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SUB-ENGINEER (BS-16) Complete Preparation Guide & Solved Questions (2026) - Apex Rankers

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Environmental Sciences

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Q. 1 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) was enacted in which year?
A
1983
B
1997
✓ Correct
C
2000
D
2010
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act was passed by the Parliament and received the assent of the President in December 1997, replacing the earlier Environmental Protection Ordinance of 1983.
Q. 2 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under Section 3 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, who is the Chairperson of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC)?
A
The Chief Justice of Pakistan
B
The Prime Minister of Pakistan (or an individual nominated by the PM)
✓ Correct
C
The Director General of Pak-EPA
D
The Minister for Climate Change exclusively
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under Section 3(1) of PEPA 1997, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council is the apex environmental policy body, chaired by the Prime Minister or such other person as the Prime Minister may nominate.
Q. 3 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Who serves as the ex-officio Secretary of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC)?
A
Secretary of the Ministry dealing with the subject of Environment / Climate Change
✓ Correct
B
Director General of Pak-EPA
C
Attorney General for Pakistan
D
Chairman WAPDA
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under Section 3(4) of PEPA 1997, the Secretary to the Government of Pakistan in charge of the Ministry dealing with Environment serves as the Secretary of the Council.
Q. 4 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
How often is the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) statutorily required to meet under Section 3(6) of PEPA 1997?
A
At least once a month
B
At least once every six months
C
At least once in a year
✓ Correct
D
At least once every two years
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 3(6) of PEPA 1997 mandates that the Council shall meet at least once in a year.
Q. 5 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 5 of PEPA 1997, who is the administrative and operational head of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA)?
A
Inspector General of Forests
B
Director General (DG)
✓ Correct
C
Environmental Magistrate
D
Chairman Senate
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 5(2) of PEPA 1997 provides that the Federal Agency (Pak-EPA) shall be headed by a Director General appointed by the Federal Government.
Q. 6 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Which section of PEPA 1997 strictly prohibits the discharge or emission of any effluent or waste in excess of the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS)?
A
Section 6
B
Section 11
✓ Correct
C
Section 15
D
Section 25
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 11(1) of PEPA 1997 mandates: 'Subject to the provisions of this Act and the rules and regulations made thereunder no person shall discharge or emit or allow the discharge or emission of any effluent or waste or air pollutant or noise in an amount, concentration or level which is in excess of the National Environmental Quality Standards'.
Q. 7 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
Which section of PEPA 1997 requires project proponents to file an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencing construction?
A
Section 11
B
Section 12
✓ Correct
C
Section 14
D
Section 18
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 12(1) of PEPA 1997 states that no proponent of a project shall commence construction or operation unless they have filed with the Agency an IEE or, where the project is likely to cause an adverse environmental effect, an EIA, and obtained approval.
Q. 8 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
Under Section 12(2) of PEPA 1997, what is the statutory time limit within which the Agency must review and communicate its decision on an IEE/EIA approval?
A
30 days
B
60 days
C
Four months (120 days)
✓ Correct
D
One year
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 12(2) stipulates: 'The Federal Agency shall review the initial environmental examination and accord its approval, or require submission of an environmental impact assessment... or approve the environmental impact assessment... within a period of four months'.
Q. 9 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Which section of PEPA 1997 completely prohibits the import of hazardous waste into Pakistan and its territorial waters?
A
Section 10
B
Section 13
✓ Correct
C
Section 17
D
Section 21
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 13 of PEPA 1997 explicitly states: 'No person shall import or cause to be imported for disposal, or generate, transit or dispose of, any hazardous waste into Pakistan and its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone'.
Q. 10 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under Section 14 of PEPA 1997, what is required for any person to handle hazardous substances?
A
A license issued by the Federal Agency or an authority under applicable laws
✓ Correct
B
Only verbal permission from the local police
C
Payment of sales tax
D
Approval from the Ministry of Tourism
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 14 mandates that no person shall generate, collect, consign, transport, treat, dispose of, store, handle, or import any hazardous substance except under a license issued by the Federal Agency.
Q. 11 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
What is an 'Environmental Protection Order' (EPO) issued under Section 16 of PEPA 1997?
A
An order directing a person or industrial facility to cease, stop, or modify operations or take remedial measures to prevent environmental harm
✓ Correct
B
A court order to demolish residential houses
C
An order establishing a national park
D
A trade tariff on imported oil
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under Section 16, where the Director General is satisfied that the discharge of pollutants is in violation of the Act, he may issue an Environmental Protection Order directing the offender to take immediate remedial steps or cease operations.
Q. 12 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 20 of PEPA 1997, who establishes Environmental Tribunals in Pakistan?
A
Federal Government
✓ Correct
B
Supreme Court Bar Association
C
United Nations Environment Programme
D
Chamber of Commerce
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 20(1) empowers the Federal Government to establish as many Environmental Tribunals as it considers necessary, specifying the territorial limits for each.
Q. 13 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
What are the legal qualifications required for the appointment of the Chairperson of an Environmental Tribunal under Section 20(2) of PEPA 1997?
A
A person who is, or has been, or is qualified to be, a Judge of a High Court
✓ Correct
B
Any retired civil servant of BS-20
C
A professor of Environmental Science
D
An environmental NGO activist
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 20(2)(a) specifies that the Chairperson of an Environmental Tribunal must be a person who is, or has been, or is qualified to be, a Judge of a High Court.
Q. 14 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
How many Members constitute an Environmental Tribunal under Section 20 of PEPA 1997?
A
A Chairperson and two Members (at least one being a technical expert in the field of environment)
✓ Correct
B
A Chairperson and five Members
C
Only one Judge sitting alone
D
Twelve jury members
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
An Environmental Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and two Members appointed by the Federal Government, of whom at least one must be a technical member with suitable qualifications in environmental science.
Q. 15 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Within how many days can an appeal be filed before the High Court against a final decision or order of an Environmental Tribunal under Section 23 of PEPA 1997?
A
15 days
B
30 days
✓ Correct
C
60 days
D
90 days
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 23 of PEPA 1997 provides that any person aggrieved by any decision or order of the Environmental Tribunal may prefer an appeal to the High Court within thirty days of the date of communication of the order.
Q. 16 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under Section 24 of PEPA 1997, who is empowered to try minor environmental offenses punishable with fine under the Act?
A
Environmental Magistrates (Judicial Magistrates of the First Class specially empowered by the High Court)
✓ Correct
B
Traffic Police Officers
C
Local Union Council Chairmen
D
Municipal Sanitary Inspectors
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 24 provides for the appointment of Environmental Magistrates, being Judicial Magistrates of the first class specially empowered in this behalf by the High Court.
Q. 17 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
What major constitutional amendment in Pakistan devolved the subject of 'Environmental pollution and ecology' to the provinces in 2010?
A
17th Amendment
B
18th Constitutional Amendment
✓ Correct
C
19th Amendment
D
21st Amendment
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
The 18th Constitutional Amendment (April 2010) abolished the Concurrent Legislative List, devolving environment and ecology to the provinces. Pak-EPA retains jurisdiction over Islamabad Capital Territory and federal territories/installations.
Q. 18 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
Which federal ministry currently houses the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA)?
A
Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination
✓ Correct
B
Ministry of Industries and Production
C
Ministry of Energy
D
Ministry of Science and Technology
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Pak-EPA operates under the administrative control of the Federal Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
Q. 19 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under the Pak-EPA (Review of IEE and EIA) Regulations 2000, projects listed under which Schedule require an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)?
A
Schedule I
✓ Correct
B
Schedule II
C
Schedule III
D
Schedule IV
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under the Pak-EPA Review of IEE and EIA Regulations 2000, projects listed in Schedule I require an IEE, whereas larger or more sensitive projects in Schedule II require a full EIA.
Q. 20 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
Which of the following projects falls under Schedule II of the IEE/EIA Regulations 2000, strictly requiring a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A
A small rural poultry farm with 500 birds
B
Thermal power generation plants with capacity exceeding 200 MW, major dams, and nuclear power plants
✓ Correct
C
Repair of a local rural primary school
D
Installation of household solar panels
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Schedule II encompasses major infrastructure projects with significant potential environmental footprints, such as major thermal/hydro/nuclear power plants, oil refineries, and large expressways.
Q. 21 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
What is the validity period of an environmental approval (NOC) granted by Pak-EPA for commencement of construction under Regulation 13 of the IEE/EIA Regulations 2000?
A
1 year
B
3 years from the date of issue (extendable on application)
✓ Correct
C
10 years
D
Permanent without expiration
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under Regulation 13(1), the approval remains valid for commencement of construction for a period of three years from the date of issue.
Q. 22 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under the IEE/EIA Regulations 2000, what is mandatory before the Agency can approve a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A
A Public Hearing published in national newspapers at least 30 days prior
✓ Correct
B
Approval by the United Nations
C
Secret voting by factory workers
D
Zero public involvement
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Public participation through an advertised Public Hearing (notice published in English and Urdu national dailies giving at least 30 days notice) is a mandatory statutory requirement for EIA review.
Q. 23 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Medium (1 Mark)
Under Section 10 of PEPA 1997, what fund was created to provide financial assistance for environmental projects and pollution abatement?
A
Provincial Revenue Fund
B
Pakistan Environmental Protection (Sustainable Development) Fund
✓ Correct
C
Industrial Subsidy Fund
D
Petroleum Development Fund
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 10 established the Provincial and Federal Sustainable Development Funds to support pollution abatement, environmental conservation, and research.
Q. 24 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Hard (1 Mark)
Under Section 17 of PEPA 1997, what maximum fine can be imposed by the Environmental Tribunal for non-compliance with Section 11 (NEQS violation) or Section 12 (EIA violation)?
A
Up to Rs. 10,000
B
Up to Rs. 1,000,000 (one million rupees), with additional fine up to Rs. 100,000 for every day the violation continues
✓ Correct
C
Up to Rs. 50,000
D
Strictly imprisonment with no fine
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under Section 17(1), whoever contravenes the provisions of section 11, 12, 13, or 16 is punishable with a fine which may extend to one million rupees, and in case of continuing contravention, an additional fine up to one hundred thousand rupees per day.
Q. 25 Environmental Sciences
Difficulty: Easy (1 Mark)
What is the 'Polluter Pays Principle' recognized in modern environmental jurisprudence and applied in Pakistan?
A
The government pays for all industrial waste disposal
B
The polluting party must bear the full cost of preventing, controlling, and repairing the environmental damage caused by their pollution
✓ Correct
C
Polluters are immune from paying any taxes
D
Consumers pay a pollution surcharge on groceries
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
The Polluter Pays Principle mandates that the enterprise responsible for causing pollution must internalize and pay for environmental cleanup, restoration, and compensation to victims.
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