PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The phrase “Many a/an” is a grammatical construction that, despite implying plurality, always takes a singular noun and a singular verb. It emphasizes individual items within a large group.

• Was is the correct option because the subject “Many a man” requires a singular verb. Although it refers to multiple men, the structure treats it as a singular unit for verb agreement.
• Were is incorrect because it is a plural verb, used with plural subjects.
• Had been is incorrect because while it is singular, it implies a past perfect tense, suggesting an action completed before another past action, which is not the simple past tense required here.

The sentence describes a simple past event affecting many individuals.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is a leading independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights in Pakistan. It plays a crucial role in monitoring human rights violations, advocating for policy reforms, and raising public awareness.

• 1986 is the correct answer. The HRCP was established in 1986 by a group of concerned citizens and human rights activists, during a period when civil society organizations were emerging to advocate for democratic values and human rights in the country.
• 1985 is incorrect; the HRCP was not founded in this year.
• 1987 is incorrect; the establishment of the commission predates this year.
• None of these is incorrect as 1986 is the accurate founding year.

The sentence requires a verb that forms the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing action. The structure for the present continuous tense is 'subject + is/am/are + verb-ing'.

• D. Is: This is the correct auxiliary verb to form the present continuous tense ('is cutting') with the singular subject 'The farmer'. It indicates that the action is happening now.
• A. Was: This would form the past continuous tense ('was cutting'), implying the action happened in the past, which doesn't fit the implied present context.
• B. Has: This would typically be used for the present perfect tense ('has cut') or present perfect continuous ('has been cutting'), neither of which fits directly with 'cutting' alone to describe an ongoing action.
• C. Had: This would form the past perfect tense ('had cut') or past perfect continuous ('had been cutting'), indicating an action completed before another past action.

The verb “accuse” typically takes the preposition “of” when referring to the charge or crime someone is blamed for. This is a standard idiomatic usage in English.

• She accused him of stealing her purse is the correct sentence because it uses the appropriate preposition “of” after “accused,” which is grammatically correct for specifying the offense.
• She accuse him with stealing her purse is incorrect because “accuse with” is not the standard prepositional phrase.
• She accused him to stealing her purse is also incorrect as “accuse to” is not used in this context.

Understanding correct preposition usage is crucial for accurate sentence construction.

The term 'Axis of Resistance' describes an informal political and military alliance in the Middle East. This alliance is primarily led by Iran and includes various state and non-state actors, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, various Iraqi Shia militias, and the Houthis in Yemen. Its defining characteristic is a shared opposition to Israel and, to varying degrees, to the United States and its allies.

• Axis of Resistance is the correct answer. This term accurately identifies the coalition of groups and states aligned against Israel and Western influence in the region.
• Jabhat al-Nusra and Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham are both Sunni Islamist militant groups primarily active in the Syrian Civil War, not a broad regional alliance against Israel.
• Axis of Evil was a term coined by former U.S. President George W. Bush to describe countries like Iran, Iraq, and North Korea, but it is not an alliance formed by these countries themselves.

To choose the synonym of ENTICE, we need to understand its meaning. 'Entice' means to attract or tempt someone by offering pleasure or advantage.

• C. Lure: This is the correct synonym. 'Lure' means to tempt (a person or an animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward or attraction. Both words convey the idea of drawing someone in through temptation.
• A. Alert: To 'alert' means to warn someone of a danger, problem, or other important information. This is the opposite of enticing.
• B. Caution: To 'caution' means to warn or advise someone against something. This is also contrary to the meaning of entice.
• D. None of these: This is incorrect because 'Lure' is a direct synonym.

Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi was a highly influential Islamic scholar, reformer, and a prominent figure of the Naqshbandi Sufi order in India. His life and teachings significantly impacted Islamic thought in the subcontinent.

• 1564 AD is the correct birth year for Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi. He was born in Sirhind, Punjab, during the Mughal era.
• The other options, 1532 AD, 1554 AD, and 1581 AD, are incorrect dates for his birth.

Knowing the correct birth year is essential for understanding his historical context and the timeline of his contributions to Islamic scholarship and reform.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal, renowned as the "Poet of the East," was a multifaceted scholar. While primarily celebrated for his profound philosophical poetry, his academic journey began with a different focus. His first book, published in Urdu in 1903, was titled "Ilm-ul-Iqtisad" (The Science of Economics).

• This work established his early academic interest in Economics, making it the correct answer.
• Although Iqbal was a profound philosopher and his later works deeply explored philosophical and political themes, "Ilm-ul-Iqtisad" predates these.
• His contributions to politics and history were significant but came after his initial foray into economics.

Understanding a country's largest export partner is crucial for analyzing its economic dependencies and trade relations. Pakistan's economy relies significantly on its export sector, particularly for foreign exchange earnings and job creation.

• US is the correct answer. The United States has consistently been Pakistan's largest export destination for many years, primarily for textiles and apparel. This strong trade relationship is vital for Pakistan's economy, providing a significant market for its manufactured goods.
• China is a major trade partner for Pakistan, especially for imports and investments (e.g., CPEC), but it is not its largest export destination.
• UAE and UK are also significant trade partners but do not surpass the US in terms of the volume of Pakistani exports.

When changing direct speech with 'Let me' into indirect speech, especially when it expresses a request or suggestion, the structure typically involves 'asked/requested to let' or 'suggested that someone should be allowed to'.

• A. Diana asked me to let she do her work. This is incorrect because 'she' is a subject pronoun; it should be the object pronoun 'her' after 'let'.
• B. Diana ordered me to let him do his work. This is incorrect for two reasons: 'ordered' might be too strong for a simple 'let me', and 'him' is incorrect as the original speaker is Diana (female).
• C. Diana proposed me to let done her work. This is grammatically incorrect. 'Proposed me' is awkward, and 'let done' is not a valid construction; it should be 'let her do'.
• D. None of these: This is the correct option because all the provided alternatives contain grammatical errors or misinterpretations of the original statement. The correct indirect speech would be: 'Diana asked me to let her do her work.'

Hazrat Sauda bint Zam'ah (RA) was one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a revered figure in Islamic history. Her passing occurred during a specific period of early Islamic caliphate.

• Hazrat Umar (RA) is the correct answer. Hazrat Sauda (RA) passed away in the 23rd year of Hijra, which falls within the caliphate of Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
• Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) is incorrect as her death occurred after his caliphate.
• Hazrat Usman (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) are incorrect as their caliphates followed that of Hazrat Umar (RA).

This question tests knowledge of the timeline of early Islamic history and the lives of the Prophet's companions.

Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. He was born in Stagira, Chalcidice, in ancient Greece, making Greece the correct answer. His extensive writings on physics, metaphysics, ethics, politics, and more profoundly influenced Western thought for centuries.

• Italy, while home to ancient Roman civilization, was not Aristotle's birthplace.
• Egypt was another significant ancient civilization, but not his country of origin.
• Rome refers to the ancient city and empire, which was distinct from ancient Greece during Aristotle's time.

The question asks which organization Pakistan is not a member of. BRICS is an acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Pakistan is not a member of BRICS, making it the correct answer.

• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) includes Pakistan as a founding member, alongside India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan.
• ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) is a political and economic intergovernmental organization founded by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey.
• OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) is an intergovernmental organization of 57 states, including Pakistan, founded in 1969, aiming to safeguard the interests of the Muslim world.

During the reign of Emperor Akbar, the Mansabdari system was a crucial administrative and military framework. A Mansabdar was a military officer and civil bureaucrat whose rank (mansab) determined their status, salary, and the number of cavalrymen (sawar) they were required to maintain. For a significant class of Mansabdars, it was compulsory to maintain at least 200–400 horsemen, reflecting the military strength expected of them. This range was essential for the effective functioning of the Mughal army and administration.

• Options like 300–400 and 400–700 represent different or less common requirements for various Mansabdar ranks, but 200–400 was a standard compulsory range for many.

The Bretton Woods system was established in 1944 at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Its primary objective was to create a new global International Monetary System to regulate monetary and financial relations among countries after World War II. This system led to the creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), now part of the World Bank Group, aiming to stabilize exchange rates and promote international trade.

• Economic System is too broad; Bretton Woods specifically focused on monetary aspects.
• To promote technology and To create a global military alliance were not objectives of the Bretton Woods system.

Queen Elizabeth I, one of England's most iconic monarchs, belonged to the Tudor dynasty. She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and her reign (1558–1603) marked a golden age in English history, often referred to as the Elizabethan era. The Tudor dynasty ruled England from 1485 to 1603, succeeding the Plantagenets and preceding the Stuarts.

• The York dynasty was one of the two main factions (the other being the House of Lancaster) involved in the Wars of the Roses, which preceded the establishment of the Tudor dynasty.
• None of these and — are incorrect as the Tudor dynasty is a well-documented historical fact.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FD Roosevelt) was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in April 1945, thus leading the country through the vast majority of World War II. His leadership was pivotal in the Allied victory.

• Theodor Roosevelt was the 26th U.S. President, serving from 1901 to 1909, long before WWII.
• Henry Truman (Harry S. Truman) became President after FDR's death in April 1945, overseeing the final months of the war, but not its primary duration.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower was a prominent Allied general during WWII and later became the 34th U.S. President from 1953 to 1961, well after the war concluded.

General Zia Ur Rehman, the former President of Bangladesh, is widely recognized as the 'Father of SAARC' (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). He initiated the idea of regional cooperation among South Asian nations in the late 1970s, which eventually led to SAARC's formation in 1985.

• General Zia Ul Haq was a former President of Pakistan, but not associated with the founding concept of SAARC.
• Birendra Bir Bikram refers to King Birendra of Nepal, who was a monarch during SAARC's establishment but not its conceptualizer.
• Jawaharlal Nehru was India's first Prime Minister and a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement, but SAARC was formed much later and not under his initiative.

The famous quote, “Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth,” is attributed to Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, and engineer. This statement illustrates the principle of the lever, demonstrating that with a sufficiently long lever and a stable fulcrum, even a small force can move an immense object.

• Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known for his method of inquiry, not for this mechanical principle.
• Aristotle was another influential Greek philosopher and polymath, but this specific quote is not attributed to him.
• Pythagoras was an ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher, best known for the Pythagorean theorem, not for the lever principle.

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.