May 2025 Edition
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May 2025 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#3621
Which of the following statements regarding the May 13, 2026, operation in Barkhan is INCORRECT?
(a) The operation was conducted in the Nosham area.
(b) A major-ranked officer was among those martyred.
(c) The operation was carried out solely by the local police force.
(d) Seven terrorists were killed during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The operation was a joint effort by the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps, not the local police. The other statements accurately reflect the details provided by the ISPR. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#3622
What is the maturity period of the inaugural Panda bond issued by Pakistan on May 14, 2026?
(a) One year
(b) Three years
(c) Five years
(d) Ten years
Explanation: The inaugural Panda bond is a fixed-rate instrument with a three-year maturity. This duration is a standard feature for initial sovereign entries into the Chinese onshore market. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000249/pakistan-raises-250m-equivalent-in-inaugural-panda-bond-issuance, 14 May 2026]
#3623
Which JUI-F Senator raised the issue of the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the Senate session on May 12, 2026?
(a) Attaur Rehman
(b) Rana Sanaullah
(c) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Attaur Rehman specifically questioned the government regarding the security crisis in KP, citing attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. Rana Sanaullah and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry were government ministers responding to his concerns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#3624
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Attock: 1. The incident occurred on May 11, 2026. 2. The shepherd was killed after confronting a suicide bomber near a security post. 3. The Mankor post is exclusively managed by the provincial police force. 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 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the post is managed by a combination of civil armed forces, the Federal Board of Revenue, and the Anti-Narcotics Force, not exclusively by the provincial police. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999466/shepherd-sacrifices-life-averting-suicide-attack-attock, 11 May 2026]
#3625
How many pilgrims performed Umrah in 2025 according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics?
(a) 23 million
(b) 33 million
(c) 53 million
(d) 43 million
Explanation: Official statistics from the Saudi General Authority for Statistics recorded nearly 43 million pilgrims for the year 2025. This figure highlights the significant scale of religious tourism in the Kingdom. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017249/saudi-govt-launches-multiple-entry-umrah-visa-with-one-year-validity, 21 Jul 2026]
#3626
According to the bomb disposal squad, what type of vehicle was utilized to carry the explosives during the attack on May 10, 2026?
(a) Loader rickshaw
(b) Armored personnel carrier
(c) Pickup truck
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bomb disposal squad confirmed that a loader rickshaw was used to transport the 1,000 to 1,500 kilograms of explosive material. The other options are incorrect as they do not match the specific vehicle identified in the investigation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#3627
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as reported in July 2026: 1. Security forces foiled an attempted suicide attack in the Kari Kot area earlier in the week. 2. A suicide attack near Azam Warsak Bazaar in May 2026 resulted in civilian casualties. 3. The rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a 23 percent increase in attacks in June 2026. 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 report mentions the Kari Kot incident. Statement 2 is correct regarding the May incident near Azam Warsak. Statement 3 is incorrect because the 23 percent figure refers to the decrease in tribal districts, while the rest of the province saw a 16 percent increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016455/terrorist-killed-as-security-forces-destroy-explosive-laden-vehicle-intended-for-suicide-attack-in-wana-state-media, 18 Jul 2026]
#3628
Consider the following statements about the recent judicial transfers in April 2026: 1. The Islamabad Bar Council expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and uniform criteria in the transfer process. 2. The transferred judges were among those who previously reported alleged intelligence interference in judicial affairs. 3. Refusal to accept a transfer under the current constitutional framework may lead to proceedings under Article 209. 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the events of April 2026. The IBC criticized the process, the judges had a history of reporting interference, and the law now stipulates potential Article 209 proceedings for non-compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#3629
Consider the following statements about the visit of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V to Pakistan in May 2026: 1. The Prince held delegation-level talks at the Presidency with President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is involved in climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. 3. The visit included a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister's House. 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 accurate regarding the diplomatic proceedings and the scope of AKDN's work. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour was presented at Aiwan-i-Sadr (President House), not the Prime Minister's House. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#3630
Who among the following officials attended the banquet held in honour of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on May 20, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
(c) Sadiq Sanjrani
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was among the high-level officials present at the banquet. The other individuals listed were not mentioned as attendees of this specific event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#3631
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V arrived in Pakistan on May 20, 2026, at which specific location?
(a) Jinnah International Airport
(b) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) Bacha Khan International Airport
Explanation: Prince Rahim was officially received by President Asif Ali Zardari upon his arrival at the Nur Khan Air Base in Islamabad. The other options represent major international airports in Pakistan that were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#3632
Which international agreement did India unilaterally suspend following the Pahalgam attack in 2025?
(a) Simla Agreement
(b) Tashkent Declaration
(c) Lahore Declaration
(d) Indus Waters Treaty
Explanation: India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty as part of its aggressive measures against Pakistan. The other agreements listed are historical diplomatic frameworks that were not the primary target of this specific suspension. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994381/pakistan-rejects-indian-propaganda-on-pahalgam-attack-deplores-weaponisation-of-false-narrative, 23 Apr 2026]
#3633
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate session on May 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government rejected the impression that any specific province was being targeted by terrorists.
(b) The opposition and treasury reached a consensus on the immediate withdrawal of all security forces from KP.
(c) The Parliamentary Affairs Minister claimed that intelligence-based operations are currently underway.
(d) The government emphasized that there would be no compromise on the resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Explanation: There was no consensus on withdrawing security forces; rather, the government defended its ongoing intelligence-based operations. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stance during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999725/treasury-opposition-clash-in-senate-as-jui-f-senator-questions-terrorism-in-kp, 12 May 2026]
#3634
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of May 2026: 1. The operation in Barkhan targeted members of the group designated as Fitna al Hindustan. 2. The Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan approved the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam'. 3. Security forces recovered weapons and explosives from the terrorists killed in the Barkhan operation. 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the ISPR report regarding the May 13, 2026, operation. The operation targeted the specified group, followed the approved national vision, and resulted in the recovery of militant equipment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999982/major-among-five-soldiers-martyred-during-operation-in-balochistans-barkhan-ispr, 13 May 2026]
#3635
In addition to rain and thunderstorms, what specific weather phenomenon does the PMD warn may damage standing crops in Punjab, KP, and Sindh?
(a) Heatwaves
(b) Windstorms and hailstorms
(c) Dust storms
(d) Prolonged fog
Explanation: The PMD explicitly warns that windstorms and hailstorms could damage standing crops in Punjab, KP, and Sindh, advising farmers to manage their crops accordingly. Other options like heatwaves or fog are not mentioned in the context of this specific weather system. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#3636
Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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: All three statements are factually correct. The RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#3637
On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#3638
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#3639
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Bannu on May 9, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The suicide attack involved an explosive-filled vehicle.
(b) The explosion caused the roof of the police post to collapse.
(c) No civilians were injured during the suicide attack on the police post.
(d) An emergency was declared in the district hospitals.
Explanation: The report confirms that two civilians were injured in the attack, making the statement that no civilians were injured incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#3640
Consider the following statements about the legal developments involving Bushra Bibi: 1. She was sentenced to 17 years in the Toshakhana 2 case in December 2025. 2. The £190 million corruption case involves the retrieval of laundered money from the United Kingdom. 3. The jail authorities reported that she was diagnosed with retinal detachment in her right eye. 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the details provided in the case records. The Toshakhana 2 conviction occurred in December 2025, the nature of the £190 million case is correctly described, and the medical diagnosis of retinal detachment was confirmed by jail authorities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]