Who Is Who What Is What — The Definitive Guide to Pakistan's Most Important Competitive Exam Reference Book
If you walk into any major coaching center in Lahore's Johar Town, Islamabad's Blue Area, or Karachi's Gulshan-e-Iqbal, you will find one book on virtually every serious competitive exam aspirant's desk: Who Is Who What Is What by Dogar Publishers. It has been a fixture of Pakistani exam preparation culture for decades, and with good reason. No single volume packs more factual density into exam-relevant categories than this one. For candidates preparing for the Central Superior Services (CSS), Provincial Management Services (PMS), Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC), Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), and other recruitment tests, this book is an indispensable factual encyclopedia. It represents a long-standing academic tradition in Pakistan of consolidating world facts and domestic data into a single, accessible reference guide. It acts as a bridge between dynamic current affairs and established historical records, providing candidates with a stable reference point for their studies.
But having the book is not the same as knowing how to use it. Many candidates make the mistake of attempting to memorize the entire 900+ page book cover to cover, which leads to mental fatigue and poor retention. This guide will walk you through what the book contains, why it is structured the way it is, which sections to prioritize depending on your exam, and how to integrate it into a study plan that actually produces results. We will explore how to dissect this massive book, extract the high-yield topics, and apply modern study techniques to ensure that you retain the details for your exam day. By understanding the core structure of general knowledge papers, you can transform this daunting compendium into a powerful asset that guarantees high scores in your exams.
The Role of Dogar Publishers in Pakistan's Academic Landscape
To understand the value of this book, one must understand the legacy of Dogar Publishers. Established in the mid-20th century, Dogar Publishers (and its sister concerns like Dogar Brothers) has been the pioneer of competitive exam guidebooks in Pakistan. Before the internet age, they were the sole source of compiled test papers, syllabus outlines, and study material for candidates nationwide. Their publications cover entry test preparation for universities (NTS, GAT, SAT), military recruitment tests (ISSB), and civil services exams. Who Is Who What Is What is their flagship reference title, designed to serve as a comprehensive, yearly updated database of general knowledge. It is updated constantly to ensure that changes in governments, international treaties, sports records, and national appointments are accurately reflected before the major exam seasons begin. The publisher's commitement to academic excellence and factual precision has made this book a trusted companion for generations of Pakistani students, professionals, and civil servants.
Comprehensive Chapter Breakdown and Key Sections
The book is divided into distinct, logically organized chapters, allowing students to navigate the massive database of facts easily. Understanding the focus of each chapter is crucial for targeted preparation.
1. Pakistan Affairs: Constitutional, Political, and Administrative Structures
This is the most critical section for PPSC, FPSC, and CSS candidates. It contains detailed lists of current officeholders, including the President, Prime Minister, Federal Cabinet, Chief Justices, Governors, and Chief Ministers. It also covers the heads of key national institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and various regulatory bodies (PEMRA, NEPRA, PTA). Beyond current offices, it documents historical firsts: the first Governor-General, the first constitution-maker, the first woman judge, and other milestones of Pakistan's political history. Candidates must know these facts, as they form the backbone of the "Pakistan Affairs" and "General Knowledge" multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Historical treaties, amendments, national symbols, and geographic landmarks of Pakistan are also covered in exhaustive detail. Furthermore, this chapter includes data on national parks, dams, energy projects, and major highway systems, which are frequently asked in provincial service exams.
2. International Relations: Global Leaders and Governments
This chapter lists current heads of state, prime ministers, and foreign ministers of major countries, with a special focus on regional powers (China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, USA, UK, Russia) and OIC member states. It also includes data on country capitals, official currencies, and key geographical characteristics of nations. Understanding this section is vital for Current Affairs papers and the International Relations optional subject in CSS. Candidates are expected to know the names of newly elected world leaders and the capitals of lesser-known countries, which are frequently asked in PPSC screening tests. The book also details the borders, coastlines, and maritime boundaries of nations, which is helpful for geography-based questions.
3. International Organisations and Alliances
A significant portion of general knowledge papers is dedicated to global bodies. This section details the history, structure, headquarters, current secretaries-general, and member states of key organizations: the United Nations (UN) and its specialized agencies (UNESCO, WHO, IMF, World Bank, UNHCR), regional alliances (SAARC, ECO, ASEAN, SCO, EU, NATO, Arab League, OIC), and financial institutions. Candidates are frequently tested on the founding dates, member counts, and recent summits of these organizations. Knowing which countries are members of the G7, G20, or BRICS is crucial, and this book compiles all such information into easy-to-read tables. Sumit locations, theme declarations, and major resolutions passed during the year are also highlighted.
4. Science, Technology, and World Geography
This chapter is a favorite for examiners setting basic science and geography questions. It covers solar system statistics, units of measurement, famous inventions, chemical names of common compounds, human anatomy basics, and geographical features like the longest rivers, highest peaks, deepest oceans, major deserts, and famous straits. It is highly relevant for the General Science & Ability (GSA) paper in CSS. Questions about the ozone layer, vitamins, human diseases, and the structure of the earth are common, and the book provides a concise review of these topics. It also covers computer science fundamentals, internet history, and recent technological milestones like artificial intelligence development.
5. World History, Records, and Cultural Milestones
This section lists historical timelines, major world conflicts (World War I & II, Cold War events), Nobel Prize laureates (by category and year), major literary awards (Pulitzer, Booker Prize), and international cultural milestones. It also lists general world records (tallest structures, largest libraries, fastest speeds) which are common in screening tests. Candidates must know the significance of historical treaties like the Treaty of Versailles or the Westphalia peace agreement, which are summarized in this chapter. It also includes lists of world-famous libraries, museums, and historical heritage sites registered under UNESCO.
6. Sports and Games
This chapter documents the history and recent results of major sports events: the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups, ICC Cricket World Cups, Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and national sports in Pakistan (hockey, squash). Candidates are tested on host countries, winners, and famous records. Knowing who won the latest T20 World Cup or the details of Pakistan's historical Olympic gold medals is essential for general knowledge papers. It also provides detailed data on national stadiums, sports terminologies, and trophies associated with different games.
Effective Memorization Strategies for General Knowledge
Because General Knowledge (GK) consists of isolated, factual data points, standard reading is not enough for retention. To master the content of Who Is Who What Is What, candidates should employ active learning techniques:
- Spaced Repetition and Active Recall: Cover the answer column or right-hand side of a fact sheet and try to recall it. Re-examine the facts after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days, and then 30 days to transfer the data into long-term memory.
- Flashcards: Convert difficult facts (like capitals, currency names, or establishment years of organizations) into digital flashcards using apps like Anki or physical index cards. This keeps study sessions active and highly focused.
- Thematic Grouping: Do not jump between sports and politics. Dedicate a week to mastering International Organisations, then transition to Pakistan's Judiciary, ensuring that your brain builds contextual links between related facts.
- Past Papers Cross-Referencing: Solve past papers from PPSC or FPSC, find the general knowledge questions, and locate their source chapters in the book. This will help you understand the exact style of questions the examiners prefer.
- Mnemonics and Visual Association: Create acronyms or mental stories to remember lists of countries in alliances or order of historical events. For instance, using simple words to remember the member states of SAARC or the founders of the OIC.
Comparative Analysis with Other Reference Guides
While Caravan's General Knowledge book or Jahangir World Times guides offer comprehensive overviews, Who Is Who What Is What stands out for its structural simplicity and raw data density. It does not try to explain geopolitical theories; it focuses on providing the exact, verifiable facts that examiners target. This makes it an excellent revision tool in the final weeks before an exam, allowing candidates to run quick scans of lists and names without having to read long paragraphs of narrative text. It is the perfect complement to comprehensive current affairs lectures and textbooks, helping you verify and anchor your theoretical knowledge with solid, indisputable facts.
Designing a Study Schedule to Cover the Book
To systematically cover the content of this 900-page manual, candidates should break down their preparation into a structured, daily routine over a period of three months. Spend 30 minutes every morning scanning the Pakistan Affairs chapter, and another 30 minutes in the evening reviewing international organizations or world geography. Do not try to memorize everything at once; consistency is the key. By dedicating just one hour a day to this reference book, you can master over 10,000 general knowledge facts by the time you sit for your exam. Create weekly self-test milestones to measure your progress and identify chapters that require additional revision. It is also recommended to study in pairs or small groups where you can ask each other random questions from different chapters. This method of peer-to-peer questioning is one of the fastest ways to expose gaps in your memory and build the quick-recall reflex needed for high-pressure exams.
Mock Testing and Final Revision Phase
In the final month before your exam, shift your focus from active reading to intensive mock testing. Use the factual questions in the book to create your own practice papers, or use online test portals that mirror the formatting of PPSC and FPSC exams. Give yourself strict time limits to answer the multiple-choice questions. If you get a question wrong, do not just look up the correct answer; go back to the source chapter in the book and review the surrounding facts to understand the broader context. In the final three days before the test, stop studying new material and run a rapid visual scan of the key officeholder lists, world organizations, and national symbols to keep them fresh in your short-term memory.
How to Handle Factual General Knowledge in Interviews
Competitive exams are not won on the written test alone; the interview phase evaluates your confidence, presence, and rapid recall under direct pressure. Candidates are often asked sudden, factual questions by the interview panel to test their composure. If you are asked a general knowledge question and you do not know the answer, do not guess or fabricate a response. Politely state that you do not recall the fact at the moment. The panel values honesty and composure under pressure far more than a lucky guess. However, having a solid foundation from this book reduces the likelihood of being caught off guard, giving you the confidence to speak clearly and authoritatively throughout the session.
Conclusion and Reading Guide
Who Is Who What Is What by Dogar Publishers is more than just a book; it is a repository of facts that has guided thousands of successful candidates into Pakistan's civil service and public institutions. It should be treated as a daily reference companion alongside newspapers and current affairs journals. Use the embedded PDF above to read online or download it for offline study during your revision phases. Master the systems, focus on the high-yield chapters, and build a consistent routine to crack the general knowledge section of your upcoming competitive exams.