#981

The 2024 'Azm-e-Istehkam' security campaign in Pakistan is partly aimed at:

(a) Expanding the navy

(b) Countering the TTP threat originating from cross-border sanctuaries

(c) Banning all trade with Kabul

(d) Building a new capital city

Explanation: Azm-e-Istehkam is a comprehensive national counter-terrorism drive. A key component of this strategy is to secure the border and neutralize militant groups that take advantage of the security vacuum in the border regions of Afghanistan.

#982

Which airline resumed flights between Islamabad and Kabul in 2024, signaling a cautious return to normalcy?

(a) Emirates

(b) PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) and Kam Air

(c) British Airways

(d) Lufthansa

Explanation: Restoring air connectivity is essential for diplomatic and business ties. While flights were suspended or limited after August 2021, regular services by Kam Air and PIA (at various intervals) have been critical for the movement of officials and humanitarian workers.

#983

The 'Torkham' border was famously used as a crossing point for which 2024 humanitarian mission?

(a) A religious pilgrimage

(b) The Polio vaccination teams coordination

(c) The transport of heavy tanks

(d) A marathon race

Explanation: Both nations coordinate on health issues like Polio eradication, as the virus often moves across the border via traveling families. Torkham serves as a key synchronization point for cross-border vaccination campaigns supported by the WHO.

#984

In January 2024, Iran conducted missile strikes in which Pakistani province, claiming to target a militant group?

(a) Sindh

(b) Punjab

(c) Balochistan

(d) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Explanation: In mid-January 2024, Iran launched missile and drone strikes in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, claiming to target hideouts of the militant group 'Jaish al-Adl.' Pakistan condemned this as an unprovoked violation of its sovereignty, leading to a temporary recall of ambassadors and a sharp rise in bilateral tension.

#985

What was the name of Pakistan's retaliatory military operation against militant hideouts in Iran on January 18, 2024?

(a) Operation Swift Retort

(b) Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar

(c) Operation Zarb-e-Azb

(d) Operation Sentinel

Explanation: Following the Iranian strikes, the Pakistan Armed Forces launched 'Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar' (Death to the Insurgents). The operation targeted hideouts of Baloch separatist groups (Sarmachars) in the Sistan-Baluchestan province of Iran. This marked a rare direct military exchange between the two neighbors, though both sides subsequently moved to de-escalate.

#986

Which Iranian President visited Pakistan in April 2024 to normalize ties and promote economic cooperation?

(a) Hassan Rouhani

(b) Ebrahim Raisi

(c) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

(d) Mohammad Khatami

Explanation: President Ebrahim Raisi undertook a high-profile state visit to Pakistan in April 2024. The visit was diplomatically significant as it signaled a formal end to the January tensions. During the visit, both countries signed multiple MoUs and pledged to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years.

#987

What is the primary diplomatic stance shared by Pakistan and Iran regarding the conflict in Gaza and Palestine in 2024-2025?

(a) Support for Israel's security

(b) Strong advocacy for an immediate ceasefire and a two-state solution

(c) Complete neutrality

(d) Joining the NATO response

Explanation: Both Islamabad and Tehran have consistently used international forums like the UN and OIC to condemn the military actions in Gaza. They advocate for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, which serves as a significant point of convergence in their respective foreign policies.

#988

The 'Joint Border Management Committee' (JBMC) was revitalized in 2024 primarily to address which challenge?

(a) Sectarian education

(b) Cross-border terrorism and illegal crossings

(c) Water sharing

(d) Space exploration

Explanation: Following the 2024 missile exchanges, both nations agreed to strengthen the JBMC. The committee's goal is to improve intelligence sharing and coordinate security operations to prevent militant groups from using the rugged border terrain for attacks, ensuring that the border remains a source of stability.

#989

In the current 2024-2025 period, what is the primary export of Pakistan to Iran?

(a) Crude oil

(b) Rice, Textiles, and Fruits (like Mangoes)

(c) Nuclear technology

(d) Heavy machinery

Explanation: Agriculture forms the backbone of Pakistan's exports to Iran. Rice is the single largest item, and there is high demand for Pakistani textiles and seasonal fruits. In return, Pakistan primarily imports electricity, gas, and chemical products from Iran.

#990

How did Pakistan respond to the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May 2024?

(a) With indifference

(b) By declaring a national day of mourning and sending a high-level delegation to the funeral

(c) By closing the border

(d) By joining the Israeli cabinet

Explanation: In a show of solidarity and respect for the late President who had visited Pakistan only weeks prior, Pakistan declared a day of mourning and flew the national flag at half-mast. PM Shahbaz Sharif and other leaders attended the memorial services, emphasizing the personal and state-level bond.

#991

In 2024, Pakistan launched a campaign to 'Regularize' which segment of its economy that is heavily linked to Iran?

(a) The IT sector

(b) Petroleum smuggling (Iranian Diesel)

(c) Cricket broadcasting

(d) The airline industry

Explanation: Under the direction of the SIFC and the caretaker/elected governments, Pakistan launched a crackdown on the smuggling of Iranian diesel. The goal is to move this trade into legal, taxable channels through the new border markets and official customs points.

#992

In late 2024, which international body's President visited Pakistan and discussed the 'Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) with Iranian counterparts present in the region?

(a) World Bank

(b) UN General Assembly (President of the 79th Session)

(c) IMF

(d) NATO

Explanation: The President of the UNGA visited Pakistan in 2025 to acknowledge its role in regional peace. During such visits, Pakistan's leadership often emphasizes its 'Geo-economic' strategy of connecting with neighbors like Iran to achieve sustainable regional growth.

#993

The 'Look Africa' Trade Forum held in 2024 saw Pakistan and Iran discussing joint efforts to:

(a) Invade Africa

(b) Tap into the African market through joint shipping and logistics hubs

(c) Ban African exports

(d) Build a new UN

Explanation: Both nations are looking to diversify their exports. Discussions have occurred regarding using Iranian and Pakistani ports as transit hubs for goods moving to the African continent, showcasing a broader regional economic vision.

#994

What is the current status of the U.S. as a trading partner for Pakistan in the 2024-2025 fiscal period?

(a) It is the 5th largest partner

(b) It is the largest single-country export destination for Pakistan

(c) It has been replaced by China in all trade

(d) Trade has been suspended since 2021

Explanation: The United States remains Pakistan's largest single-country export market, particularly for textiles, leather, and IT services. Maintaining this economic link is a vital component of Pakistan's 'Geo-economic' strategy, even as the two nations navigate strategic differences over regional security.

#995

In September 2024, the IMF Executive Board approved a $7 billion program for Pakistan. The U.S. role in this process is critical because:

(a) The U.S. is the largest shareholder in the IMF

(b) The U.S. prints the IMF currency

(c) Only the U.S. can sign the documents

(d) The IMF is located in Islamabad

Explanation: As the largest shareholder in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), U.S. support is essential for any country seeking an EFF or Stand-By Arrangement. Pakistan's diplomatic engagement with Washington is often focused on securing favorable conditions and timely approvals for these financial bailouts.

#996

Which U.S. official visited Pakistan in early 2024 to discuss regional security and the resettlement of Afghan refugees?

(a) Antony Blinken

(b) Donald Lu

(c) Elizabeth Horst

(d) Tom West (Special Representative for Afghanistan)

Explanation: Tom West and other senior State Department officials have frequently visited Islamabad in 2024 and 2025. These visits focus on the shared threat of groups like ISIS-K and TTP, as well as the management of Afghan nationals eligible for U.S. resettlement programs following the 2021 withdrawal.

#997

The 'Green Shipping Corridor' and cooperation on 'Climate Change' are new pillars of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship discussed in which 2024 forum?

(a) The Security Council Meeting

(b) The U.S.-Pakistan Health Dialogue

(c) The U.S.-Pakistan Climate and Environment Working Group

(d) The SIFC Summit

Explanation: Following the 2022 floods, the U.S. and Pakistan have pivoted toward 'Climate Diplomacy.' Through various working groups in 2024, the U.S. has provided assistance in renewable energy projects and 'Climate-Smart Agriculture' to help Pakistan build resilience against environmental disasters.

#998

Which Pakistani Prime Minister visited Washington in July 2019, receiving a warm welcome from President Donald Trump?

(a) Nawaz Sharif

(b) Imran Khan

(c) Shahbaz Sharif

(d) Yousaf Raza Gillani

Explanation: Imran Khan's 2019 visit was seen as a reset in ties. President Trump praised Pakistan's role in facilitating the Afghan peace talks and offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute, a statement that was highly celebrated in Pakistan but rejected by India.

#999

How did the U.S. respond to the 2024 General Elections in Pakistan?

(a) Declared them perfectly transparent

(b) Expressed concerns over irregularities and called for a thorough investigation

(c) Banned the winning party

(d) Closed its embassy in Islamabad

Explanation: Following the February 2024 elections, the U.S. State Department and several members of Congress highlighted reports of interference and the suspension of internet services. While they recognized the new government, they urged Pakistan to ensure the democratic process and human rights are respected.

#1000

The 'Cyber Security' cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan in 2024-2025 focuses on protecting which sector?

(a) Social media accounts

(b) Financial institutions and critical infrastructure

(c) Online gaming

(d) Movie theaters

Explanation: With the rise of digital threats, the U.S. has provided training to Pakistani officials and banking professionals on defending against cyber-attacks. This is part of the broader 'Digital Pakistan' initiative supported by American tech expertise.

July 2024 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions