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.
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]
963
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]
965
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]
966
Consider the following statements regarding the legal and political discourse surrounding the ICC warrant in New York:
1. The Mayor of New York City asserted that his office possesses the independent legal authority to execute the ICC warrant.
2. The US federal government holds the authority to execute international arrest warrants within the country.
3. The ICC warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu was initially announced in 2024.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is false because the Mayor explicitly stated he does NOT have the authority. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-ny-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
967
All of the following are true regarding the allegations involving Nikhil Gupta EXCEPT:
Nikhil Gupta was the subject of US Department of Justice charges, not a sponsor of the legislation. The other three statements accurately reflect the legal proceedings initiated against him in 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017401/india-scrutiny-fuels-us-push-to-criminalise-foreign-repression, 22 Jul 2026]
968
Which of the following statements regarding the recent fuel price adjustment is INCORRECT?
The All Pakistan Dealers Association rejected the daily pricing decision and planned to protest against it, making statement C incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the price changes and the effective date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017065/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-rs035-increases-diesel-by-rs571-per-litre, 20 Jul 2026]
969
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026:
1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements.
3. The ministers declared that the Al-Aqsa compound is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the joint statement. The ministers condemned the flag-raising, referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and reiterated the exclusive status of the site for Muslim worship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
970
Which of the following statements regarding the second day of the first Test is INCORRECT?
Mohammad Rizwan is the wicket-keeper and did not score a century in the morning session; he was involved in taking a catch behind the stumps. The other three statements accurately reflect the events of the second day's morning session. [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]