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]
942
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]
943
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]
944
Who is the current President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP)?
Abdul Aleem Khan is the President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. He officially welcomed the four independent members into the party fold in June 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
945
Consider the following statements about the political developments in Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026:
1. The PML-N has agreed to support the PPP in forming the provincial government.
2. Four independent members joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party after the elections.
3. The results for all constituencies were finalized and announced by June 16, 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the PML-N pledged support to the PPP and four independents joined the IPP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the results of three constituencies were scheduled to be announced on June 17, 2026, not June 16. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
946
Which of the following individuals was elected from GBA-21 Ghizer in the 2026 elections?
Aman Ali Amir was the independent candidate elected from GBA-21 Ghizer who subsequently joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. The other candidates represent different constituencies such as Ghanche and Diamer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
947
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan election results is INCORRECT?
The IPP did not win any seats during the initial general elections; they fielded 16 candidates but none were successful. The party only gained representation later when four independent winners joined them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]
948
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical geopolitical chokepoint primarily because it facilitates the transit of energy resources between which two maritime zones?
The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit chokepoint, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, which is essential for global energy security.
The Carter Doctrine, articulated in 1980, specifically identified the Persian Gulf as a region of vital national interest, establishing a security framework centered on the protection of global energy supply lines.
In the context of energy geopolitics, the Strait of Hormuz functions as a critical maritime chokepoint primarily because it facilitates the transit of:
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which a significant percentage of the world's total petroleum and liquefied natural gas exports must pass.
