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]
582
Which political party boycotted the Sindh Assembly session during the presentation of the 2026-27 budget?
Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) boycotted the session, citing a lack of prior consultation. Other parties listed were not identified as the primary boycotting group in the assembly session. [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]
583
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]
584
Which political party's senator demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate budget debate on June 17, 2026?
Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, representing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), formally demanded the creation of a separate South Punjab province during the Senate proceedings on June 17, 2026. He emphasized the need for administrative bifurcation to address regional grievances. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
585
Which of the following administrative or infrastructure demands was specifically mentioned by the senator advocating for a separate South Punjab province?
The senator explicitly demanded a separate share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award for the proposed South Punjab province, alongside other infrastructure needs like a high court and industrial zones. Bahawalpur was mentioned for its historical support of Pakistan, not as the proposed new capital. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
586
In the context of the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, which sector did Senator Abdul Qadir identify as a 'mafia' that allegedly caused the reversal of the government's solar policy?
Senator Abdul Qadir alleged that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) acted as a mafia that pressured the government to reverse its solar policy. He further criticized the burden of capacity charges associated with these power agreements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
587
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on June 17, 2026, is INCORRECT?
Senator Agha Shahzeb Durrani actually alleged that the PTI had posted corrupt officers to the FBR, which the current government subsequently removed. Therefore, the statement that he praised the PTI's handling of the FBR is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008601/ppp-lawmaker-calls-for-separate-south-punjab-province-in-senate, 17 Jun 2026]
588
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's engagement with the SCO:
1. Pakistan hosted the Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in October 2024.
2. Pakistan leads an SCO working group specifically focused on poverty alleviation.
3. The SCO was originally formed in 2001 as a security cooperation group.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate. Pakistan hosted the 2024 government-level meeting, chairs the poverty alleviation working group, and the SCO was indeed founded in 2001 with a primary focus on security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008079/pakistan-to-assume-chairmanship-of-sco-council-of-heads-of-states-in-september, 15 Jun 2026]
589
The monsoon currents influencing the weather conditions in Sindh as of July 24, 2026, are originating from which body of water?
The PMD report explicitly states that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with a low-pressure area over Rajasthan, are driving the weather patterns. The Bay of Bengal and Persian Gulf are not the primary sources of these specific monsoon currents. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431626/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-across-sindh-warns-of-urban-flooding, 24 Jul 2026]
590
Consider the following statements about the Islamabad MoU:
1. The agreement was signed by the leaders of Pakistan, Iran, and the United States.
2. The conflict between the US and Iran lasted for approximately 100 days before the deal.
3. The deal was signed electronically by the involved parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the details of the agreement. The leaders involved included PM Shehbaz Sharif, President Pezeshkian, and President Trump, the conflict duration exceeded 100 days, and the signing process was conducted electronically. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008902/landmark-islamabad-mou-to-go-a-long-way-in-rebuilding-iran-pm-shehbaz-tells-pezeshkian, 18 Jun 2026]
