PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

The correct answer is Wahdat al-Shuhud. Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi, a prominent Sufi scholar and reformer, is known for advocating the philosophy of Wahdat al-Shuhud, or 'Unity of Apparentation/Phenomenalism'. This concept distinguished itself from Ibn Arabi's Wahdat al-Wajud ('Unity of Being'), emphasizing that the perceived unity between God and creation is one of experience or vision, not of actual ontological existence.

• Wahdat al-Wajud was a different Sufi philosophy.
• Secularism is a modern political philosophy unrelated to his theological work.
• None of these is incorrect as Wahdat al-Shuhud is directly attributed to him.

His philosophy had a profound impact on Islamic thought in India.

Understanding the geographical neighbors of countries is a fundamental concept in world geography. India is the correct answer as it shares its eastern border with Pakistan, extending from the Arabian Sea in the south to the Himalayas in the north. This extensive border is a significant geopolitical feature.

• China lies to Pakistan's northeast, primarily bordering the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
• Afghanistan is situated to Pakistan's northwest, sharing a long and often rugged border.
• Iran is located to Pakistan's west, forming a border that is largely desert and mountainous.

Each of these countries shares a distinct directional border with Pakistan, making India the sole eastern neighbor.

The correct answer is Sadruddin Hashwani. He is the visionary founder and chairman of the Hashoo Group, a prominent Pakistani conglomerate with diverse interests including hospitality, oil and gas, and real estate. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment and growth of this significant business empire.

• Murtaza Hashwani, Shahnawaz Hashwani, and Zafar Hashwani are members of the Hashwani family and hold important positions within the group, contributing to its operations and expansion. However, Sadruddin Hashwani is recognized as the patriarch and owner who founded the group.

This question tests knowledge of major transboundary rivers in Asia. The Brahmaputra is the correct answer. Originating in the Himalayas of Tibet, China, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, it flows through India (where it is called Brahmaputra) and then enters Bangladesh (where it is known as Jamuna) before merging with the Ganges and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

• The Ganges primarily flows through India and Bangladesh, not China.
• The Yamuna is a major tributary of the Ganges, flowing entirely within India.
• The Indus originates in Tibet (China) and flows through India and Pakistan, but not Bangladesh.

Thus, the Brahmaputra is unique in its journey through all three specified countries.

The iconic patriotic song “Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan” was famously sung by Shahnaz Begum. Her powerful rendition made the song an enduring symbol of national pride and unity in Pakistan. Shahnaz Begum, a celebrated Bangladeshi singer, lent her voice to this memorable anthem.

• Noor Jehan, known as the 'Melody Queen,' was a legendary Pakistani singer but is not associated with the original rendition of this specific song.
• Abida Parveen is renowned for her Sufi music and ghazals.
• Nazia Hassan was a pioneer of Pakistani pop music.

The concept of 'Doabs' is crucial for understanding the geography of the Punjab region, where 'Doab' refers to the land between two confluent rivers. The name 'Chaj' (or Jech) is a portmanteau derived from the names of the rivers it lies between. Therefore, Chenab & Jhelum is the correct answer.

• The Doab between the Jhelum and Ravi rivers is known as the Rechna Doab (Ravi + Chenab, not Jhelum + Ravi).
• The Doab between the Chenab and Sutlej rivers would encompass multiple doabs, not a single named 'Chaj' doab.
• The Doab between the Indus and Chenab rivers is called the Sindh Sagar Doab.

The naming convention of these doabs helps identify the specific river pair.

The first Foreign Minister of Pakistan was Sir Muhammad Zafarullah Khan. He held this crucial portfolio from 1947 to 1954, playing a pivotal role in establishing Pakistan's foreign policy and representing the newly formed nation on the international stage, including at the United Nations.

• Liaquat Ali Khan was Pakistan's first Prime Minister.
• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto served as Foreign Minister much later in the 1960s and subsequently became Prime Minister.
• Khwaja Nazimuddin was the second Governor-General and later the second Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The Mami Khel gas field reserves are located in the southern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. This region is known for its natural gas deposits, contributing significantly to the country's energy resources. Identifying the correct province is crucial for understanding Pakistan's energy geography and resource distribution.

• Punjab is a major agricultural province, but Mami Khel is not located there.
• Sindh is home to other significant gas fields like Qadirpur and Mari, but not Mami Khel.
• Balochistan also has large gas reserves, including the Sui gas field, but Mami Khel is specifically in KP.

The Agra Summit between India and Pakistan was held in 2001. This significant diplomatic meeting took place in July 2001, involving Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. The summit aimed to resolve long-standing bilateral issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute, though it ultimately concluded without a joint declaration.

• The years 1951, 1953, and 1955 are incorrect as they predate the Agra Summit by several decades. These earlier periods saw different phases of India-Pakistan relations and various diplomatic efforts, but not this specific summit.

Samiullah Khan, often referred to as 'The Flying Horse,' is a legendary Pakistani field hockey player. He was renowned for his exceptional speed and skill as a left-winger. His contributions were instrumental in Pakistan's success in international hockey during the 1970s and early 1980s, including winning the 1978 World Cup.

• Cricket, Football, and Badminton are popular sports, but Samiullah Khan's fame is exclusively linked to hockey.

The Gandhi–Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931, effectively ended the Civil Disobedience Movement. This agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India, led to the suspension of the movement, which had commenced with the Dandi March in 1930. In return, the British government made certain concessions, and Gandhi agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.

• The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) was an earlier protest against the partition of Bengal.
• The Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) was a pan-Islamic political protest campaign.
• The Quit India Movement (1942) occurred much later during World War II.

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.