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.
#3861
Which of the following Iranian officials did Field Marshal Asim Munir NOT meet during his visit to Tehran in May 2026?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ali Khamenei
(c) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(d) Abbas Araghchi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir met with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. There is no mention of a meeting with the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in the official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#3862
Which critical infrastructure facility in the United Arab Emirates was targeted by drone strikes shortly before the attack on Saudi Arabia in May 2026?
(a) Jebel Ali Port
(b) Barakah nuclear plant
(c) Fujairah oil terminal
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Barakah nuclear plant was the target of drone strikes in the UAE, an event that preceded the attack on Saudi Arabia. The other options are major UAE infrastructure sites but were not the specific targets mentioned in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3863
Who serves as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and issued a statement urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint following regional drone attacks in May 2026?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a public statement on X condemning the attacks and calling for diplomatic solutions. The other individuals listed are prominent political figures but do not hold the office of Prime Minister as of May 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3864
The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia in May 2026 were described by the Pakistani Foreign Office as a violation of which fundamental international principle?
(a) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
(b) Freedom of navigation
(c) Humanitarian intervention protocols
(d) Maritime boundary delimitation
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that the attacks constituted a serious violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This language is standard in diplomatic condemnations regarding cross-border aggression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3865
Consider the following statements about the geopolitical situation in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic prior to the war. 2. President Trump confirmed that the US is currently discussing the easing of sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal. 3. Ebrahim Azizi stated that Iranian demands include the right to enrich uranium and maintain authority over the strait. 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 President Trump explicitly stated that the US was not discussing easing sanctions on Iran. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported geopolitical context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#3866
Consider the following statements about the regional security developments in May 2026: 1. The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia involved three drones that were successfully intercepted. 2. The UAE Industry Minister characterized the strike on the Barakah nuclear plant as a terrorist attack. 3. Pakistan's official response emphasized that military escalation is the only viable path to regional stability. 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 three drones were intercepted. Statement 2 is correct as Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber labeled the strike a terrorist attack. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, not military escalation, as the path to stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#3867
Which Iranian entity claimed responsibility for targeting a US airbase in retaliation for the May 28, 2026, strikes?
(a) Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
(b) Artesh (Regular Army of Iran)
(c) Basij Resistance Force
(d) Quds Force
Explanation: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially announced that they targeted a US base in response to the US attack near Bandar Abbas. While the Quds Force is a branch of the IRGC, the official statement was issued by the IRGC leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#3868
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 escalation is INCORRECT?
(a) The US military shot down four Iranian attack drones during the operation.
(b) The ceasefire between the US and Iran had been in effect since the beginning of 2026.
(c) Oil prices rebounded following reports of the renewed hostilities.
(d) The US official stated that the military actions were intended to be defensive.
Explanation: The ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect in early April 2026, not at the beginning of the year. The other statements accurately reflect the events of May 28, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003525/us-strikes-iran-drawing-retaliatory-attack-on-american-base-after-trump-dismisses-report-of-hormuz-deal, 28 May 2026]
#3869
Who currently serves as the United States Secretary of State as of May 27, 2026?
(a) Mike Pompeo
(b) Marco Rubio
(c) Antony Blinken
(d) None of these
Explanation: Marco Rubio is identified as the US Secretary of State in the report regarding the cabinet meeting. Other options are either former secretaries or not currently serving in that capacity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003490/trump-cabinet-looks-forward-to-progress-on-iran-deal-in-coming-hours-days, 27 May 2026]
#3870
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]
#3871
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]
#3872
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]
#3873
Who is the current Chinese Defence Ministry Spokesman who commented on the bilateral military cooperation in May 2026?
(a) Colonel Zhang Ming
(b) Colonel Wang Wei
(c) Colonel Jiang Bin
(d) Colonel Li Feng
Explanation: Colonel Jiang Bin is the official spokesperson for the Chinese Defence Ministry who addressed the press regarding the deepening of military ties. Other names provided are plausible but incorrect distractors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003567/pakistan-china-agree-to-deepen-military-cooperation-chinese-defense-ministry, 28 May 2026]
#3874
At which international forum did US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praise Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations on May 30, 2026?
(a) Raisina Dialogue
(b) Munich Security Conference
(c) Shangri-La Dialogue
(d) World Economic Forum
Explanation: The US Secretary of Defense made these remarks during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore. The Raisina Dialogue is a separate geopolitical conference hosted in India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3875
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3876
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3877
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#3878
Who was the ring leader neutralized by security forces during the operations reported on May 21, 2026?
(a) Noor Wali Mehsud
(b) Hafiz Gul Bahadur
(c) Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib
(d) Fazlullah
Explanation: The ISPR identified the ring leader killed during the operation as Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib. He was a high-value target wanted for his involvement in attacks against security personnel and civilians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#3879
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#3880
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic events of May 2026: 1. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran twice in less than a week to facilitate negotiations. 2. The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad resulted in a signed comprehensive peace agreement. 3. Field Marshal Asim Munir held meetings with Iranian officials to discuss regional peace and US-Iran talks. 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 Interior Minister made multiple trips to Tehran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the first round of talks ended without an agreement. Statement 3 is correct as the CDF's visit was explicitly for mediation and discussion of regional peace. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]