PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The Kargil War, fought in 1999, was a significant armed conflict between India and Pakistan. During this intense period, several Pakistani soldiers displayed extraordinary courage and made the ultimate sacrifice, earning the highest military award, Nishan-e-Haider.

The correct answer is Both A & B. Both Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed and Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) during the Kargil War and were posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider for their exceptional bravery. Captain Karnal Sher Khan valiantly defended his post against multiple Indian attacks, while Havaldar Lalak Jan fought bravely, repelling enemy assaults despite being severely wounded.

Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed was a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where he also received Nishan-e-Haider, but he was not martyred during the Kargil War. Therefore, selecting only A or B would be incomplete, as both individuals mentioned in options A and B were indeed martyred during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

The first Muslim American to serve as a federal judge in U.S. history is Judge Zahid Quraishi. He was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021 and confirmed by the Senate, making a significant milestone in American judicial history. Judge Quraishi is of Pakistani origin, having been born in New York to immigrant parents from Pakistan. His appointment reflects the increasing diversity within the American judiciary.

• While individuals of Indian origin and Bangladeshi origin have made immense contributions to American society and various fields, the specific individual who holds the distinction of being the first Muslim Federal Judge is of Pakistani descent.
• Therefore, "None of these" is incorrect as a specific origin applies.

Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed is a revered national hero of Pakistan, recognized for his unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. He was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan's highest military gallantry award, for his actions during a critical period in the nation's history.

The correct answer is 1965. Major Aziz Bhatti embraced martyrdom on September 10, 1965, during the Indo-Pakistani War. He was commanding a company in the Burki sector on the Lahore front and chose to remain in an exposed forward observation post for five consecutive days under continuous enemy fire. His steadfastness and courage in directing artillery fire against the advancing Indian forces were instrumental in holding the line, ultimately leading to his martyrdom by an enemy tank shell.

The other options are incorrect: 1971 refers to another major Indo-Pakistani War, but Major Aziz Bhatti was not martyred then. 1948 was the year of the First Kashmir War, which occurred much earlier. 1999 refers to the Kargil War, which took place decades after Major Bhatti's sacrifice.

The Delhi Proposals were a significant set of demands put forth by Muslim leaders in British India in March 1927. These proposals outlined conditions under which Muslims would be willing to give up their demand for separate electorates, a contentious issue in Indian politics. Key demands included one-third representation for Muslims in the central legislature, the creation of new Muslim-majority provinces, and separation of Sindh from Bombay.

• 1919 saw the implementation of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms.
• 1924 was a period of political consolidation and communal tensions.
• 1930 is notable for Mahatma Gandhi's Salt March and the first Round Table Conference.

These dates correspond to other important events in India's struggle for independence.

The pamphlet "Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever?" holds immense historical significance in the context of the Pakistan Movement. It was a pivotal document that articulated the demand for a separate Muslim homeland in British India and introduced the name "Pakistan."

The correct answer is Chaudhry Rehmat Ali. He was a Pakistani Muslim nationalist who published this influential pamphlet on January 28, 1933, from Cambridge, England. In this document, Rehmat Ali coined the acronym "Pakistan" by combining letters from the names of the Muslim-majority regions of Punjab, Afghan (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan.

The other options are incorrect: Allama Iqbal was a visionary poet and philosopher who conceptualized the idea of a separate Muslim state but did not author this specific pamphlet. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan and its first Governor-General, but he was not the writer of "Now or Never." Liaqat Ali Khan was Pakistan's first Prime Minister, but he also did not write this pamphlet.

Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan, Pakistan, in March 2016. Pakistan claimed that Jadhav was an Indian spy involved in subversive activities and terrorism within its borders, particularly in Balochistan and Karachi. India, however, maintains that Jadhav was a retired naval officer abducted from Iran, where he was engaged in legitimate business, and that he was not involved in espionage. The case has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan, even reaching the International Court of Justice.

• KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Punjab, and Sindh are other provinces of Pakistan, but the specific location of his alleged arrest, as claimed by Pakistani authorities, was Balochistan.

The question asks about the constitutional article that designates the President as the Head of State. In a parliamentary republic like Pakistan, the President holds a largely ceremonial role as the Head of State, symbolizing the unity and integrity of the country, while the Prime Minister acts as the Head of Government.

Article 41 of the Constitution of Pakistan explicitly states that there shall be a President of Pakistan who shall be the Head of State. This article outlines the qualifications, election process, and fundamental role of the President within the constitutional framework, making it the correct answer.

• Article 90 pertains to the exercise of the Federal Government's executive authority, which is primarily vested in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, not the President as Head of State.
• Article 370 is an article from the Constitution of India, specifically related to the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and is entirely irrelevant to the Constitution of Pakistan.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect, as Article 41 precisely addresses the question.

The year 1958 marked a significant turning point in Pakistan's political history with the imposition of its first martial law. Ayub Khan, who was then serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, was appointed as the Chief Martial Law Administrator. This appointment was initially made by President Iskander Mirza, who abrogated the 1956 Constitution and dissolved the assemblies. However, Ayub Khan soon consolidated power, overthrowing Mirza himself within weeks and assuming the presidency, thereby initiating a long period of military rule in the country.

The other options are incorrect because they relate to different periods or roles. Ghulam Ishaq Khan served as President of Pakistan much later, from 1988 to 1993, and was not involved in the 1958 events. Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is a prominent politician who served as Chief Minister of Punjab decades later, not a military figure from that era. General Zia-ul-Haq was another military dictator, but he imposed martial law in 1977, nearly two decades after Ayub Khan's takeover.

The Nehru Report was a significant document in the history of India's struggle for independence, outlining a proposed new dominion status constitution for India. It was drafted by a committee headed by Motilal Nehru in response to the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, the Secretary of State for India, who challenged Indians to draft their own constitution.

The Nehru Report was published in August 1928. It advocated for dominion status, universal adult suffrage, a secular state, and fundamental rights, among other provisions. Its publication marked a crucial step in the Indian nationalist movement, demonstrating India's capacity to frame its own constitutional proposals.

• 1927 was the year the Simon Commission was appointed, which subsequently led to the Indian political parties' decision to draft their own constitution, culminating in the Nehru Report.
• 1929 saw the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, where the demand for 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) was declared, moving beyond the dominion status proposed by the Nehru Report.
• 1930 marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Dandi March, major events following the rejection of the Nehru Report's proposals by the British.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states. Its establishment was a direct response to the arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in August 1969, which deeply outraged the Muslim world. Following this incident, leaders of Islamic nations convened a historic summit in Rabat, Morocco, from September 22-25, 1969. This summit led to the formal establishment of the OIC, with the primary aim of fostering Islamic solidarity and cooperation among member states.

Therefore, September 1969 is the correct answer. The other options, May 1970, May 1971, and September 1972, are incorrect. While the OIC held subsequent meetings and adopted its charter in later years, the foundational act of its establishment occurred in September 1969. These later dates might correspond to other significant events in the OIC's early history, but not its initial formation.

Five-year plans are comprehensive national economic programs that set targets and strategies for economic growth and development over a five-year period. These plans were a key feature of economic planning in many developing countries, including Pakistan, aiming to guide resource allocation and policy decisions.

The Eighth Five-Year Plan in Pakistan spanned the period from 1993 to 1998. This plan focused on accelerating economic growth, promoting social sector development, and implementing structural reforms, including privatization and liberalization, to foster a more market-oriented economy. It aimed to consolidate the gains from previous plans while addressing new challenges.

• 1988-1993 corresponds to the Seventh Five-Year Plan, which preceded the Eighth Plan.
• 1998-2003 represents the Ninth Five-Year Plan, which followed the Eighth Plan.
• 2003-2008 refers to the Tenth Five-Year Plan, continuing the sequence of national development strategies.

Understanding the chronological order of these plans is essential for grasping the evolution of economic policy in Pakistan.

The Delhi Sultanate was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled over large parts of the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries, from 1206 to 1526 AD. It comprised five successive dynasties. The very first of these was the Mamluk Dynasty, also famously known as the Slave Dynasty. It was founded in 1206 AD by Qutb al-Din Aibak, a former Mamluk (slave soldier) of Muhammad Ghori, after Ghori's assassination. Aibak established his capital at Delhi and laid the groundwork for the Sultanate.

The other options represent subsequent dynasties of the Delhi Sultanate. The Khilji Dynasty succeeded the Mamluks in 1290 AD, known for its expansionist policies. The Tughlaq Dynasty followed the Khiljis in 1320 AD, marking a period of significant administrative changes. Finally, the Lodi Dynasty was the fifth and last dynasty, ruling from 1451 AD until its defeat by Babur in 1526 AD, which led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire. Thus, the Mamluk Dynasty holds the distinction of being the first.

Satpara Lake is a renowned natural lake in Pakistan, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and the surrounding mountainous landscape. It is a significant geographical feature, not only for its beauty but also for its role in local water resources and power generation through the Satpara Dam.

The famous Satpara Lake is located in the Skardu Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an altitude of about 2,636 meters (8,650 feet) above sea level, it is fed by the melting waters of the Deosai Plains. The lake's outflow forms the Satpara Stream, which is a tributary of the Indus River. The Satpara Dam, built on this lake, provides hydroelectric power and irrigation water to the region.

• AJK (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) is a separate administrative territory with its own beautiful lakes, but Satpara is not among them.
• KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is a province known for its diverse geography and several lakes, but Satpara Lake is not situated within its boundaries.
• Punjab, a largely plains region, has some lakes but does not host the high-altitude Satpara Lake.

The question, likely containing a typo, asks about the maximum number of players (interpreted from "prayers") each team shall have in court during a Basketball game. Basketball is a team sport played by two teams, with specific rules governing the number of players on the court at any given time.

The correct answer is A: 5. According to the official rules of basketball, each team is allowed to have a maximum of five players on the court simultaneously during a game. This is a fundamental rule that defines the game's structure, strategy, and flow. Having more or fewer players on the court than allowed results in a penalty.

• B: 6, C: 7, and D: 8 are incorrect. While teams have larger rosters with substitutes, only five players from each team can be on the court at any one time. Six players are common in sports like volleyball, but not basketball.

Pakistan gained independence in August 1947, and its journey in international sports began almost immediately. The first Olympic Games after its independence were the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London. Pakistan made its Olympic debut at these games, sending a contingent of athletes to represent the newly formed nation. Among the teams that participated, the Pakistan hockey team was notably present, marking its first appearance on the global Olympic stage.

Therefore, 1948 is the correct answer. The other years mentioned represent significant milestones for Pakistan in Olympic hockey, but not their debut. In 1956, Pakistan won its first Olympic medal, a silver in hockey, at the Melbourne Games. In 1960, Pakistan achieved its first Olympic gold medal, triumphing in hockey at the Rome Olympics. By 1964, Pakistan secured another silver medal in hockey at the Tokyo Games. These were all subsequent participations, not the initial one.

Glaciers are massive, slow-moving bodies of ice formed from compacted snow, playing a crucial role in the Earth's climate system and water cycle. The Karakoram mountain range, where the Chogo Lungma Glacier is found, is home to some of the world's largest glaciers outside the polar regions.

The Chogo Lungma Glacier is a significant glacier located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically within the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This region is renowned for its vast glacial systems, which are vital sources of freshwater for the Indus River and its tributaries. The glacier is part of a complex network of ice and mountains that define the high-altitude geography of northern Pakistan.

• Tajikistan is a Central Asian country known for its own extensive glaciers, particularly in the Pamir Mountains, but Chogo Lungma is not found there.
• Afghanistan also has glaciers, primarily in the Hindu Kush mountain range, but Chogo Lungma is not located within its borders.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect, as Pakistan is the correct geographical location for the Chogo Lungma Glacier.

The question asks about the discovery of the sea route to India, a pivotal moment in global history that reshaped trade and exploration. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, is correctly credited with this monumental achievement. In 1498, he successfully navigated around the southern tip of Africa, the Cape of Good Hope, and reached Calicut, India. This established a direct maritime trade route between Europe and Asia, bypassing the traditional overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire and Venetian merchants.

• Hopkins is not a recognized figure in the history of major European explorations to India.
• Columbus (Christopher Columbus) famously sailed west in 1492, believing he could reach Asia, but instead landed in the Americas, never reaching India.
• Magellan (Ferdinand Magellan) led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth, sailing west across the Pacific, but he did not discover the sea route to India.

The Hockey World Cup is the premier international field hockey competition, organized by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The inaugural Men's Hockey World Cup tournament was held in 1971. This historic event took place in Barcelona, Spain, bringing together the best hockey nations from around the globe to compete for the coveted title. It was a landmark moment for the sport, establishing a new pinnacle of international competition.

Pakistan emerged as the champion of this very first Hockey World Cup in 1971, defeating the host nation Spain in a thrilling final match. This victory cemented Pakistan's status as a dominant force in international hockey during that era. The other options are incorrect because they did not win the inaugural tournament. India won its first World Cup in 1975. The Netherlands won their first World Cup in 1973. Australia, while a strong hockey nation, won its first World Cup much later in 1986. Thus, Pakistan holds the distinction of being the first-ever Hockey World Cup winner.

The question asks for the specific designation of the Lahore-Abdul Hakeem motorway within Pakistan's national network. Motorways in Pakistan are identified by an 'M' followed by a number, each corresponding to a unique route.

The correct answer is B: M3. The M3 motorway is indeed the route that connects Lahore to Abdul Hakeem. This motorway is a vital artery in Punjab, facilitating efficient travel and trade between these significant cities and contributing to the overall connectivity of the region.

• A: M2 is incorrect because the M2 motorway connects Lahore to Islamabad, a different and much longer route.
• C: M4 is incorrect as the M4 motorway connects Pindi Bhattian to Multan, serving a different corridor.
• D: M5 is incorrect because the M5 motorway links Multan to Sukkur, extending further south in the country.

Each motorway designation is unique to its specific geographical path, making M3 the accurate identification for the Lahore-Abdul Hakeem section.

The 'Age of Imperialism' refers to a period of aggressive expansion and formal colonization by European powers, and later the United States and Japan, into vast territories in Africa and Asia. This era began in earnest in the Nineteenth Century. Specifically, the latter half of the 19th century, often termed the 'New Imperialism' (roughly from the 1870s to the early 20th century), saw an unprecedented 'Scramble for Africa' and intensified control over Asian territories, driven by industrialization, the search for raw materials, and new markets.

• The Seventeenth Century saw earlier forms of colonialism, primarily in the Americas, but not the intense, widespread formal imperialism of the later period.
• The Eighteenth Century continued these colonial patterns, but the peak of aggressive, formal imperial expansion was yet to come.
• While imperialism continued into the early Twentieth Century, its *beginning in earnest* was firmly rooted in the preceding century, with decolonization largely occurring post-World War II.

The 1973 Constitution of Pakistan is a foundational document that outlines the country's governance structure. Initially, it reserved 10 seats for women in the National Assembly for a period of 10 years to ensure their representation. However, significant amendments over time, particularly the Legal Framework Order (LFO) of 2002, dramatically increased this number. The LFO 2002, introduced by General Pervez Musharraf, aimed to enhance women's political participation by reserving 60 seats for women in the National Assembly. This was a substantial increase, reflecting a commitment to greater gender inclusivity in the legislative process.

The options 20 and 50 are incorrect as they do not correspond to the actual number of reserved seats for women in the National Assembly under the 1973 Constitution, even with its major amendments. Therefore, None of these is also incorrect because 60 is the precise number established through constitutional amendments.

The question categorizes cotton based on its economic purpose in Pakistan. Crops are generally classified into different types depending on their primary use, such as food, fiber, or industrial raw material.

The correct answer is B: Cash. Cotton is fundamentally a cash crop in Pakistan. A cash crop is cultivated primarily for sale in the market to generate profit, rather than for direct consumption by the grower. Pakistan is one of the world's leading cotton producers, and its cultivation is a cornerstone of the country's agricultural economy, providing raw material for the textile industry and significant export revenue.

• A: Food is incorrect because cotton is not grown for human or animal consumption; its primary product is fiber.
• C: Synthetic is incorrect as synthetic materials are man-made (e.g., nylon, polyester) and not naturally grown crops. Cotton is a natural fiber.
• D: Compound is incorrect because 'compound' refers to a substance formed from two or more elements and is not a classification for crops in this context.

Therefore, cotton's role as a major revenue-generating agricultural product firmly places it in the 'cash crop' category.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic and recognizable royal residences globally. It is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in Westminster, London, it serves as a focal point for national celebrations and crises, and is a major tourist attraction. The palace is a powerful symbol of the British monarchy and its rich history, having been the official residence of the UK's sovereigns since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837.

• France is a republic and does not have a reigning royal family; its historical royal residence was the Palace of Versailles.
• Germany is also a republic and does not have a royal family or a royal residence akin to Buckingham Palace.
• Therefore, 'None of these' is incorrect, as the United Kingdom is the correct answer.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and significant legislative powers. This provision was a cornerstone of the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Union since 1949. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a landmark decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019. This move effectively revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status, integrating it more fully into India and reorganizing the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The options August 2016 and September 2020 are incorrect. While there have been various political developments and discussions surrounding Jammu and Kashmir at different times, the specific act of eliminating Article 370 occurred in August 2019. Therefore, None of these is also an incorrect choice as the correct date is provided.

Ernest Hemingway was a highly influential and celebrated figure in 20th-century literature and journalism. He belongs to America, having been born in Oak Park, Illinois, United States. Hemingway is renowned for his distinctive minimalist prose style and his works, which often explored themes of war, love, loss, and masculinity. He was a prominent member of the 'Lost Generation' and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for his mastery of the art of narrative.

• Colombia is known for authors like Gabriel García Márquez, not Hemingway.
• While Hemingway spent significant time in Europe, he was not from England; he was an American expatriate.
• Hemingway lived in Cuba for many years and drew inspiration from the country, but he was not Cuban by nationality.