March 2025 Edition
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March 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#4461
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#4462
Which official holds the dual portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the current administration as of March 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Ishaq Dar is identified as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is the PPP Chairperson, and Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#4463
Which of the following is NOT a component of the reported 15-point peace proposal discussed on March 25, 2026?
(a) A one-month ceasefire between the involved parties
(b) The lifting of economic sanctions against Iran
(c) The surrender of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles
(d) The immediate and unconditional annexation of disputed maritime territories
Explanation: The peace proposal focuses on nuclear non-proliferation, a ceasefire, and the lifting of sanctions. Annexation of territory is not part of the reported diplomatic framework. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#4464
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments reported on March 25, 2026: 1. The United States has proposed a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. 2. Iran has agreed to allow safe passage for all vessels, including those from hostile nations, through the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The proposed deal includes provisions for Iran to receive assistance in developing civil nuclear energy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as a one-month ceasefire is part of the proposal. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran specifically limited safe passage to 'non-hostile' vessels. Statement 3 is correct as the proposal includes assistance for the Bushehr civil nuclear site. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#4465
In March 2026, the federal government held an expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr that included representatives from which of the following?
(a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) The Election Commission of Pakistan
(c) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr included the leadership of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The judiciary and the Election Commission were not listed as participants in this executive-led consultative forum. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#4466
On March 25, 2026, Iran announced that it would allow 'non-hostile' vessels to pass through which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the gateway for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Iran's decision to allow safe passage for non-hostile vessels is a significant de-escalation measure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985150/us-reportedly-sends-peace-plan-as-iran-opens-strait-of-hormuz-to-non-hostile-oil-vessels, 25 Mar 2026]
#4467
Consider the following statements about the Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) group: 1. It was formed by Abdul Wali, also known as Omar Khalid Khorasani. 2. The group split from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014. 3. The group has maintained a complete and formal separation from the TTP since 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as JuA was formed by Khorasani in 2014 after splitting from the TTP. Statement 3 is incorrect because, although disputes surfaced in 2025, no formal separation occurred, and the groups had previously joined hands in 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#4468
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#4469
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in March 2026: 1. Pakistan is actively attempting to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. 2. The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries to address the regional crisis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on the Middle East crisis and regional stability, not bilateral trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986574/pm-shehbaz-commends-kingdoms-remarkable-restraint-in-meeting-with-saudi-fm-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-support, 29 Mar 2026]
#4470
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic outreach by Pakistan in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
(b) The Prime Minister officially declared war on the United States.
(c) The Prime Minister offered condolences for the loss of lives.
(d) The Prime Minister advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Explanation: Pakistan maintained a stance of facilitating peace and de-escalation, not declaring war. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the Prime Minister's official communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#4471
The temporary US waiver issued in March 2026 was intended to facilitate the sale of which specific commodity to India?
(a) Natural gas
(b) Refined petroleum products
(c) Russian oil stranded at sea
(d) None of these
Explanation: The US waiver was specifically designed to allow Russian oil that was stranded at sea to be sold to India. This was a temporary measure in response to the broader energy market disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]
#4472
On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#4473
Consider the following statements about the political developments involving MQM-P in March 2026: 1. The MQM-P leadership views constitutional reform as a national security necessity. 2. Kamran Tessori was removed as the Governor of Sindh without prior consultation with the MQM-P. 3. The proposed 28th Amendment is primarily aimed at increasing the number of federal ministries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the party's public stance and the circumstances of the governor's removal. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment is focused on local government empowerment and participatory democracy, not the expansion of federal ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#4474
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#4475
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus of the backchannel discussions between the involved parties as of March 2026?
(a) De-escalation of military hostilities
(b) Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
(c) Parameters for a broader end to the war
(d) Immediate integration of Iran into the G20
Explanation: The backchannel discussions focused on de-escalation, the Strait of Hormuz, and ending the war. Integration into the G20 is not a subject of these specific diplomatic negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#4476
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in March 2026: 1. The conflict resulted in strained relations between Iran and various Gulf nations. 2. Iran has accepted responsibility for all retaliatory attacks targeting US bases in the region. 3. Pakistan has committed to playing a constructive role in facilitating regional peace. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran denies having a role in some of the attacks, despite accepting responsibility for others. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#4477
Consider the following statements about the US military operations in the Middle East as of March 13, 2026: 1. The KC-135 aircraft involved in the crash was designed for aerial refueling. 2. The US military confirmed that the crash was the result of a direct missile strike by Iranian forces. 3. The US has deployed a significant number of aircraft to the region to support operations against Iran. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the KC-135 is a refueling tanker. Statement 3 is correct regarding the deployment of aircraft. Statement 2 is incorrect because the military explicitly ruled out hostile fire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981530/six-us-service-members-killed-in-plane-crash-over-iraq, 13 Mar 2026]
#4478
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in March 2026: 1. Pakistan officially offered to host talks between the US and Iran. 2. The US President publicly acknowledged productive conversations with Tehran. 3. Direct contact between Washington and Tehran has been confirmed by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as PM Shehbaz offered to host talks and President Trump confirmed productive conversations. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that no direct contact occurred between Washington and Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#4479
Who served as the Information Minister of Pakistan during the announcement of the temporary pause in March 2026?
(a) Shibli Faraz
(b) Marriyum Aurangzeb
(c) Fawad Chaudhry
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Attaullah Tarar, as the Information Minister, officially announced the temporary pause in Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on March 18, 2026. The other individuals listed are former information ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984967/clerics-from-pakistan-afghanistan-appeal-to-authorities-to-extend-pause-in-fighting-till-eidul-azha, 24 Mar 2026]
#4480
Consider the following statements regarding the events of March 22, 2026: 1. The PTI founder accused the judiciary of selling their integrity. 2. The government claimed that the sons of the PTI founder were welcome to visit Pakistan using their NICOPs. 3. Jemima Goldsmith alleged that the government's travel recommendations for the sons would ensure full British protection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect because Jemima Goldsmith specifically alleged that traveling on NICOPs would result in 'no British protection,' which was the basis of her concern. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]