PMS 2025 S&GAD PAPER PPSC PAST PAPERS

The Surah recited at the conquest of Makkah is Surah Al-Fath (The Victory). This Surah was revealed after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which, despite initial appearances, was a strategic victory that paved the way for the eventual peaceful conquest of Makkah. It speaks of the clear victory granted to the Prophet (PBUH) and the believers, and the forgiveness of sins.

• Surah Al-Fatiha is the opening chapter of the Quran, recited in every prayer, and not specifically tied to the conquest.
• Surah Al-Nasr speaks of the coming of Allah's help and victory, and people entering Islam in crowds, often associated with the final stages of the Prophet's mission and his impending death, but Al-Fath is more directly linked to the conquest itself.
• Surah Al-Ikhlas is a short, powerful Surah emphasizing the oneness of Allah.

The First Muslim Economic Conference was held in 1949 during the tenure of Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan. This conference was a pivotal event aimed at formulating economic policies and fostering economic cooperation among Muslim nations in the early years of Pakistan's independence. It laid foundational groundwork for future economic strategies. Option A (1950) is incorrect as the first conference occurred earlier. Option C (1948) is too early, as the country was still grappling with immediate post-partition challenges. Therefore, 1949 is the precise and correct year for this significant event.

The question asks for the province where the Thal Desert is located. Punjab is the correct answer. The Thal Desert is a large, arid region situated in the Punjab province of Pakistan, specifically between the Indus and Jhelum rivers. It is known for its unique sandy landscape and agricultural challenges.

• Sindh province is home to the Thar Desert, which is distinct from the Thal Desert.
• KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is a mountainous province in the northwest of Pakistan and does not contain the Thal Desert.
• Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, has its own desert regions, such as the Kharan Desert, but not the Thal Desert.

Accurate knowledge of Pakistan's provincial geography is crucial.

The correct answer is Boils. This question tests knowledge of common English proverbs. The proverb "A watched pot never boils" means that time seems to pass more slowly when one is waiting impatiently for something to happen. The verb "boils" refers to the specific action of water reaching its boiling point, which is the core concept of the proverb.

• A: Cooked is in the past tense and does not fit the present tense, continuous nature implied by the proverb's meaning.
• B: Steams is an action related to boiling water but is not the specific verb used in this well-known idiom. The proverb focuses on the act of reaching the boiling point.
• D: None of these is incorrect because "Boils" is the correct and universally accepted word in this proverb.

The correct answer is 279 AH. Imam Tirmizi, full name Abu Isa Muhammad ibn Isa at-Tirmizi, was a renowned Persian Islamic scholar and collector of hadith. He is best known for his compilation of hadith known as Jami' at-Tirmizi, which is one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam. He passed away in the year 279 AH (corresponding to 892 AD) in Tirmidh, located in present-day Uzbekistan. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the historically accurate year of his demise.

Asif Ali Zardari was the President of Pakistan when the landmark 18th Constitutional Amendment was passed in 2010. This amendment was a significant legislative achievement, restoring the 1973 Constitution to its original parliamentary form, curtailing presidential powers, and removing the president's authority to unilaterally dissolve parliament. Option A (Mamnoon Hussain) became President much later (2013-2018). Option B (Pervez Musharraf) was President before Zardari, resigning in 2008. Option D (Arif Alvi) became President even later (2018-present). Thus, Asif Ali Zardari was the head of state during this crucial constitutional reform.

The question asks about the instrument used to measure earthquakes, which falls under the foundational concept of seismology. The correct answer is Seismograph.

• A Seismograph is an instrument that detects and records seismic waves generated by earthquakes, providing data on their magnitude and location.
• Barometer (Option A) is used to measure atmospheric pressure, not seismic activity.
• Hygrometer (Option C) is used to measure humidity in the atmosphere.
• Therefore, options A and C are incorrect as they measure different environmental parameters.

The correct answer is Stops.

• Why 'Stops' is correct: In English grammar, when a sentence contains a future tense in the main clause (e.g., "We will go out") and a time clause introduced by conjunctions like "when," "as soon as," or "until," the verb in the time clause is typically in the simple present tense, even though it refers to a future action. This is a common rule for future time clauses.

• Why other options are incorrect:

  • 'Would Stop' is generally used for hypothetical situations or past habits, not for future time clauses of this type.
  • 'Stopped' is the past tense and does not fit the future context established by "We will go out."
  • 'Stopping' is a present participle and would require an auxiliary verb (e.g., "is stopping") to form a continuous tense, but even then, "when it is stopping raining" is grammatically awkward and incorrect in this specific construction.

The correct answer is Operation Gibraltar. This operation was launched by Pakistan in August 1965, involving the infiltration of Pakistani irregulars into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The aim was to incite a local rebellion against Indian rule, which Pakistan hoped would lead to the region's liberation. However, the operation failed to achieve its objectives and escalated into the full-scale Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

• Operation Barbarossa was Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II, completely unrelated to Pakistan or Kashmir.
• Operation Azad and Operation Kashmir are not recognized codenames for Pakistan's 1965 military action in Kashmir.

This question pertains to the historical contributions of Muslim scientists to medicine. The correct answer is Ibn al-Nafis.

• Ibn al-Nafis (Option B) was a 13th-century Arab physician who is widely credited with being the first to accurately describe the pulmonary circulation of blood and for his early understanding of the contagious nature of diseases.
• Ibn Sina (Option A), also known as Avicenna, was a Persian polymath whose 'Canon of Medicine' was a standard medical text for centuries, but he did not discover pulmonary circulation or the contagious nature of diseases in the same detailed manner as Ibn al-Nafis.
• Al-Razi (Option C), or Rhazes, was a Persian physician who made significant contributions to medicine, including distinguishing smallpox from measles, but not the specific discoveries mentioned.

The correct answer is Semicolon.

• Why 'Semicolon' is correct: A semicolon (;) is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning but could stand alone as separate sentences. It indicates a stronger pause than a comma but a weaker pause than a period, suggesting a close relationship between the ideas without using a coordinating conjunction.

• Why other options are incorrect:

  • 'Hyphen' (-) is used to join words or parts of words (e.g., well-known, sister-in-law), not to connect independent sentences.
  • 'Comma' (,) is used for various purposes like separating items in a list, introducing clauses, or joining independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or), but it cannot join two independent clauses on its own without creating a comma splice.
  • 'Colon' (:) is used to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quotation, or to emphasize a point, but not to simply connect two grammatically independent sentences in the way a semicolon does.

Amanat Ali Khan, a legendary Pakistani classical singer, belonged to the Patiala Gharana. This gharana, originating from Patiala, Punjab, is renowned for its distinctive style of Khayal singing, characterized by intricate taans, powerful voice projection, and a focus on rhythmic playfulness.

• The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest Khayal gharanas, known for its systematic and elaborate alaap.
• The Kirana Gharana emphasizes individual notes, emotional expression, and a slow, meditative development of the raga.
• Amanat Ali Khan's musical lineage and performance style are firmly rooted in the traditions and characteristics of the Patiala Gharana, making 'None of these' incorrect.

The Panama Canal is a crucial waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, significantly reducing travel time for ships. While vital, it handles approximately 5% of global shipping trade. This figure, though seemingly small, represents a massive volume of goods and raw materials, highlighting its strategic importance for international commerce.

• A: 5% is the correct answer, reflecting the canal's significant but not overwhelming share of global maritime traffic.
• B: 15% is too high; the canal's capacity, while substantial, does not reach this percentage of worldwide trade.
• C: 20% is also an overestimation of the canal's contribution to global shipping.
• D: 25% is a significant overstatement, as no single canal accounts for such a large proportion of global trade.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) officially commenced its operations on July 1, 1948. This was a pivotal moment for the newly independent nation of Pakistan, as it established its own central bank to manage its monetary policy, issue currency, and regulate the financial system, thereby asserting its economic sovereignty.

• 1947 was the year of Pakistan's independence, but the SBP was formally established and began operations the following year.
• 1949 and 1950 are incorrect as the State Bank of Pakistan was already fully operational by these years, having been established in 1948.

Jimmy Carter's presidency (1977-1981) was marked by several significant international and domestic challenges. The Iran Hostage Crisis began in November 1979 when American diplomats and citizens were taken hostage in Tehran, lasting 444 days and profoundly impacting U.S. foreign policy. The Global Oil Crisis, particularly the 1979 energy crisis, saw rising oil prices and gasoline shortages, contributing to economic instability. Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, the U.S. under Carter initiated support to Pakistan to aid Afghan mujahideen, a policy that intensified later. Therefore, all listed events occurred during his term.

• A: Iran Hostage Crisis is correct, a defining event of his presidency.
• B: Global Oil Crisis (specifically the 1979 crisis) is also correct, impacting the U.S. economy.
• C: U.S. support to Pakistan after Soviet invasion of Afghanistan is correct, a key foreign policy response.
• D: All of these is the accurate answer as all three events transpired during Jimmy Carter's time in office.

The correct answer is KPK. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) provincial assembly approved the establishment of 10 economic zones to boost industrialization, create employment opportunities, and foster economic growth within the province. This initiative is a key part of KPK's strategy to attract investment and develop its industrial base. While other provinces like Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan also pursue economic development, the specific approval of 10 Eco zones as a distinct initiative was undertaken by the KPK assembly, making options A, B, and D incorrect in this context.

Donald Trump's administration expressed concerns regarding China's increasing economic and strategic presence globally, including its growing influence in regions vital to U.S. interests. The Panama Canal, a critical maritime chokepoint, became a point of contention due to perceived Chinese encroachment through investments and control over port facilities. Trump's threat was rooted in the geopolitical competition with China, aiming to safeguard U.S. strategic and economic interests in the Western Hemisphere.

• A: Growing risk of Chinese influence is the correct reason. Concerns about China's expanding role in the canal's operations and surrounding infrastructure were a key driver for Trump's statements.
• B: Trade dispute, while a significant issue with China, was not the direct stated reason for threatening canal control.
• C: Venezuelan political crisis, though a regional concern, was unrelated to the specific threat regarding the Panama Canal's control.
• D: Environmental concerns were not cited as the basis for such a geopolitical threat.

The correct answer is KPK. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) through the 25th Constitutional Amendment in May 2018. This historic merger aimed to bring FATA into the mainstream political and administrative system of Pakistan, extending provincial laws and governance structures to the region. Options A (Punjab), B (Sindh), and D (Balochistan) are incorrect as FATA's merger was specifically with KPK, not any other province.

The correct answer is Sindh. The province of Sindh is historically known as 'Bab-ul-Islam' (Gateway of Islam) because it was the first region in the Indian subcontinent to experience the arrival and significant spread of Islam. This occurred with the conquest by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Islam's expansion into South Asia. While Punjab, KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Balochistan are also provinces of Pakistan with rich Islamic heritage, they were not the initial gateway in the same foundational historical context as Sindh.

The correct answer is 12.5 Acres. According to the Land Reforms of 1959, which were introduced by General Ayub Khan's government, the minimum agricultural landholding liable to taxation was set at 12.5 acres. These reforms aimed to redistribute land, reduce the power of large landowners, and improve agricultural productivity. Landholdings below this threshold were generally exempt from certain taxes or subject to different regulations. Therefore, options B (25 Acres), C (50 Acres), and D (30 Acres) are incorrect as they do not represent the specified minimum.

The correct answer is Trade Barrier. A tax on imports, commonly known as a tariff, is a classic example of a trade barrier. Trade barriers are government-imposed restrictions on the free exchange of goods or services between countries. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods, making them less competitive compared to domestically produced goods, thereby protecting local industries.

• Collateral refers to assets pledged as security for a loan.
• Foreign Trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries.
• Terms of trade refer to the ratio of a country's export prices to its import prices.

None of these accurately describe a tax on imports.

The correct answer is All of these. The framework for cybercrime control in Pakistan evolved through several legislative instruments. The Electronic Transactions Ordinance (ETO) 2002 was an initial step, providing legal recognition to electronic transactions. This was followed by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance (PECO) 2007, which specifically addressed various forms of cybercrime. Finally, the comprehensive Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 superseded previous laws, establishing a robust legal framework to combat cybercrime. Thus, all these acts contributed to the introduction and evolution of cybercrime control in Pakistan.

The correct answer is 30th April. April 30th is recognized and celebrated as the International Day to End Corporal Punishment of Children. This day aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of corporal punishment and advocate for its abolition worldwide, promoting positive and non-violent forms of discipline. Corporal punishment involves physical force used to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light, in the name of punishment. Options A (9th May), B (8th March - International Women's Day), and C (01 May - International Workers' Day) are incorrect as they commemorate different global observances.

The correct answer is 2009–14. Justice Qazi Faez Isa served as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court from August 5, 2009, until September 5, 2014. During his tenure, he played a significant role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the province. He was subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Therefore, options A (2006–14), C (2014–17), and D (None of these) are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the period of his service as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal, a magnificent ivory-white marble mausoleum, is located in the city of Agra, which is situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi are neighboring states or territories, but Agra and the Taj Mahal are specifically within Uttar Pradesh.