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]
802
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]
803
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]
804
What percentage increase in salaries and pensions was announced for government employees in the 2026-27 budget?
The government announced a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for its employees. The other percentages are incorrect distractors that do not reflect the approved fiscal policy. [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]
805
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]
806
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]
807
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]
808
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]
809
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]
810
Which political party secured the highest number of seats in the June 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections?
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerged as the largest party in the assembly with 11 seats. The PML-N followed with six seats. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
