The Sindh Chief Minister presented a budget of Rs3.56 trillion for the upcoming fiscal year. Other options represent incorrect figures that deviate from the official budgetary announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
1362
According to the Finance Minister, what is the projected inflation rate for the next fiscal year?
The Finance Minister explicitly stated that the inflation target for the upcoming fiscal year is 7.5 percent. The 4 percent figure mentioned in the same context refers to the projected GDP growth rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008354/aurangzeb-terms-tax-asaan-scheme-for-traders-a-paradigm-shift, 16 Jun 2026]
1363
Who presented the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly?
Mian Mujtabaur Rehman is the Finance Minister of Punjab who presented the budget. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister who presided over the cabinet meeting that approved the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]
1364
Which of the following regional frameworks is primarily designed to facilitate collective security and political cooperation among its member states in the Persian Gulf region?
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, specifically focused on regional security and economic integration, distinguishing it from the broader mandates of the Arab League or the OIC.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy security by connecting the Persian Gulf to which of the following bodies of water?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint located between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, facilitating the transit of a significant portion of the world's seaborne petroleum.
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026:
1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP.
2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27.
3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
1367
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
1368
What was the growth rate of large-scale manufacturing in FY26?
Large-scale manufacturing posted a growth of 6.5 percent in FY26, contributing significantly to the overall GDP growth of 3.7 percent. This sector remains a key component of the industrial output. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
1369
What is the medium-term inflation target range set by the State Bank of Pakistan?
The MPC maintains its monetary policy stance to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range of 5-7 percent. This target is central to the bank's objective of price stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
1370
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, what was the provisional GDP growth rate for FY26?
The GDP growth for FY26 was provisionally estimated at 3.7 percent, showing an increase from the 3.2 percent recorded in FY25. The growth was primarily driven by the services and industry sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
