمغان حجاز (D): یہ اقبال کا آخری شعری مجموعہ ہے جس میں اردو اور فارسی دونوں زبانوں کی نظمیں شامل ہیں۔ اس میں بھی مذکورہ نظم نہیں ہے۔

The correct answer is Lord Linlithgow. He served as Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943, making his tenure the longest among all Viceroys, spanning seven crucial years during World War II and significant political developments in India. His long term saw the passage of the Government of India Act 1935 and the Quit India Movement.

• Lord Harding served from 1910-1916.
• Lord Mayo served from 1869-1872.
• Lord Wavell served from 1943-1947.

These other Viceroys had significantly shorter tenures compared to Lord Linlithgow.

In meteorology, a decrease in atmospheric pressure is typically indicative of an approaching low-pressure system. Low-pressure systems are characterized by rising air, which cools as it ascends. This cooling causes water vapor to condense, forming clouds and often leading to precipitation. Therefore, a decrease in atmospheric pressure can cause Rain.

• Intense conditions is too vague; while low pressure can lead to severe weather, rain is a specific outcome.
• Wind is caused by differences in pressure (pressure gradients), not solely by a decrease in pressure.
• Pleasant conditions are generally associated with high-pressure systems, where air descends and prevents cloud formation.

In PowerPoint, the Design tab is used to apply the same design, including themes, colors, fonts, and background styles, to all slides in a presentation. This ensures a consistent visual appearance throughout your slideshow.

• The Transition tab is used to add visual effects that occur when moving from one slide to the next.
• The Animation tab is used to add motion effects to individual objects (text, images) on a slide.
• "Template tab" is not a standard tab in PowerPoint; templates are typically accessed through the File menu or applied via the Design tab.

The correct answer is General Douglas Gracey. In October 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah ordered General Gracey, then acting Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, to send troops into Kashmir. Gracey refused to obey this direct command without the approval of the Supreme Commander, Field Marshal Auchinleck, who advised against it to prevent a wider war between India and Pakistan. This refusal was a critical moment in the Kashmir conflict.

• Sardar Patel was an Indian leader and not under Jinnah's command.
• Frank Messervy was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, but Gracey was acting C-in-C at the time of the incident.
• Mountbatten was the Governor-General of India and not subject to Jinnah's military commands.

When a ball is thrown vertically upward, it is constantly decelerating due to the force of gravity acting downwards. As it travels upwards, its speed decreases. At the very peak of its trajectory, just for an instant before it begins to fall back down, its instantaneous vertical velocity is Zero. This is the turning point where its direction of motion reverses.

• Constant velocity would imply no acceleration, which is incorrect under gravity.
• Maximum velocity occurs at the moment it is thrown, not at the highest point.
• Minimum velocity is indeed zero, but 'zero' is the precise value at the highest point.

To effectively move text, images, and objects within a PowerPoint slide, you should use Animation. Animations are visual effects applied to individual elements on a slide, controlling how they appear, emphasize, or exit during a presentation.

• Theme refers to the overall design and aesthetic of the entire presentation, not the movement of individual objects.
• Template is a pre-designed presentation structure that includes themes, layouts, and sometimes content placeholders.
• Transition refers to the visual effect that occurs when moving from one slide to the next, affecting the entire slide, not individual objects within it.

The correct answer is All of these. In political science and constitutional law, the term 'State' refers to the entire apparatus of governance within a defined territory. This comprehensively includes the central or Federal Government, which handles national affairs; the Provincial Government (or state government in other federations), which manages regional matters; and the Parliament, which is the legislative body responsible for making laws. Therefore, the State encompasses all these components working together to govern the nation.

A generator is a device that converts one form of energy into electrical energy based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Specifically, a generator requires an input of Mechanical energy to rotate coils of wire within a magnetic field. This rotation induces an electric current, thereby transforming the mechanical motion into electrical power.

• Heat energy is often an intermediate step (e.g., burning fuel to create steam to turn a turbine), but the generator itself performs the mechanical-to-electrical conversion.
• Chemical energy is converted into electrical energy in batteries.
• Solar energy is converted by photovoltaic cells (solar panels) directly into electrical energy, or indirectly via thermal processes that still drive a mechanical turbine.