PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. She received the prestigious award jointly with Kailash Satyarthi for her struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. She became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate at the age of 17.

• 2012 was the year she was shot by the Taliban, not when she received the prize.
• 2016 and 2018 are incorrect years for her Nobel Peace Prize award.

The question pertains to the foundational leadership of Pakistan following its independence and the adoption of its first constitution.

• Iskandar Mirza is the correct answer. He became the first President of Pakistan on March 23, 1956, when the country transitioned from a dominion to an Islamic Republic under its newly promulgated constitution.
• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto served as President much later, from 1971 to 1973, before becoming Prime Minister.
• Ayub Khan was the second President, coming to power after imposing martial law in 1958 and ousting Mirza.
• Liaquat Ali Khan was Pakistan's first Prime Minister, assassinated in 1951, and never held the presidential office.

This highlights the critical shift in Pakistan's governance structure in the mid-1950s.

Port Qasim, Pakistan's second-largest port, was established in 1973. This year marks a significant development in Pakistan's maritime infrastructure, aimed at easing congestion at Karachi Port and boosting trade capabilities. The port was named after Muhammad bin Qasim, an Arab general who conquered Sindh. Options like 1947, 1962, and 1980 are incorrect. 1947 was the year of Pakistan's independence, 1962 saw the promulgation of a new constitution, and 1980 is too late for its establishment. The 1973 establishment was crucial for Pakistan's economic growth and international trade.

This question focuses on a significant and tragic event in Pakistan's recent political history, involving a prominent leader.

• Benazir Bhutto is the correct answer. The former Prime Minister of Pakistan was assassinated on December 27, 2007, after a political rally in Rawalpindi, an event that sent shockwaves across the nation and the world.
• Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's first Prime Minister, was assassinated much earlier, in 1951.
• Murtaza Bhutto, Benazir's brother, was assassinated in 1996.
• Samiul Haq, a prominent religious scholar and politician, was assassinated in 2018.

The assassination of Benazir Bhutto remains a pivotal moment in Pakistan's democratic journey.

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were formally established on May 21, 1951. This date is foundational to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations, which has since grown into an "all-weather" relationship. Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. Options such as May 1, 1950, August 14, 1952, and July 5, 1951, are incorrect. While discussions and informal contacts might have occurred earlier or later, May 21, 1951, is the official date marking the commencement of formal diplomatic ties, setting the stage for extensive cooperation in various fields.

The question addresses a key constitutional reform introduced during the British colonial period in the Indian subcontinent.

• British Government is the correct answer. Dyarchy, a system of double government, was introduced by the British Government in India through the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, which culminated in the Government of India Act 1919. This system divided provincial subjects into 'reserved' (controlled by the Governor) and 'transferred' (controlled by Indian ministers).
• Congress was a major political party advocating for self-rule, not the authority that introduced constitutional reforms.
• Kings and the Maratha Empire are irrelevant in the context of 20th-century British colonial administration and constitutional changes.

Dyarchy represented an early, albeit limited, attempt at devolving power to Indian representatives.

Special courts in Pakistan were established through the 12th Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment, passed in 1991, was introduced to address specific legal challenges, particularly related to terrorism and other serious crimes, by creating a parallel judicial system for speedy trials. The aim was to ensure swift justice in cases where the regular judicial process was perceived as slow or ineffective. The 11th, 10th, and 15th amendments dealt with different constitutional matters, such as the powers of the President or electoral reforms, and were not responsible for the establishment of special courts. The 12th Amendment specifically empowered the government to set up these specialized tribunals.

The Constitution of Pakistan 1962 remained in effect for approximately 7 years. Promulgated by President Ayub Khan on June 8, 1962, it introduced a presidential system of government. This constitution was eventually abrogated on March 25, 1969, when General Yahya Khan imposed martial law, effectively ending Ayub Khan's rule and dissolving the assemblies. Therefore, it was in force from 1962 to 1969. Options like 4, 5, or 6 years are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the full duration of its operation. Its abrogation paved the way for the eventual framing of the 1973 Constitution.

The Third Battle of Panipat, a pivotal event in Indian history, was fought in 1761 between the Maratha Empire and the invading Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Durrani. The battle resulted in a devastating defeat for the Marathas, significantly weakening their power and paving the way for the eventual rise of the British East India Company. It was a clash for supremacy over the Indian subcontinent.

• Options like Mughal Empire & Marathas, Marathas & Sikhs, or Mughals & Rajputs represent other historical conflicts, but the Third Battle of Panipat specifically involved the Marathas and the Afghan invaders.

This question assesses knowledge of recent historical events, particularly concerning the Kashmir conflict. Burhan Wani, a prominent commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, was killed by Indian security forces on July 8, 2016. His death triggered significant unrest and protests across the Kashmir Valley, marking a critical point in the region's recent history. Therefore, 2016 is the correct year.

• The years 2012, 2014, and 2018 are incorrect as they do not correspond to the widely documented date of Burhan Wani's demise.

Understanding such specific dates is crucial for comprehending the timeline and impact of geopolitical events.