Provincial Governance in Pakistan MCQs

Correct Answer ( C )

The provincial assembly ensures accountability of the provincial government through various mechanisms including question hour, budget scrutiny, debates on policy issues and no confidence votes , and the assembly can also form committees to investigate specific issues and hold the government accountable for its actions . The ability of the assembly to effectively hold the executive branch accountable is a foundation of a strong and transparent government .

Correct Answer ( C )

Local governments in Pakistan play a vital role in delivering basic services and governance at the grassroots level , acting as a bridge between the provincial and the people and implementing provincial policies at a local level . Local governments are responsible for a range of services including sanitation, waste management, primary education, local infrastructure and healthcare . The structure and responsibilities of local governments can vary across different provinces .

Correct Answer ( C )

The eighteenth amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan significantly enhanced provincial autonomy by transferring considerable power from the federal government to the provinces, redefined the balance of power between the federal and provincial governments, and gave greater control over their resources and legislative matters to the provinces . The 18th amendment has had a substantial impact on Pakistan’s political landscape and governance structure .

Correct Answer ( B )

While provincial governments have significant control over education, the statement is not entirely true : While most aspects of education policy and implementation fall under provincial jurisdiction , there are some areas where the federal government plays a role, such as establishing national curriculum standards or directing national-level educational institutions . Therefore , the control is significant but not absolute .

Correct Answer ( C )

There is no fixed term limit for a chief minister in Pakistan: the Chief Minister can remain in office as long as they retain the confidence of the majority in the provincial assembly and can be removed through a vote of no confidence or if their party loses the majority in the assembly . The practical limit is often determined by electoral cycles and political dynamics .

Correct Answer ( B )

The provincial government is responsible for maintaining law and order within a Pakistani province , while the federal government has a certain role in national security . The day-to-day policing and maintenance of law and order within provincial boundaries falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial government . This includes crime prevention, investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses .

Correct Answer ( B )

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Provincial Assembly plays a key role in scrutinizing the provincial budget , which focuses on government spending , ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds , investigates irregularities and makes recommendations to improve financial management practices within the provincial government . Their work is crucial for maintaining financial probity and promoting responsible use of taxpayer money .

Correct Answer ( C )

The main source of revenue for most Pakistani provinces is the share they receive from the federal divisible pool of tax revenue , the portion of tax revenue collected by the federal government that is distributed among the provinces based on a formula that takes into consideration factors such as population and revenue generation capacity. Provinces also generate revenue through their own taxes and levies, but the federal part significantly contributes to their budget .

Correct Answer ( A )

True, the Provincial Assembly holds the power to remove the Chief Minister through a vote of no confidence if a majority of members of the Provincial Assembly vote against the Chief Minister . This is a crucial mechanism for holding the executive branch accountable and ensuring that the government retains the confidence of the legislative body . This power acts as a check on the authority of the Chief Minister and is a key aspect of Pakistan’s parliamentary system .

Correct Answer ( C )

Governor serves as the provincial head of government in Pakistan’s provincial governance structure although primarily ceremonial role , the governor holds significant reserve powers that can be exercised in exceptional circumstances such as when the provincial government is unstable . The governor formally appoints the Chief Minister but this is largely based on the results of the provincial assembly elections . The Governor also plays a significant role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the provincial government, although its actual involvement is generally limited to ceremonial duties and upholding the constitutional framework