The State Bank of Pakistan warned of potential inflationary price spirals, and the Supreme Court declared retrospective tax penalties unlawful. The World Bank expressed concern specifically over the diversion of funds from the Balochistan housing program, not the federal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022040/sbp-warns-of-price-spirals]
432
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan:
1. The government transitioned to a daily fuel pricing mechanism due to international market volatility.
2. The Petroleum Division announced that fuel prices would be fixed weekly starting from July 2026.
3. Regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf have been cited as a primary factor for the recent price fluctuations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 and 3 are correct as the government moved to a daily pricing mechanism due to regional hostilities. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government moved to a daily, not weekly, pricing mechanism. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017065/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-rs035-increases-diesel-by-rs571-per-litre, 20 Jul 2026]
433
Which Article of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the freedom of speech and expression?
Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan provides for the freedom of speech, expression, and the press, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security, or defense of Pakistan.
Consider the following statements about the fuel price update of July 2026:
1. The new fuel prices became applicable on July 22, 2026.
2. The price of petrol was increased by a higher margin than the price of high-speed diesel.
3. The government cited renewed regional hostilities in the Persian Gulf as a reason for the price hike.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as the notification specified July 22 as the effective date. Statement 3 is correct as the government cited Persian Gulf hostilities. Statement 2 is incorrect because petrol increased by Rs4.93, which is less than the Rs7.15 increase for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017311/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs493-diesel-by-rs715-per-litre, 21 Jul 2026]
435
Consider the following statements about the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the recent fine:
1. The DSA entered into force in 2022 to regulate big tech and online retailers.
2. The fine amount was determined based on the nature of violations, their impact on Europeans, and the duration of the infringements.
3. The DSA mandates that platforms must evaluate risks and implement measures to tackle dangers to consumers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate. The DSA was established in 2022, requires risk assessment by platforms, and the fine calculation methodology cited in the report aligns with standard EU regulatory practices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017112/eu-imposes-630m-fine-on-aliexpress-over-illegal-products, 21 Jul 2026]
436
Which international security doctrine explicitly identified the Persian Gulf as a vital interest area, justifying military intervention to protect energy supply routes?
The Carter Doctrine, articulated in 1980, established that any attempt by an outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region would be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States, necessitating a military response.
Consider the following statements regarding the global oil market situation in March 2026:
1. Crude benchmarks had surged to their highest levels since 2022 prior to the price plunge.
2. The US administration expressed concerns that high energy prices could negatively impact consumer sentiment before midterm elections.
3. Market analysts suggested that the initial price surge was an overreaction to the upside, while the subsequent plunge was an overreaction to the downside.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the market conditions and expert commentary provided in the report. The surge to 2022 levels, the political sensitivity of energy prices, and the assessment of market overreaction are all verified components of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
438
On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?
Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
439
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
440
Who currently serves as the Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of July 17, 2026?
Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding the new fuel pricing policy. Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister, and Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016227/govt-to-fix-fuel-prices-daily-due-to-renewed-hostilities-in-persian-gulf-petroleum-minister, 17 Jul 2026]
