August 2026 Edition
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August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20661
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in July 2026: 1. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi identified peace and security as key goals in relations with Islamabad. 2. Pakistan has previously mediated an interim ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 3. The Iranian Interior Minister held talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff. 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 July 21, 2026. The Foreign Minister emphasized security, Pakistan has a history of mediating the US-Iran conflict, and the Interior Minister's itinerary included meetings with the Prime Minister and the Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20662
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the high-level security consultations in Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Effective border management
(b) Regional and bilateral security
(c) Nuclear energy cooperation
(d) De-escalation of regional tensions
Explanation: The official reports confirm discussions on border management, regional security, and de-escalation efforts. Nuclear energy cooperation was not mentioned as part of the security consultations between the two interior ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20663
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran who visited Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Eskandar Momeni
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who led the delegation to Pakistan. Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran, and Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is the Supreme Leader, making them incorrect choices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20664
How long did the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian last on April 19, 2026?
(a) 15 minutes
(b) 45 minutes
(c) 30 minutes
(d) 60 minutes
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders lasted for approximately 45 minutes. This duration allowed for a detailed exchange regarding the current regional security situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#20665
The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran was scheduled to conclude on which date in 2026?
(a) April 19
(b) April 20
(c) April 25
(d) April 22
Explanation: The two-week ceasefire, which was facilitated by Pakistan to pause hostilities, was set to expire on April 22, 2026. This timeline was critical to the ongoing diplomatic efforts in Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#20666
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20667
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#20668
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]
#20669
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of the Iranian Interior Minister to Pakistan in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister of Pakistan reiterated the country's willingness to mediate in the conflict between the United States and Iran. 2. The Iranian delegation expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 3. The visit included a guard of honour presented by the Pakistan Army at the PM 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 factually correct regarding the mediation efforts and the MoU. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour at the Pakistan Monument was presented by the Federal Constabulary, not the Pakistan Army. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20670
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]
#20671
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]
#20672
Which Iranian leader visited Islamabad on June 23, 2026, to advocate for a new regional security structure?
(a) Masoud Pezeshkian
(b) Ebrahim Raisi
(c) Hassan Rouhani
(d) Mohammad Mokhber
Explanation: Masoud Pezeshkian is the current President of Iran who visited Pakistan on the specified date. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20673
Which military official held discussions regarding peace initiatives with the Iranian President during the June 23, 2026 visit?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(d) General Raheel Sharif
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir, as the Chief of Army Staff, met with the Iranian President to discuss regional peace initiatives. The other names represent former or different military leadership roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20674
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Interior Minister upon his arrival in Islamabad on the night of July 20, 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) Talal Chaudhry
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially received the Iranian delegation upon their arrival in Islamabad. While other ministers like Ishaq Dar and Talal Chaudhry were present during later meetings, they were not the primary officials responsible for the initial reception. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#20675
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement. 2. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding regional stability. 3. The hostilities between the US and Iran were initially triggered by strikes occurring on February 28, 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 incorrect because the first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement, though it also avoided a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported diplomatic timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#20676
At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20677
Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad on June 23, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20678
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic visit on June 23, 2026: 1. The Iranian President called for a united front of Muslim nations to address regional security. 2. The Prime Minister of Pakistan mentioned Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt as key players in regional peace discussions. 3. The visit resulted in the immediate signing of a formal military alliance treaty between Pakistan and Iran. 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 factually accurate based on the diplomatic discourse reported. Statement 3 is incorrect because no such formal military alliance treaty was signed during this visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#20679
Which location served as the venue for the US-Iran peace talks held in April 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Parliament House
(c) Foreign Office
(d) Serena Hotel
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was reported to be conferring at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad during the talks. The other locations are common government buildings but were not the site of the negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990743/stepping-stone-toward-durable-peace-pm-shehbaz-meets-us-vp-vance-as-islamabad-talks-commence, 11 Apr 2026]
#20680
On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended Eidul Azha greetings to which of the following military leaders?
(a) Admiral Amjad Khan Niazi
(b) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza
(c) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan
(d) Admiral Naveed Ashraf
Explanation: Admiral Naveed Ashraf is the Chief of Naval Staff who received Eid greetings from the Prime Minister on May 27, 2026. Other options represent former or different service chiefs not mentioned in the context of this specific communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003477/pm-shehbaz-extends-eid-greetings-to-armed-forces-chiefs-pays-tribute-to-on-duty-personnel, 27 May 2026]