✅ Repeated Questions with Year of Appearance
1. Role of Muslim Press during the Pakistan Movement
Original Question(s):
Explain the role of Muslim Press during freedom movement with special focus on the
Press in NWFP during Pakistan movement. (2018)
Launching a political movement without press support is just like going to war
without weapons. How do you evaluate the role of the Muslim Press during Pakistan
movement (1940–47)? (2008)
Write a short note on contribution of Muslim press in Pakistan movement. (2010)
Appeared in:
📌 2008, 2010, 2018
2. Public Relations: Definition, Role, and Scope
Original Question(s):
Describe in detail purpose and scope of Public Relations? (2013)
Public Relation is not recognized as a management function in most organizations.
Discuss the validity of this statement. (2016)
Describe in detail the role of PRO in any public or private sector organization; also
explain the duties and qualities he or she must possess. (2018)
Appeared in:
📌 2013, 2016, 2018
3. Communication Process
Original Question(s):
Discuss in detail the process of Communication including all its basic ingredients?
(2010)
Define communication; elaborate the communication process detailing various
components of it. (2018)
Appeared in:
📌 2010, 2018
4. News Definition and Elements
Original Question(s):
Define News, explain the elements that distinguish News from other forms of
Journalistic writings. (2018)
Comment on why so many definitions of 'news' exist. Give examples of the various
definitions of 'news.' (2022)
Appeared in:
📌 2018, 2022
5. Freedom of Press / Press and Responsibility
Original Question(s):
Critically analyze the evolution of Press Laws in Pakistan. Also explain the Press
freedom v/s responsibility concept. (2018)
Write down a critical note on press freedom of responsibility? (2010)
Write down a comprehensive note on importance of free and responsible press in a
democratic society? (2013)
Appeared in:
📌 2010, 2013, 2018
6. Advertisement vs Propaganda
Original Question(s):
How advertisement is different from propaganda? Give examples. (2022)
How can an advertiser increase brand awareness while following principles of
advertising? (2013)
What is advertising? What are socio-economic effects of advertising? (2008)
Critically examine the social and economic impact of advertising on media content in
today's capitalist world. (2018)
(While not exactly word-for-word, these all revolve around advertisement
principles, propaganda difference, and advertising impact — repeated theme
with slightly altered wording.)
Appeared in:
📌 2008, 2013, 2018, 2022
7. Public Relations vs Advertising
Original Question(s):
Public Relations is deliberate, planned and sustained effort to establish and maintain
mutual understanding between an organization and its public", explain. (2016)
How do you differentiate between Public Relations and Advertising? (2008)
Appeared in:
📌 2008, 2016
Journalism Paper – 2022
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Section A
Attempt at least two questions from each section.
1. Many scholars argue that "communication is the sharing of meaning" instead of
"sharing information." Make an argument whether you agree with this or not.
2. Comment on why so many definitions of communication exist.
3. How do you think group membership affects cognitive dissonance and what role
do you believe it plays in dissonance reduction?
Section B
Attempt any TWO questions from this section.
4. Comment on why so many definitions of news exist. Give examples of various
definitions.
5. Media in Pakistan has become an industry, but it has failed to become an
institution. Do you agree or not? In either case, make an academic argument.
6. How is advertisement different from propaganda? Give examples.
7. "The medium is the message" refers to the power and influence of the medium
—not the content—on a society. Comment.
🟩 Journalism Paper – 2018
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Section A
1. Define communication; elaborate the communication process detailing various
components of it.
2. News is sacred but comment is free—describe various functions of the press in
light of this statement.
3. Explain the role of the Muslim Press during the freedom movement with special
focus on the press in NWFP during the Pakistan Movement.
Section B
4. Define news; explain the elements that distinguish news from other forms of
journalistic writings.
5. Describe in detail the role of a Public Relations Officer in any public or private
sector organization. Also explain the duties and qualities he or she must possess.
6. Press in Pakistan today is freer than ever before; critically analyze the evolution
of Press Laws in Pakistan. Also explain the concept of press freedom vs
responsibility.
7. Critically examine the social and economic impact of advertising on media
content in today's capitalist world.
🟩 Journalism Paper – 2016
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Attempt any FIVE questions. All questions carry equal marks.
1. Why is the surveillance function of the press regarded as fundamental to
journalistic practice? Write an argumentative answer.
2. Radio as a medium of immediacy is said to have the highest audience and widest
reach. Do you agree? Justify your answer.
3. Discuss in detail the role of new media in promoting democracy in Pakistan.
4. Write short notes on any two of the following:
a) Embedded Journalism
b) Yellow Journalism
c) Freedom of Press
d) Importance of Electronic Media
5. "Public Relations is a deliberate, planned and sustained effort to establish and
maintain mutual understanding between an organization and its public."
Explain.
6. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan’s Zimindar played a very effective role against British
imperialism. Discuss in detail.
7. Public Relations is not recognized as a management function in most
organizations. Discuss the validity of this statement.
8. Most people believe that media is to be blamed for promoting violence in
society. Do you agree? Provide arguments.
🟩 Journalism Paper – 2013
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Attempt any FIVE questions. All questions carry equal marks.
1. Objectivity is a much-needed characteristic of a reporter in covering stories,
especially political news. Discuss.
2. Define media ethics and describe the primary sources for furnishing those.
3. Write a comprehensive note on the importance of a free and responsible press in
a democratic society.
4. How can an advertiser increase brand awareness while following principles of
advertising?
5. What role can news magazines play in political socialization of youth?
6. Do you think broadcast media is deviating from its standard role in Pakistan?
Give an argumentative answer.
7. Describe in detail the purpose and scope of Public Relations.
8. Write a critique on the World Information Order.
🟩 Journalism Paper – 2010
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Attempt any FIVE questions. All questions carry equal marks.
1. Describe the main principles of good sentence writing for news stories.
2. What is the role of the editorial page in the opinion-making process? Describe in
detail.
3. Write a critical note on press freedom and responsibility.
4. Discuss in detail the process of communication including all its basic
components.
5. Discuss the role of press in the development of a sane society.
6. What challenges are faced by our national press these days? Provide arguments.
7. Do you think that print media has lost importance after the emergence of TV
news channels in Pakistan? Discuss.
8. Write a short note on the contribution of the Muslim Press in the Pakistan
Movement.
🟩 Journalism Paper – 2008
Time Allowed: 3 Hours Max Marks: 100
Attempt any FIVE questions. All questions carry equal marks.
1. Analyze critically the situation of conflict and compromise between the
government and the press during the last three years.
2. Launching a political movement without press support is just like going to war
without weapons. Evaluate the role of the Muslim Press during the Pakistan
Movement (1940–47).
3. What are the effects of cable communication on our society? Present a reasoned
answer.
4. What tactics and techniques would you use to become an effective Public
Relations Officer of any organization?
5. What is advertising? What are the socio-economic effects of advertising?
6. Write short notes on any two of the following:
a) Press Release and its basic ingredients
b) Two-step flow of communication
c) Press Note and its ingredients
7. How do you differentiate between Public Relations and Advertising?
IMPORTANT TOPICS
COMMUNICATION
Communication: Theoretical & Practical Dimensions
Definitions & Nature of Communication
Communication Models (Shannon & Weaver, Schramm, Berlo, etc.)
Verbal, Non-Verbal, Interpersonal, and Mass Communication
Barriers to Effective Communication
Role of Feedback and Encoding/Decoding
Communication vs Information vs Meaning
Communication and Cognitive Dissonance (New Trend Topic)
Digital Communication: Scope & Challenges
Media as a Channel of Communication (Medium is the Message)
II. News & Reporting
Definition, Elements & Values of News (Timeliness, Proximity, Conflict, etc.)
News vs Opinion vs Propaganda
Sources of News: Primary, Secondary, Leaks, Social Media
Objectivity and Credibility in Reporting
Investigative Journalism & Watchdog Role
Newsroom Structure and Editorial Hierarchy
News Magazines & their Role in Political Socialization
Embedded Journalism (Context: War & Conflict Zones)
Fake News, Disinformation, and Fact-Checking
Ethics in News Reporting (especially during crises or elections)
III. Mass Media Landscape
Evolution of Print, Electronic, and Digital Media
Characteristics & Influence of Radio, TV, Newspapers, Online Media
Cable Television and Its Social Impact
Media Convergence and Multimedia Journalism
Role of Social Media in Public Opinion Formation
New Media & Democracy in Pakistan
Media as Industry vs Media as Institution
Media Ownership and Corporate Control (Media Monopoly)
Censorship, PEMRA, and Regulatory Issues in Pakistan
The Role of Pakistani Media in National Integration & Polarization
IV. Advertising & Public Relations
Definition, Functions & Types of Advertising
Socio-Economic Impact of Advertising
Advertisement vs Propaganda vs Publicity
Principles of Effective Advertising & Brand Awareness
PR in Public and Private Sector: Role, Scope & Functions
Qualities of a Good Public Relations Officer
Two-Way Communication & Relationship Building in PR
Difference Between PR and Advertising
PR as a Management Function (Argumentative Trend)
V. Media Laws, Ethics & Responsibility
Press Freedom vs Press Responsibility
Press Laws in Pakistan: Evolution & Key Milestones (From Press Act to PEMRA)
Constitutional Guarantees (Article 19 of Constitution of Pakistan)
Media Ethics: Truth, Accuracy, Objectivity, Privacy
Sources of Media Ethics: Religion, Society, Law, Journalistic Codes
Right to Information (RTI) Laws & Implementation
Regulatory Authorities: PEMRA, PCP, etc.
World Information Order & Global Media Imbalance
Media Trials & Ethical Boundaries in Reporting
VI. Historical & Political Role of Media
Role of Muslim Press during Freedom Movement
Key Papers and Personalities (Zimindar, Comrade, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan, etc.)
Evolution of Press in Pakistan (1947–Present)
Media’s Role in Pakistan Movement (NWFP Focus included)
State vs Press: Conflicts and Compromises (Musharraf Era, etc.)
Role of Media in Political Socialization & Democratic Development
Media and Civil-Military Relations
Role of Media in Elections and Public Accountability
VII. Contemporary & Critical Issues (Hot & Conceptual Topics)
Media and Violence: Causal Relationship?
Media Literacy: Need in the Age of Disinformation
Globalization and Cultural Imperialism through Media
Media and Gender Representation
Media and Religion: Ethics vs Sensationalism
Cyber Journalism & Blogging
Role of Influencers and Citizen Journalism
Freedom of Expression vs Hate Speech
Cancel Culture and Media Accountability
AI in Journalism: Threat or Opportunity?
Bonus Section: Theoretical and Conceptual Enrichment
“The Medium is the Message” – McLuhan
Agenda Setting, Gatekeeping, Framing Theories
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Cultivation Theory and Media Effects
Spiral of Silence, Hypodermic Needle Theory
Critical Theory: Noam Chomsky, Herman's Propaganda Model
Two-Step Flow of Communication
Theory of Cognitive Dissonance in Media Psychology
Semiotics and Media Language
Political Economy of Media
✅ Final Tips for Preparation:
Prepare each topic with definitions, examples (Pakistani context preferred),
and 1–2 academic theories to support your stance.
For every conceptual topic, prepare both descriptive and argumentative
answers.
Use headings, examples, and theoretical frameworks in your written answers
to stand out.
Stay updated with Pakistani media trends, PEMRA actions, and any recent
censorship or disinformation events.
