PPSC Past Papers 2026 Solved

The correct answer is C: 555. Jahangir Khan, the legendary Pakistani squash player, holds an extraordinary record for the longest unbeaten streak in the history of professional sports. His incredible run lasted for 555 consecutive matches, spanning an astonishing five and a half years, from 1981 to 1986. This unparalleled achievement is recognized by the Guinness World Records and is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of individual sports, showcasing his absolute dominance during that era.

• Option A: 530 is incorrect. While 530 is a substantial number, it does not accurately represent the length of Jahangir Khan's historic unbeaten streak. His record is definitively documented as higher.

• Option B: 540 is incorrect. Similar to 530, this number is close to the actual record but is not the precise figure. The difference, though seemingly small, is crucial when documenting world records of this magnitude.

• Option D: None is incorrect because the specific number of 555 is the widely recognized and accurate count of his consecutive wins, making this option factually wrong.

The correct answer is Geneva. The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is a vital center for international diplomacy and humanitarian activities, hosting numerous United Nations agencies and other international organizations. The UNHRC, which was established in 2006 to succeed the UN Commission on Human Rights, is tasked with the global promotion and protection of human rights. Its location in Geneva allows for close collaboration with various human rights bodies and diplomatic missions, reinforcing its role on the international stage.

• Option B, New York, is incorrect. While New York City serves as the primary headquarters for the United Nations, including the General Assembly and the Security Council, many specialized agencies and councils, such as the UNHRC, are situated in other key global cities.
• Option C, Paris, is incorrect. Paris is home to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which focuses on education, science, and culture, but it is not the base for the UN Human Rights Council.
• Option D, Rome, is incorrect. Rome hosts several UN organizations primarily dedicated to food and agriculture, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), but the UN Human Rights Council is not located there.

The correct answer is 31 August 2021. The United States officially completed its military withdrawal from Afghanistan on this date, marking the conclusion of a two-decade-long military presence in the country. This withdrawal represented the end of the longest war in U.S. history and occurred amid the rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban. The deadline was a firm commitment set by President Joe Biden, which necessitated extensive evacuation efforts in the weeks leading up to the final departure.

• Option A, 31 July 2021, is incorrect. While the withdrawal process was well underway and accelerating in July, the final departure did not happen until the end of the following month. Significant military personnel and evacuation operations were still active throughout July and into August.
• Option C, 1 September 2021, is incorrect. The withdrawal was definitively completed on August 31st. No U.S. military presence related to the withdrawal extended into September, making this date inaccurate for the completion of the mission.
• Option D, 5 September 2021, is incorrect. As the U.S. military mission concluded on August 31st, any date beyond that for the withdrawal's completion is factually incorrect. The specified deadline was strictly adhered to.

The correct answer is Iraq. The ancient city of Babylon, a historically prominent city of Mesopotamia, is situated in what is now modern-day Iraq. Its renowned ruins are located approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Baghdad, positioned along the Euphrates River. Babylon was the illustrious capital of ancient Babylonia, a powerful empire within Mesopotamia. It is celebrated for its profound historical legacy, which includes the legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the groundbreaking Code of Hammurabi, a foundational legal text.

• Option A, Iran, is incorrect. Iran, historically known as Persia, lies to the east of Mesopotamia. While Iran possesses its own rich ancient history, the city of Babylon was not located within its current geographical borders.
• Option B, Syria, is incorrect. Syria is situated to the west of Iraq and also contains numerous ancient historical sites, such as Palmyra and Ugarit. However, Babylon itself was not located within modern-day Syria.
• Option C, Egypt, is incorrect. Egypt is located in North Africa and the Middle East, a considerable distance southwest of Mesopotamia. Its unique ancient civilization flourished primarily along the Nile River, entirely distinct from the Mesopotamian civilizations where Babylon was a central entity.

The correct answer is Russia & Ukraine. The Donbass (or Donbas) region, a vital industrial and coal-rich area in eastern Ukraine, has been a major point of contention and conflict between Russia and Ukraine since 2014. The dispute intensified following Russia's annexation of Crimea and its subsequent support for pro-Russian separatists in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic, both situated within the Donbass. This protracted conflict served as a critical precursor to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, highlighting the region's geopolitical significance.

• Option A, Russia & USA, is incorrect. While Russia and the United States have significant geopolitical disagreements and the USA supports Ukraine, the Donbass is not a territory directly disputed between these two global powers. The territorial conflict is primarily bilateral between Russia and Ukraine.
• Option B, Turkey & Greece, is incorrect. Turkey and Greece have their own long-standing disputes, particularly concerning maritime boundaries and sovereignty in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. However, the Donbass region is geographically and politically unrelated to their areas of conflict.
• Option D, None of these, is incorrect. The option
  

The correct answer is Egypt. Al-Azhar University, recognized as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, is located in Cairo, Egypt. Founded in 970 AD as a mosque by the Fatimid dynasty, it progressively evolved into a leading global center for Islamic learning, jurisprudence, and Arabic literature. Today, Al-Azhar remains a pivotal institution for Sunni Islamic scholarship and continues to exert significant influence on global Islamic intellectual discourse and education. Its history spans over a millennium, making it a cornerstone of religious and academic life in the Islamic world.

• Option A, Iraq, is incorrect. While Iraq boasts a rich Islamic history and has its own esteemed educational institutions, particularly dating back to the Abbasid era with universities such as Baghdad University, Al-Azhar University is not situated within its borders.
• Option C, Saudi Arabia, is incorrect. Saudi Arabia is home to numerous significant Islamic sites and universities, including Umm Al-Qura University in Mecca and King Saud University in Riyadh. However, Al-Azhar University, a distinct institution, is not located there.
• Option D, Iran, is incorrect. Iran, which is predominantly Shia Muslim, has its own unique religious and academic centers, such as the Qom Seminary, which are central to Shia scholarship. Al-Azhar, being a prominent Sunni institution, is not found within Iran's geographical or religious landscape.

The correct answer is Egypt. Anwar Sadat was an influential political figure and served as the third President of Egypt from 1970 until his assassination in 1981. Sadat is most notably remembered for his pivotal leadership during the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel, and subsequently, for his historic role in signing the Egypt–Israel Peace Treaty in 1978. For his efforts in achieving peace, he was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. His presidency marked a significant and transformative era in Egyptian and broader Middle Eastern history.

• Option A, Iraq, is incorrect. Iraq has its own distinct history of leaders and political figures, such as Saddam Hussein, who held power during a similar period. However, Anwar Sadat was an Egyptian national and leader, not associated with Iraq.
• Option C, Iran, is incorrect. During Sadat's time, Iran was led by the Shah and later experienced the Islamic Revolution, which brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power. Sadat had no political or national affiliation with Iran.
• Option D, Syria, is incorrect. Syria also had its own presidents during this period, most prominently Hafez al-Assad. Sadat's entire political career and presidency were centered within Egypt, making this option incorrect.

The correct answer is Krasnoyarsk. The 2019 Winter Universiade, a major international multi-sport event designed for university athletes from around the globe, was successfully hosted in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The event took place from March 2 to March 12, 2019, marking a significant milestone as it was the first time Russia had hosted the Winter Universiade. Krasnoyarsk, a large and prominent city in Siberia, welcomed thousands of student-athletes from numerous countries, effectively showcasing its modern winter sports facilities and its capability to host large-scale international competitions.

• Option A, Moscow, is incorrect. Moscow, as the capital of Russia, has a rich history of hosting major international sporting events, including the 1980 Summer Olympics. However, it was not the host city for the 2019 Winter Universiade.
• Option B, Kazan, is incorrect. Kazan, another significant Russian city, previously hosted the Summer Universiade in 2013, which sometimes leads to confusion. Despite its experience with the Universiade, Kazan was not the venue for the 2019 winter edition of the games.
• Option D, Vancouver, is incorrect. Vancouver, Canada, is well-known for hosting the successful 2010 Winter Olympics. However, the 2019 Winter Universiade was held in Russia, not in Vancouver.

The correct answer is Berlin. Berlin is not only the official capital of Germany but also its largest city in terms of both geographical area and population. It holds immense historical, cultural, political, and economic significance for the nation. Historically, Berlin has served as the capital for several German states and empires, including Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and Nazi Germany. After being divided during the Cold War, it was reunified and reinstated as the capital of modern Germany, symbolizing unity and progress.

• Option A, Munich, is incorrect. Munich is a major and economically vital city in Germany, recognized as the capital of the state of Bavaria. While it is a significant cultural and economic hub, it does not serve as the national capital of Germany.
• Option B, Frankfurt, is incorrect. Frankfurt am Main is a leading financial center not only within Germany but also across Europe, notably housing the European Central Bank. Despite its considerable economic importance, it is not the capital of the country.
• Option C, Hamburg, is incorrect. Hamburg is a prominent port city situated in northern Germany, renowned for its extensive maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene. It is a major economic center but is not the national capital.