PPSC Past Papers & Solved MCQs

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.

The correct answer is KPK. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were merged into the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) through the 25th Constitutional Amendment in May 2018. This historic merger aimed to bring FATA into the mainstream political and administrative system of Pakistan, extending provincial laws and governance structures to the region. Options A (Punjab), B (Sindh), and D (Balochistan) are incorrect as FATA's merger was specifically with KPK, not any other province.

The correct answer is Sindh. The province of Sindh is historically known as 'Bab-ul-Islam' (Gateway of Islam) because it was the first region in the Indian subcontinent to experience the arrival and significant spread of Islam. This occurred with the conquest by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 AD, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Islam's expansion into South Asia. While Punjab, KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Balochistan are also provinces of Pakistan with rich Islamic heritage, they were not the initial gateway in the same foundational historical context as Sindh.

The correct answer is 12.5 Acres. According to the Land Reforms of 1959, which were introduced by General Ayub Khan's government, the minimum agricultural landholding liable to taxation was set at 12.5 acres. These reforms aimed to redistribute land, reduce the power of large landowners, and improve agricultural productivity. Landholdings below this threshold were generally exempt from certain taxes or subject to different regulations. Therefore, options B (25 Acres), C (50 Acres), and D (30 Acres) are incorrect as they do not represent the specified minimum.

The correct answer is Trade Barrier. A tax on imports, commonly known as a tariff, is a classic example of a trade barrier. Trade barriers are government-imposed restrictions on the free exchange of goods or services between countries. Tariffs increase the price of imported goods, making them less competitive compared to domestically produced goods, thereby protecting local industries.

• Collateral refers to assets pledged as security for a loan.
• Foreign Trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries.
• Terms of trade refer to the ratio of a country's export prices to its import prices.

None of these accurately describe a tax on imports.

The correct answer is All of these. The framework for cybercrime control in Pakistan evolved through several legislative instruments. The Electronic Transactions Ordinance (ETO) 2002 was an initial step, providing legal recognition to electronic transactions. This was followed by the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance (PECO) 2007, which specifically addressed various forms of cybercrime. Finally, the comprehensive Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 superseded previous laws, establishing a robust legal framework to combat cybercrime. Thus, all these acts contributed to the introduction and evolution of cybercrime control in Pakistan.

The correct answer is 30th April. April 30th is recognized and celebrated as the International Day to End Corporal Punishment of Children. This day aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of corporal punishment and advocate for its abolition worldwide, promoting positive and non-violent forms of discipline. Corporal punishment involves physical force used to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light, in the name of punishment. Options A (9th May), B (8th March - International Women's Day), and C (01 May - International Workers' Day) are incorrect as they commemorate different global observances.

The correct answer is 2009–14. Justice Qazi Faez Isa served as the Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court from August 5, 2009, until September 5, 2014. During his tenure, he played a significant role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the province. He was subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Therefore, options A (2006–14), C (2014–17), and D (None of these) are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the period of his service as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.

The correct answer is Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal, a magnificent ivory-white marble mausoleum, is located in the city of Agra, which is situated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi are neighboring states or territories, but Agra and the Taj Mahal are specifically within Uttar Pradesh.