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.
#4161
Who currently serves as the Minister for Power in the federal cabinet as of May 2, 2026?
(a) Ahad Khan Cheema
(b) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari
(c) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(d) Attaullah Tarar
Explanation: Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari is the Minister for Power. The other individuals listed hold different portfolios, such as Economic Affairs, Petroleum, and Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996962/pm-shehbaz-orders-formulation-of-strategy-to-stabilise-electricity-tariffs, 02 May 2026]
#4162
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#4163
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Riyadh, Doha, and Istanbul as part of Pakistan's diplomatic outreach. 2. President Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to abandon its nuclear weapons program. 3. The US-Iran ceasefire was set to expire in early May 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 Prime Minister conducted a tour of these cities. Statement 2 is correct as Trump claimed Iran agreed to give up its nuclear program. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ceasefire was set to expire 'next week' from April 16, 2026, not in May. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]
#4164
Match List I (Economic Indicator/Metric) with List II (Status/Value as of May 2026 report): 1. Total disbursements under two arrangements — a. 16 billion dollars 2. Foreign exchange reserves (Dec 2025) — b. 1.32 billion dollars 3. Latest IMF financing approval — c. 4.8 billion dollars 4. Foreign exchange reserves (June 2025) — d. 14.5 billion dollars
(a) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b, 4-d
(b) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
(c) 1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
(d) 1-a, 2-c, 3-b, 4-d
Explanation: The total disbursements under the EFF and RSF reached $4.8 billion, while the latest approval was $1.32 billion. Reserves grew from $14.5 billion in June 2025 to $16 billion in December 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4165
Which of the following statements regarding the May 10, 2026, attack in Bannu is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved a vehicle laden with explosives.
(b) The rescue operation was concluded by Rescue 1122 on Sunday morning.
(c) The police post remained largely intact despite the intensity of the blast.
(d) Terrorists opened heavy fire following the initial explosion.
Explanation: The statement that the police post remained intact is false; reports confirm the post was completely destroyed by the powerful blast. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#4166
On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:
(a) 1.10 billion dollars
(b) 1.32 billion dollars
(c) 4.80 billion dollars
(d) 16.0 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4167
Who served as the Acting Chair during the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 8, 2026?
(a) Kristalina Georgieva
(b) Gita Gopinath
(c) Nigel Clarke
(d) David Malpass
Explanation: Nigel Clarke, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, presided over the meeting as the Acting Chair. The other individuals listed hold or have held different leadership roles within the IMF or World Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4168
According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?
(a) 16.0 billion dollars
(b) 14.5 billion dollars
(c) 18.2 billion dollars
(d) 20.5 billion dollars
Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4169
Which facility, alongside the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), provided funding to Pakistan in the May 2026 IMF review?
(a) Precautionary and Liquidity Line
(b) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust
(c) Flexible Credit Line
(d) Resilience and Sustainability Facility
Explanation: The financing package consists of funds from the EFF and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The other options are alternative IMF lending instruments not utilized in this specific disbursement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4170
Who led the police operation following the suicide attack in Bannu on May 9, 2026?
(a) Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan
(b) District Police Officer Qudratullah Khan
(c) The Inspector General of Police KP
(d) The Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary
Explanation: Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan personally led the police operation at the site of the attack. Qudratullah Khan is the spokesman for the DPO in Lakki Marwat, serving as a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#4171
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#4172
Consider the following statements regarding the IMF's assessment of Pakistan's economy in May 2026: 1. The IMF flagged the Middle East war as a source of heightened geopolitical risk. 2. Pakistan met structural benchmarks related to tax policy and energy pricing. 3. The IMF recommended an immediate expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate growth. 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 they reflect the IMF's stated concerns and the conditions met by Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IMF explicitly recommended gradual fiscal consolidation, not expansionary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#4173
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]
#4174
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]
#4175
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]
#4176
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]
#4177
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]
#4178
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]
#4179
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]
#4180
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]