April 2026 Edition
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April 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20201
Which vessel was specifically identified as being struck during the maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) Al-Rekayyat
(b) Al-Zubarah
(c) Al-Ghashamiyah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Qatari LNG vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was explicitly named by the Qatari foreign ministry as the target of the attack. Other options are common names for Qatari-flagged vessels but were not involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20202
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20203
On July 8, 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office urged restraint following military strikes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement specifically addressed the escalating hostilities and mutual strikes between the United States and Iran. The other options represent different regional conflicts not central to this specific diplomatic appeal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#20204
Which international organization or agency reported the initial strikes on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
(b) International Energy Agency (IEA)
(c) United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
(d) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
Explanation: The UKMTO is the primary maritime security agency that reported the strikes, including the use of drones and unknown projectiles. The IMO and IEA are regulatory or analytical bodies that do not typically provide real-time tactical reporting on maritime security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20205
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20206
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as of 2026?
(a) Waqas Ghani
(b) Bilal bin Saqib
(c) Taqi Usmani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilal bin Saqib serves as the Chairman of the PVARA and is leading the dialogue with religious scholars regarding digital asset classification. Waqas Ghani is a research head at a brokerage firm, and Mufti Taqi Usmani is a prominent religious scholar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015697/crypto-czar-asks-jamia-darul-uloom-to-distinguish-between-speculative-crypto-asset-backed-tokens, 15 Jul 2026]
#20207
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for July 2026: 1. Moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to reach the upper parts of the country from July 2. 2. The PMD warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir. 3. Rainfall in Sindh is predicted to occur throughout the entire first week of July. 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 advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast for Sindh specifically mentions rain on July 3 and July 4, not the entire first week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#20208
Which of the following statements regarding the July 7, 2026, maritime incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Qatar acted as a mediator in the broader US-Iran conflict.
(b) The attacks occurred despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
(c) All three struck vessels were confirmed to be carrying crude oil exclusively.
(d) Iran has expressed opposition to the Omani-proposed transit corridor.
Explanation: The report specifies that one of the struck vessels was a Qatari LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker, not a crude oil tanker. The other statements are factually accurate regarding the mediation role of Qatar, the existence of a ceasefire, and Iran's opposition to the Omani corridor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#20209
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20210
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20211
The K2 Airways cargo aircraft that disappeared over the Arabian Sea on July 7, 2026, was a:
(a) Boeing 777-300ER
(b) Boeing 737-400
(c) Airbus A320-200
(d) None of these
Explanation: The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-400 freighter. It was registered as AP-BOI and had been in service with K2 Airways since 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013645/cargo-plane-disappears-from-radar-over-arabian-sea-off-karachi, 07 Jul 2026]
#20212
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20213
What was the primary professional role of the individual martyred in the IED explosion in Peshawar on July 14, 2026?
(a) Bomb Disposal Unit official
(b) Federal Constabulary personnel
(c) Intelligence Bureau operative
(d) Counter-Terrorism Department officer
Explanation: The victim was a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. He was attempting to defuse an unexploded IED at an abandoned police post. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#20214
Consider the following statements about the Provincial Apex Committee meeting held on July 9, 2026: 1. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the National Action Plan. 2. The leadership identified the eastern neighbour as being involved in supporting terrorist activities. 3. The committee decided to reduce the presence of security forces in Balochistan to de-escalate tensions. 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 the Prime Minister chaired the meeting and explicitly accused the eastern neighbour of involvement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leadership resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated, rather than reducing security presence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#20215
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation as of July 8, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially offered to continue its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US leadership expressed optimism regarding the continuation of the ceasefire during the Nato summit. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed after the US carried out attacks in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter. 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 reaffirmed its mediation role. Statement 3 is correct as the MoU followed the helicopter incident. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US leadership explicitly stated the ceasefire was 'over' at the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#20216
Where did Field Marshal Asim Munir deliver his address regarding the state's response to cross-border terrorism on July 8, 2026?
(a) Command and Staff College, Quetta
(b) Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul
(c) National Defence University, Islamabad
(d) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University in Islamabad. This location is the primary institution for training senior military and civilian leaders in national security strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20217
Consider the following statements about the security address delivered by Field Marshal Asim Munir on July 8, 2026: 1. He emphasized that wars are won through media rhetoric and political sloganeering. 2. He highlighted the importance of strategic clarity in dealing with hybrid and sub-conventional threats. 3. He stated that proxy networks operating under hostile intelligence agencies would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan's economic prosperity. 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 incorrect because the Field Marshal explicitly stated that wars are NOT won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering, but through faith, unity, and discipline. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect his emphasis on strategic clarity and the threat posed by proxy networks to national prosperity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20218
Consider the following statements about the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026: 1. It grants members immunity from preventive detention only during assembly sessions. 2. It requires authorities to seek the Speaker's permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge. 3. It allows the Speaker to order an inquiry before a police challan is submitted to the court. 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 incorrect because the Act provides blanket immunity from preventive detention, not just during sessions. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the procedural requirements for arrests and the Speaker's oversight role as defined in Sections 11(1) and 11(2) of the Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#20219
Who is the current Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as of July 2026?
(a) Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar
(b) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry
(c) Major General Asif Ghafoor
(d) Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum
Explanation: Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is the official who conducted the press briefing on July 8, 2026, regarding the security situation in Balochistan. The other individuals listed are either former DG ISPRs or hold different high-ranking military positions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#20220
The official visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye in 2026 was primarily aimed at strengthening which of the following?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Strategic and defence cooperation
(c) Cultural exchange programs
(d) None of these
Explanation: The visit was explicitly stated by the military media wing to be aimed at strengthening strategic and defence cooperation. While economic ties are important, they were not the primary focus of this specific military-led visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]