The SIFC is a hybrid civil-military body designed to provide a 'single-window' for foreign investors. Its primary focus has been securing multi-billion dollar investments from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar in sectors like minerals, agriculture, and IT.
742
Pakistan applied for membership in which emerging global economic bloc in late 2023, seeking to diversify its global partnerships?
In November 2023, Pakistan formally applied to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). This move reflects Pakistan's strategy to align with the 'Global South' and enhance its trade and investment opportunities within an alternative framework to Western-led institutions.
743
Which specific issue regarding the 'Indus Waters Treaty' became a point of diplomatic tension with India in 2023-2025?
In 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan seeking to 'modify' the 1960 treaty following disputes over the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects. Pakistan views any unilateral modification as a threat to its water security, and the matter is currently being debated in the Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
744
Pakistan's application to join which global economic bloc in late 2023 represents a move toward diversifying its strategic partnerships?
Pakistan formally applied to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to align itself with the 'Global South.' Joining this bloc is a challenge as it requires a consensus among existing members, particularly India, but it reflects Pakistan's strategy to move toward a more balanced, multi-aligned foreign policy.
745
The 'Independence of the Judiciary' is a guiding principle that was bolstered in 2023-2024 through debates on which piece of legislation?
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 was a major constitutional debate that redefined the Chief Justice's powers regarding bench formation and Suo Motu notices, aiming to institutionalize the internal workings of the judiciary.
746
Which economic guiding principle was promoted through the 'Special Investment Facilitation Council' (SIFC) in 2023-2024?
The SIFC was established as a new guiding framework to fast-track economic growth. It represents a 'hybrid' model where the civilian government and military establishment collaborate to attract foreign investment in key sectors like agriculture and mining.
747
The 'Digital Census' of 2023 was promoted by the media as a move toward modernizing:
The 7th Population and Housing Census was Pakistan's first digital census. Media played a role in educating the public on how to self-enumerate, which was critical for updating the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and delimitation of constituencies.
748
Which Chief Justice oversaw the 'Election Delay Case' (2023) regarding the Punjab and KP assemblies?
Justice Umar Ata Bandial led the bench that ordered the ECP to hold elections in Punjab within 90 days of dissolution. This was a highly political form of activism that led to a standoff between the judiciary and the PDM government, which refused to provide funds for the elections.
749
Which Chief Justice authored the 'Practice and Procedure Act' judgment that upheld the law but restricted the CJP's powers?
Upon taking office in 2023, Justice Qazi Faez Isa presided over a full court that upheld the Practice and Procedure Act. This move was seen as 'judicial self-restraint,' as the court accepted parliamentary regulation of its own administrative processes.
750
The 'Practice and Procedure Act 2023' was passed by Parliament primarily to:
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act 2023 was designed to institutionalize the office of the Chief Justice by requiring a committee of three senior-most judges to decide on Suo Motu notices and bench formations, thereby curbing the 'discretionary' power of a single individual.
