PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

This question assesses knowledge of the historical performance of teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup, the pinnacle of One Day International (ODI) cricket. Australia holds the unparalleled record for winning the ICC World Cup the maximum number of times. They have lifted the coveted trophy an impressive six times, in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2015, and most recently in 2023, showcasing their consistent dominance in the sport.

• India has won the World Cup twice (1983 and 2011), a significant achievement but not the maximum.
• South Africa, despite being a strong cricketing nation, has unfortunately never won the ICC World Cup.
• England secured their first and only World Cup title in 2019, making them a relatively recent winner but not the most frequent.

Australia's consistent performance sets them apart in World Cup history.

When a peripheral device, such as a printer, keyboard, or hard drive, requires immediate service or attention from the CPU, it generates a signal known as an interrupt. This signal temporarily halts the CPU's current task, allowing it to handle the device's request before resuming its original operation, ensuring efficient I/O management. A spool (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations Online) is a buffer that holds data for a peripheral device, allowing the CPU to perform other tasks. A stack is a data structure used for temporary storage, often for function calls. A page file is a portion of a hard drive used by the operating system to compensate for a lack of physical memory.

The question tests knowledge of correlative conjunctions in English grammar. The phrase requires a word to complete the structure '____ in flat or shared house', indicating a choice between two options. The correct option is 'either', which forms the correlative conjunction 'either...or'. This construction is used to present two alternatives.

• 'Either' (C) is correct because it perfectly fits the grammatical structure 'either...or', signifying a choice between a flat or a shared house.
• 'Nether' (A) is incorrect; it means lower or below and does not function as a correlative conjunction in this context. While 'neither...nor' is a conjunction, 'Nether' alone is grammatically unsound here.
• 'Comfy' (B) is an adjective meaning comfortable, and it does not serve to connect two choices grammatically.
• 'None' (D) is incorrect as 'either' is the precise and correct choice.

This question pertains to the historical achievements of national teams in the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious international football tournament. Brazil stands as the most successful nation in the history of the World Cup, having won the championship a record five times. Their victories occurred in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002, solidifying their status as a footballing powerhouse and the only team to have participated in every World Cup tournament.

• Option A, "4," is incorrect; Brazil has surpassed this number of titles.
• Option C, "6," is also incorrect; while Brazil is highly successful, they have not yet reached six World Cup triumphs.
• Option D, "3," is significantly lower than Brazil's actual record, failing to acknowledge their dominance.

Brazil's five titles underscore their legendary status in global football.

Understanding character formatting is fundamental in word processing and digital typography. The term Superscript refers to text that is intentionally raised above the baseline of the surrounding text and is typically rendered in a smaller font size. This formatting is commonly used for footnotes, mathematical exponents (e.g., x2), or chemical formulas.

• Raised (A) is too general and not a specific typographic term for this effect.
• Outlined (B) describes a character's border or contour, not its vertical position relative to the baseline.
• Subscript (D) is the opposite; it places text below the baseline, often used in chemical formulas like H2O. Therefore, Superscript is the precise term for a character that is raised and smaller above the baseline.

This question requires the completion of a well-known Urdu proverb. The proverb describes an extremely old and frail person, emphasizing their physical decline. The first part, 'نہ منہ میں دانت' (no teeth in mouth), sets the context of old age and weakness. The second part needs to complete the idiom related to internal frailty.

• 'آنت' (A), meaning 'intestine', is the correct word. The complete proverb is 'نہ منہ میں دانت نہ پیٹ میں آنت', which literally translates to 'no teeth in mouth, no intestines in stomach', signifying extreme old age and weakness.
• 'وانت' (B), meaning 'vomit', does not fit the context of the proverb, which refers to the absence of internal strength or organs due to extreme age.
• 'ول' (C) is not a recognized word that completes this specific proverb meaningfully.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because option A accurately completes the proverb.

This question asks to identify the highest mountain peak within Pakistan's territory. Pakistan is home to some of the world's most formidable mountains, particularly in the Karakoram and Himalayan ranges. K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is unequivocally the highest peak in Pakistan and the second-highest mountain in the entire world, standing at an elevation of 8,611 meters (28,251 feet). It is a part of the Karakoram mountain range.

• Nanga Parbat is the ninth-highest mountain globally and the second-highest in Pakistan, making it incorrect for the "highest" designation.
• Rakaposhi is a stunning peak in the Karakoram, but its elevation is considerably lower than K2, thus not the highest.
• Gasherbrum I, also known as Hidden Peak, is the 11th highest mountain in the world and the third-highest in Pakistan, again not the highest overall.

K2's immense height makes it Pakistan's undisputed highest point.

In Microsoft Excel, understanding the fundamental data types is crucial for correct data entry and calculations. Excel primarily categorizes data into three main types: Numbers, Text (often referred to as Labels), and Date/Time. These types dictate how Excel stores and processes the information in a cell.

• Character (B) is not a distinct, valid data type name used within Excel's interface or common terminology for cell content. While text is composed of characters, Excel groups them under the 'Text' or 'Label' data type.
• Number (A) is a valid data type for numerical values.
• Label (C) is commonly used interchangeably with 'Text' to refer to non-numerical data.
• Date (D) is a valid data type, stored as a serial number.

This question pertains to Urdu grammar, specifically the classification of nouns. The words 'نرمی' (softness), 'تاریکی' (darkness), and 'سردی' (coldness) are abstract nouns that denote a quality, state, or condition rather than a concrete object or an action.

• 'اسم کیفیت' (A) is the correct answer. It refers to an abstract noun that expresses a quality, state, or condition. These words are derived from adjectives (نرم, تاریک, سرد) and represent the quality itself.
• 'اسم عالیه' (B) refers to an instrumental noun, which names a tool or instrument (e.g., چاقو - knife). The given words are not instruments.
• 'اسم صفت' (C) refers to an adjective, which describes a noun (e.g., نرم - soft). The given words are nouns representing the quality, not the descriptive adjectives.
• 'اسم مفعول' (D) refers to a passive participle, indicating the recipient of an action (e.g., لکھا ہوا - written). The given words are not passive participles.

This question relates to historical diplomatic visits between the US and Pakistan. Richard M. Nixon, as the President of the United States, visited Pakistan in 1969. This visit was part of his broader diplomatic efforts in Asia and was significant as Pakistan later played a crucial role in facilitating Nixon's secret visit to China in 1971, which dramatically altered Cold War geopolitics.

• Dwight D. Eisenhower visited Pakistan in 1959.
• Lyndon B. Johnson visited Pakistan in 1961 and 1965.
• William J. Clinton visited Pakistan much later, in 2000.

Each president had distinct periods of engagement with Pakistan.

The Panama Canal is a crucial artificial waterway that directly connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean, specifically via the Caribbean Sea. This engineering marvel significantly shortens maritime voyages between these two vast bodies of water, eliminating the need for ships to navigate around the southern tip of South America. It is a foundational concept in global trade and geography.

• The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia, and does not connect the Atlantic and Pacific.
• The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, situated between Great Britain and mainland Europe, unrelated to trans-oceanic connections.
• The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, providing a vital link between Europe and Asia, but it does not link the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

This problem requires basic algebraic reasoning to solve a system of two equations. Let the ages of the two children be 'x' and 'y'. We are given two conditions: their sum is 12 (x + y = 12) and their product is 32 (x * y = 32). By substituting y = 12 - x into the second equation, we get x(12 - x) = 32, which simplifies to x2 - 12x + 32 = 0. Factoring this quadratic equation yields (x - 4)(x - 8) = 0, giving possible ages of 4 and 8 years.

• The elder child's age is 8 years (A).
• If the elder child were 10 years (B), the other would be 2, making their product 20, not 32.
• If 12 years (C), the other would be 0, making the product 0.
• If 7 years (D), the other would be 5, making the product 35.

This question delves into the history of printing in British India, specifically at Fort William College. Established in 1800, the college was instrumental in promoting Urdu and Persian literature. It played a significant role in standardizing and printing texts, and the choice of script was crucial for its publications.

• 'نستعلیق' (A) is the correct answer. Fort William College extensively used the Nastaliq script for printing Urdu and Persian texts. Nastaliq was highly regarded for its aesthetic beauty and was the preferred calligraphic style for these languages, making it a natural choice for the college's publications.
• 'بند کو' (B) is not a recognized script and is therefore an incorrect option.
• '(Incomplete)' (C) is not a script but an indication of an incomplete option, making it invalid.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because Nastaliq was indeed the primary script used for Urdu printing at Fort William College.

This question pertains to the climatic patterns of Pakistan. Pakistan receives its primary rainfall during the Monsoon season, which typically occurs from July to September. The monsoon is a seasonal reversal of winds, bringing moist air from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, resulting in heavy and widespread precipitation across much of the country, crucial for agriculture and water resources.

• While July to September falls within the broader Summer season, 'Monsoon' specifically describes the atmospheric phenomenon responsible for the rainfall.
• Winter in Pakistan (December-February) receives rainfall from western disturbances, which is generally lighter and less widespread than monsoon rains.
• Autumn (October-November) follows the monsoon, and rainfall significantly decreases during this period.

Rakaposhi is a prominent peak located in the Karakoram mountain range, specifically in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. It is renowned for its dramatic vertical rise above local terrain, making it a visually striking mountain. Understanding the major mountain ranges is fundamental to world geography.

• The Himalayan range is a distinct mountain system, home to peaks like Mount Everest, but Rakaposhi is not part of it.
• The Hindu Kush is another separate major mountain range, primarily situated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with its own unique peaks.
• Therefore, stating 'None of these' would be incorrect as Rakaposhi is definitively located within the Karakoram range.

This is a classic work and time problem, which relies on the concept of total work units. First, calculate the total work required: 4 men working for 42 days equals 4 * 42 = 168 man-days of work. Next, determine the effective workforce under the new conditions. If three men work full days and one man works half days, the effective number of men is 3 + 0.5 = 3.5 men.

• To find the time taken, divide the total work by the effective workforce: 168 man-days / 3.5 men = 48 days (B).
• Options 45 days (A), 52 days (C), and 60 days (D) are incorrect calculations that do not account for the reduced work output of one man.

This question tests knowledge of prominent Urdu literary figures and their works. 'خیالستان' is a significant collection in Urdu literature, known for its unique style and themes. Identifying the author requires familiarity with the contributions of various writers to Urdu prose.

• 'سجاد حیدر یلدرم' (C) is the correct answer. 'خیالستان' is a celebrated collection of short stories and essays by Sajjad Haider Yaldram, who is considered a pioneer of romanticism and psychological realism in Urdu literature. His work profoundly influenced modern Urdu short story writing.
• 'پریم چند' (A) was a renowned Hindi and Urdu writer, famous for his realistic portrayal of rural life and social issues, but 'Khayalistan' is not his work.
• 'فرحت اللہ بیگ' (B) was a distinguished humorist and essayist, known for his simple and engaging prose and biographical sketches, but 'Khayalistan' is not attributed to him.
• 'ان میں سے کوئی نہیں' (D) is incorrect because Sajjad Haider Yaldram is the rightful author of 'Khayalistan'.

The question asks about the provincial location of Gwadar Port, a vital maritime asset for Pakistan.

• Correct Option D: Balochistan is accurate because Gwadar Port is strategically situated on the Arabian Sea coast within the southwestern region of Balochistan province. This deep-sea port is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancing regional connectivity and trade.
• Distractor A: Punjab is an inland province, lacking any coastline or port facilities.
• Distractor B: Sindh is a coastal province and home to major ports like Karachi, but Gwadar is geographically located in Balochistan.
• Distractor C: KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is a landlocked, northwestern province, far from any maritime access.

Knowing Pakistan's provincial geography is fundamental to correctly identifying the location of its key infrastructure projects.

Sikaram is recognized as the highest peak of the Koh-e-Safaid mountain range, also known as Spīn Ghar. This range is situated on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Identifying the highest peaks within specific mountain ranges is a key aspect of physical geography.

• The Karakoram is a major mountain range with its own distinct highest peaks, such as K2, not Sikaram.
• The Koh-e-Suleman (Sulaiman Mountains) is another range in Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose highest point is Takht-e-Sulaiman.
• The Hindu Kush is a separate mountain system, with Tirich Mir being its highest peak, not Sikaram.

Calculating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) involves a straightforward percentage calculation. The foundational concept is to find a percentage of a given amount. Saleem bought a car for Rs. 875,000, and the GST rate is 17%. To find the amount of tax paid, you multiply the original price by the GST rate.

• Tax paid = 875,000 * 17% = 875,000 * (17/100) = 8750 * 17 = Rs. 148,750 (A).
• Options 138838 (B), 144321 (C), and 130832 (D) are incorrect. These values would result from miscalculations of the percentage or applying the percentage to an incorrect base amount, such as a discounted price or a misinterpretation of the tax calculation method.

محاورہ "شیطان کی آنت ہونا" اس چیز یا کام کے لیے بولا جاتا ہے جو غیر معمولی طور پر بہت طویل ہو، ختم ہونے کا نام نہ لے یا مسلسل جاری رہے۔ اس کا تعلق شرارت یا بھوک سے نہیں بلکہ طوالت اور لامتناہی ہونے سے ہے۔

Why the other options are incorrect:

• بھوکا ہونا: یہ اس محاورے کا مفہوم نہیں ہے۔
• شرارتی ہونا: شرارت کا تعلق اس محاورے سے نہیں بلکہ یہ ایک الگ صفت ہے۔
• ان میں سے کوئی نہیں: درست جواب طویل ہونا موجود ہے، اس لیے یہ اختیار غلط ہے۔

This question delves into the historical acquisition of Gwadar Port by Pakistan.

• Correct Option A: Oman is accurate. Pakistan purchased the Gwadar enclave from the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman in 1958. This acquisition was a significant step in expanding Pakistan's coastline and maritime strategic depth.
• Distractor B: Qatar is a Gulf state but was not involved in the sale of Gwadar.
• Distractor C: Saudi Arabia is a major Middle Eastern country, but it did not own or sell Gwadar to Pakistan.
• Distractor D: UAE (United Arab Emirates) is a federation of emirates in the Persian Gulf, distinct from Oman, and was not the seller.

Understanding the historical context of Gwadar's transfer is crucial for comprehending its current geopolitical significance.

Gangkhar Puensum, famously known as the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, is located in Bhutan. Bhutan has a unique policy that prohibits mountaineering above 6,000 meters due to spiritual beliefs, which contributes to the mountain's unclimbed status. This highlights the intersection of geography and cultural practices.

• Nepal is home to many of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, but Gangkhar Puensum is not within its borders.
• India also possesses significant mountain ranges, but Gangkhar Puensum is not located there.
• While China shares a border with Bhutan near the mountain, Gangkhar Puensum itself is considered to be in Bhutan.

The correct answer utilizes prepositions appropriately for both time and place, adhering to standard English usage.

• 'on holiday' is a widely accepted British English idiom, signifying participation in a holiday period. Using 'in holiday' would be grammatically incorrect.
• 'in June' correctly employs 'in' for specifying months, seasons, and years. The preposition 'on' is typically reserved for more specific dates or individual days.
• 'on the wall' is the accurate choice for indicating something's position on a vertical surface. 'Along' would imply movement or extension parallel to the wall, which does not fit the context of hanging pictures.

Therefore, the combination 'on, in, on' is the only option that aligns with the conventional rules of English preposition usage in these specific contexts, demonstrating a foundational understanding of these common phrases.

Literary titles and epithets are often bestowed upon prominent figures based on their significant contributions and stylistic similarities to renowned international personalities. آغا حشر کاشمیری (Agha Hashar Kashmiri) is widely recognized as the "Indian Shakespeare" due to his profound impact on Urdu drama.

• Option B, آغا حشر کاشمیری, is correct because his prolific writing, complex plots, poetic language, and tragic themes mirrored Shakespeare's dramatic genius and influence.
• Option A, مولانا الطاف حسین حالی, was a celebrated poet and critic, not primarily a playwright, making this option incorrect.
• Option C, امیر خسرو, was a legendary 13th-century poet and musician, predating modern drama, thus he is not the "Indian Shakespeare."
• Option D is incorrect as option B is the accurate answer.