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.
#4721
The government's petroleum and carbon levy was announced in June 2025 as part of a commitment to which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) Asian Development Bank
(c) World Trade Organization
(d) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The petroleum and carbon levy was implemented under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The World Bank and ADB are common distractors in fiscal policy contexts but were not the primary parties to this specific levy agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017280/jamaat-i-islami-announces-nationwide-road-blockade-against-petroleum-levy, 21 Jul 2026]
#4722
Under the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in September 2025, how are attacks on Pakistan or Saudi Arabia to be treated?
(a) As a violation of the UN Charter only
(b) As a matter for the Arab League to resolve
(c) As an act of aggression against both nations
(d) As a localized conflict requiring neutral mediation
Explanation: The 2025 agreement establishes a framework where an attack on one signatory is considered an act of aggression against the other, reinforcing the deep security ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/islamabad-condemns-houthis-threats-to-riyadh-warns-against-targeting-pakistani-maritime-interests, 22 Jul 2026]
#4723
Consider the following statements about the ICC warrant debate in New York City: 1. The New York City Mayor claimed that the federal government has the authority to join the ICC and execute warrants. 2. The United States President vowed that the Israeli Prime Minister would not face arrest during the UN General Assembly summit. 3. The ICC warrant is based on allegations related to the offensive in Gaza following the October 2023 attack. 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 based on the events of July 2026. The Mayor acknowledged federal primacy, the President publicly stated the Prime Minister would not be arrested, and the ICC's warrant is linked to the post-October 2023 Gaza offensive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
#4724
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan: 1. The Provincial Apex Committee on the National Action Plan met in Quetta to discuss ending terrorism. 2. Balochistan recorded a 109 percent increase in terrorist attacks in May compared to April. 3. Operation Shaban was launched in retaliation for an attack at the Mangi Dam pumping station. 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 Prime Minister chaired the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the PICSS report documented the 109 percent increase in attacks, and Operation Shaban was indeed a response to the Ziarat incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017521/10-terrorists-killed-2-female-suicide-bombers-and-their-facilitator-apprehended-in-balochistan-operations-ispr, 22 Jul 2026]
#4725
Consider the following statements about the current tomato supply chain in Pakistan: 1. The Balochistan crop is currently the primary source of domestic supply. 2. Iranian tomatoes are arriving in large quantities, exceeding 50 containers per day. 3. The tomato crop in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically arrives in the May-June period. 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 Balochistan is the current supplier. Statement 3 is correct regarding the seasonal arrival of crops in Punjab and KP. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports are arriving in very small quantities, averaging only 10 containers per day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017429/iranian-tomatoes-fail-to-ease-prices, 22 Jul 2026]
#4726
During the visit on May 15, 2026, India and the UAE agreed to explore increasing ADNOC's crude oil storage capacity in India to how many million barrels?
(a) 30 million
(b) 20 million
(c) 10 million
(d) 40 million
Explanation: The agreement between India and the UAE includes a provision for ADNOC to potentially increase its crude oil storage in India to 30 million barrels. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India's strategic petroleum reserves. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000469/india-uae-agree-on-framework-for-strategic-defence-partnership-during-modi-visit, 15 May 2026]
#4727
Who is the current Law Minister of Pakistan as of May 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) None of these
Explanation: Azam Nazeer Tarar serves as the Law Minister and has been the primary spokesperson regarding the government's stance on potential constitutional amendments. Rana Sanaullah is an adviser to the Prime Minister, not the Law Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#4728
Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on May 15, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The government claimed that parliamentary rules allow committees to interfere in prison administration.
(b) Opposition members demanded an independent committee to visit jails.
(c) PTI senators alleged that the founder has lost sight in one eye.
(d) The government cited a five-member medical board that endorsed the current treatment.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that parliamentary rules of business do not provide room for a committee to interfere in executive matters related to prison administration. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]
#4729
Consider the following statements about the legislative process in Pakistan: 1. Constitutional amendments require a consensus among coalition partners to be successfully introduced. 2. The 18th Amendment is cited as a historical example of successful consensus-based legislation. 3. The PPP has expressed that it was fully consulted by the government regarding the 28th Amendment prior to 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 government's stated policy and historical context. Statement 3 is incorrect because the PPP leadership explicitly stated they had not been contacted by the government regarding any constitutional amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000722/law-minister-tarar-sees-no-indication-of-28th-amendment-for-now, 16 May 2026]
#4730
Which Bangladeshi bowler took 4-113 to put Pakistan in a difficult position during the second Test on May 19, 2026?
(a) Nahid Rana
(b) Taijul Islam
(c) Najmul Hossain Shanto
(d) None of these
Explanation: Taijul Islam was the primary architect of the Bangladeshi bowling effort, claiming four wickets including key dismissals of Babar Azam and Salman Agha. Nahid Rana also contributed but did not take four wickets in this innings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#4731
Consider the following statements regarding the security measures in Balochistan as of May 17, 2026: 1. The provincial government banned the covering of faces in public places to prevent the obstruction of identification. 2. The security alert was issued in response to recent attacks in Barkhan and Chagai districts. 3. The ban on gatherings applies only to the provincial capital, Quetta. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification explicitly states that Section 144 was imposed across the entire province, not just in Quetta. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#4732
Which organization provided strategic support to the Nigerian military for the airstrikes conducted in May 2026?
(a) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
(b) United Nations Peacekeeping Force
(c) Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
(d) US Africa Command (Africom)
Explanation: The US Africa Command (Africom) coordinated with Nigerian authorities to execute the airstrikes. Africom is the primary US military command responsible for operations in Africa. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#4733
Which Pakistani official visited Iran in May 2026 to discuss the revival of the stalled US-Iran peace process?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi conducted the visit to Iran to hold meetings with Iranian leadership to revive the peace process. While Ishaq Dar is involved in foreign policy, the specific visit mentioned in the context of the May 2026 developments was led by the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000962/pm-shehbaz-credits-political-military-partnership-for-pakistans-recognition-as-us-iran-mediator-changed-image, 17 May 2026]
#4734
Which of the following individuals is reported to be among the activists detained by Israeli forces during the May 2026 flotilla interception?
(a) Saad Edhi
(b) Abdul Sattar Edhi
(c) Faisal Edhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Saad Edhi, the son of Faisal Edhi and grandson of Abdul Sattar Edhi, was reported to be among the detained activists. The other two names are his father and grandfather, respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001815/monstrous-disgraceful-and-inhumane-israeli-minister-sparks-outcry-over-video-of-bound-flotilla-activists, 20 May 2026]
#4735
Which of the following statements regarding the second Test match on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan required 121 runs on the final day to secure victory.
(b) Pakistan successfully chased the target of 437 runs on the fourth day.
(c) Bangladesh had already won the first Test match of the series.
(d) Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha put on a 134-run partnership.
Explanation: Pakistan did not chase the target on the fourth day; they ended the day at 316-7, still needing 121 runs. The other three statements are factually accurate based on the match report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001532/taijul-puts-bangladesh-on-brink-of-test-series-win-over-pakistan, 19 May 2026]
#4736
Which of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's address on May 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to defend its territorial integrity.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's peace offer was a sign of military weakness.
(c) He acknowledged the presence of students from friendly countries at the war college.
(d) He highlighted the importance of military diplomacy for regional stability.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly stated that Pakistan's peace offer was never a sign of weakness, but rather a reflection of its strength and mature stance. Therefore, the statement claiming he called it a weakness is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]
#4737
All of the following are prohibited under the Section 144 order issued in Balochistan on May 17, 2026, EXCEPT:
(a) Gatherings of five or more persons
(b) Operation of registered motorcycles
(c) Use of tinted glasses on vehicles
(d) Display or use of weapons
Explanation: The order prohibits the use of unregistered motorcycles, not registered ones. The other three options are explicitly listed as prohibited activities in the government notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]
#4738
Which of the following statements regarding the Defence Minister's remarks on May 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He claimed that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally.
(b) He stated that Pakistan's armed forces gave a devastating response to India last year.
(c) He confirmed that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled before the cabinet.
(d) He criticized the remarks made by the Indian Army Chief.
Explanation: The Defence Minister explicitly rejected the impression that the 28th constitutional amendment had been tabled, making option C the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#4739
Who was identified as the global director of operations for the Islamic State killed during the joint Nigeria-US strikes in May 2026?
(a) Abdal Wahhab
(b) Abu Bilal al-Minuki
(c) Abu Musa al-Mangawi
(d) Abu al-Muthanna al-Muhajir
Explanation: Abu Bilal al-Minuki was confirmed as the global director of operations for IS and was killed during the joint military operation. The other individuals listed were also senior ISWAP figures killed in the same operation, but they held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001567/nigeria-says-joint-strikes-with-us-kill-175-is-fighters, 19 May 2026]
#4740
In which division of Balochistan did the Prime Minister order the deployment of the Frontier Corps on May 19, 2026?
(a) Rakhshan Division
(b) Kalat Division
(c) Makran Division
(d) None of these
Explanation: During the Apex Committee meeting in Quetta, the Prime Minister specifically directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps in the Rakhshan division to enhance security measures. The other options are existing divisions in Balochistan but were not the focus of this specific directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001538/pakistan-a-net-regional-stabiliser-contributing-to-peace-in-the-region-and-beyond-pm-shehbaz, 19 May 2026]