Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar served as the 8th caretaker Prime Minister. During his tenure, he continued Pakistan's consistent policy on Kashmir, including highlighting the issue during his address to the UN General Assembly in September 2023.
712
The 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) in Pakistan (2023) has sought to attract foreign investment specifically to which sector, avoiding areas sensitive to regional conflict?
The SIFC is a hybrid civil-military forum designed to fast-track economic growth. It focuses on non-controversial, resource-rich sectors like mining in Balochistan and corporate farming in Punjab to attract investment from Gulf countries and China, independent of the Kashmir deadlock.
713
Which Indian project on the Chenab River has been referred to the 'Neutral Expert' and the 'Court of Arbitration' in 2023-2024?
Pakistan has raised serious objections to the design of the Ratle (and Kishanganga) projects. In 2023, the World Bank allowed for the simultaneous activation of two different processes—Neutral Expert and Court of Arbitration—to resolve these long-standing water security disputes.
714
Which census was officially notified in Pakistan in 2023, impacting the political weight of the provinces and potentially the representation of AJK and GB?
The 7th Population and Housing Census (Digital Census) of 2023 provided updated demographic data for Pakistan. While Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have their own administrative setups, their demographic shifts are crucial for national planning and resource allocation under the NFC, which is linked to the broader federal structure.
715
Which Pakistani airline resumed direct flights between Lahore and Tashkent in 2023-2024 to facilitate business travel?
Restoring air connectivity is essential for the 'Look Central Asia' policy. PIA resumed flights to Tashkent to cater to the growing number of businessmen and tourists, complementing the existing services by Uzbekistan Airways.
716
The 'Chashma-5' nuclear power project, inaugurated in 2023, is often cited in regional energy forums as a model for which Central Asian country looking for nuclear energy?
Kazakhstan, which holds large uranium reserves, has been exploring the possibility of building its first nuclear power plant. Pakistan's experience with the Chashma complex (built with Chinese help) is often shared in IAEA and regional technical forums as a case study for developing peaceful nuclear energy.
717
Pakistan officially applied for membership in which global economic bloc in late 2023, seeking support from Central Asian partners already involved?
Pakistan's application to join BRICS in November 2023 is part of its 'multi-alignment' strategy. Central Asian states like Kazakhstan have also shown interest or are engaged with BRICS+, and Pakistan seeks their diplomatic support to diversify its global economic partnerships beyond Western-led institutions.
718
Which Central Asian country signed a 'Strategic Partnership' agreement with Pakistan during a high-level visit in 2021/2022, focusing on 'Geo-economics'?
Uzbekistan and Pakistan elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, focusing on the 'Transit Trade Agreement' (UPPTA). This agreement allows for the simplified movement of goods and has led to a significant increase in bilateral trade volume, which surpassed $300 million in 2023-2024 as both nations prioritize economic connectivity over geopolitical rivalry.
719
The 'Green Pakistan Initiative' (GPI) launched in 2023 involves corporate farming projects in collaboration with technical experts from which region?
The GPI is a strategic agricultural project supported by the SIFC. It leverages investment and modern agricultural technology from Gulf partners like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to enhance Pakistan's food security and export potential.
720
Which Gulf state signed a $2 billion agreement in 2024 to modernize the Karachi Port terminal?
The UAE-based AD Ports Group signed a 25-year concession agreement in 2023-2024 to develop and operate the Karachi Gateway Terminal. This multi-million dollar investment is a key part of the UAE's expanding economic footprint in Pakistan's logistics sector.
