Public protests in AJK have been linked to several grievances, including inflation, electricity tariffs, and the specific issue of the 12 reserved refugee seats in the legislative assembly. Option D is incorrect because A is a factually cited cause. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
1232
Which of the following statements regarding the federal government's development loans is INCORRECT?
The markup rate in 2024-25 was 17.74 percent, which is significantly higher than the 10.30 percent rate recorded in 2020-21. Therefore, the statement claiming it was lower is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018194/centre-cuts-markup-on-uplift-loans-to-1189pc, 24 Jul 2026]
1233
Which of the following institutional mechanisms is central to the operational mandate of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)?
SAARC was established to foster regional cooperation in South Asia, focusing on economic growth, social progress, and cultural development rather than supranational political or military integration.
Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on July 18, 2026:
1. Iran justified its actions by citing a Quranic command regarding reciprocal attacks.
2. The US and Iran have been testing escalation limits since the collapse of a ceasefire agreement.
3. Iranian health officials reported that over 500 people were killed in US strikes over the past three weeks.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as the IRGC cited a Quranic command for their actions. Statement 2 is correct regarding the testing of escalation limits. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report stated 50 people were killed and 500 were injured, not 500 killed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
1235
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or appeal made by the PML-N leadership regarding the situation in AJK?
The leadership urged for dialogue and the cessation of protests to restore peace and advance the electoral process. There was no call for the immediate dissolution of the AJK Legislative Assembly; rather, the focus was on maintaining the constitutional framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008589/nawaz-urges-ajk-to-end-protests-sit-ins-and-engage-in-meaningful-dialogue-with-govt, 17 Jun 2026]
1236
Which of the following criteria is primarily utilized by Transparency International to determine the rankings in the Corruption Perceptions Index?
The Corruption Perceptions Index serves as a governance metric by aggregating expert assessments and surveys to measure the perceived integrity of public sector institutions, rather than measuring absolute corruption levels.
Consider the following statements regarding policy developments and national events occurring in August 2026:
1. The Sindh Governor has taken steps toward institutional modernization by inaugurating an AI laboratory at an engineering university.
2. The Government of Pakistan has unveiled a roadmap to restructure and unbundle existing gas utility companies into five distinct entities.
3. The national transport sector has announced a nationwide protest action slated to commence on August 8 due to operational grievances.
All statements are verified: the Governor of Sindh inaugurated an AI laboratory at SSUET; the government formally proposed restructuring gas utilities SNGPL and SSGCL into five entities; and transport associations have confirmed a nationwide strike beginning August 8. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40433354/nehal-inaugurates-ai-lab-at-ssuet]
1238
At which venue is the first Test match between Pakistan and the West Indies being played?
The match is being hosted at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, which is noted as the 13th Test venue in the Caribbean. Sabina Park and Kensington Oval are other prominent Caribbean cricket grounds but are not the site of this specific match. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018615/pakistan-seize-control-but-hope-joseph-fight-on-as-west-indies-reach-303-7-at-lunch, 27 Jul 2026]
1239
Who is the current Education Minister of India whose resignation is being demanded by the 'Cockroach' movement protesters?
Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister of India. JP Nadda is the Health Minister, who engaged with the protesters to discuss their demands. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017491/exam-paper-leak-protests-and-gandhi-siblings-arrest-indias-cockroach-youth-movement-explained, 22 Jul 2026]
1240
Consider the following statements about the 2026 NEET protest movement:
1. The movement is led by a group that calls itself the 'Cockroach Janta Party'.
2. The protests were triggered by the leakage of question papers for the medical entrance exam.
3. Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were detained by police during the protests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the events of July 2026. The movement is indeed named the 'Cockroach Janta Party', the NEET leak was the primary trigger, and the Gandhi siblings were detained after protesting near the Prime Minister's residence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017491/exam-paper-leak-protests-and-gandhi-siblings-arrest-indias-cockroach-youth-movement-explained, 22 Jul 2026]
