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.
#3601
Who extended the official invitation to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for his visit to Pakistan on June 23, 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asif Ali Zardari
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Yousuf Raza Gilani
Explanation: The Foreign Office confirmed that the visit of President Pezeshkian was conducted at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. While President Zardari is scheduled to meet the visiting dignitary, the invitation originated from the Prime Minister's office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3602
Consider the following statements about the R-4 meeting held on June 21, 2026: 1. The ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause as a central pillar for regional stability. 2. The meeting took place in Switzerland to facilitate direct US-Iran negotiations. 3. The ministers emphasized the need for a swift conclusion to the subsequent phase of 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 ministers reaffirmed the Palestinian cause. Statement 3 is correct as the ministers stressed the need for a swift conclusion to the next phase of negotiations. Statement 2 is incorrect because the R-4 meeting was held in Cairo, while the technical talks involving the US and Iran were held in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009729/pakistan-saudi-arabia-turkiye-egypt-stress-importance-of-swift-conclusion-to-current-phase-of-us-iran-talks, 21 Jun 2026]
#3603
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in June 2026: 1. The Lake Lucerne Summit was held in Switzerland to facilitate US-Iran negotiations. 2. The Islamabad MoU includes a 14-point framework for regional stability. 3. President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan for the first time in his capacity as President during this June 2026 trip. 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 regarding the summit location and the MoU framework. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly noted that this visit was Dr. Pezeshkian's second visit to Pakistan in his capacity as President. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010038/iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 22 Jun 2026]
#3604
Consider the following statements about the current status of the Indus Waters Treaty: 1. India has unilaterally placed its treaty obligations in abeyance. 2. Pakistan has ceased providing hydrological data to India since 2026. 3. The Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters considers the lack of data-sharing a strategic hazard. 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 India has placed the treaty in abeyance. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has continued to provide the required data despite the current tensions. Statement 3 is correct as the Commissioner explicitly identified the lack of data as a strategic hazard. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011838/indus-commissioner-says-he-wrote-to-indian-counterpart-4-times-over-chenab-fluctuations-but-no-reply-so-far, 30 Jun 2026]
#3605
Consider the following statements about the JCP interview committees: 1. The committees were formed to vet candidates for additional judge positions in four high courts. 2. The proposal to form a seven-member committee was originally suggested by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. 3. The committees are tasked with interviewing candidates nominated until July 4, 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the JCP notification and the internal deliberations of the Rule-Making Committee. The committees cover four high courts, follow the proposal of Senator Naek, and have a deadline of July 4, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012237/no-supreme-court-judge-in-jcp-panels-for-vetting-high-court-judges, 01 Jul 2026]
#3606
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]
#3607
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]
#3608
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]
#3609
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]
#3610
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]
#3611
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye is INCORRECT?
(a) The CDF visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
(b) The CDF was accorded a guard of honour at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters.
(c) The CDF signed a formal mutual defence treaty during the visit.
(d) The CDF held a meeting with the Turkish Minister of National Defence.
Explanation: While the visit focused on strengthening cooperation, there is no record of a formal mutual defence treaty being signed during this specific trip. The other three options are factually accurate events that occurred during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#3612
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]
#3613
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]
#3614
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]
#3615
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]
#3616
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]
#3617
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]
#3618
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]
#3619
On July 17, 2026, which political leader initiated an election campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir with a pledge to represent the region's interests in the federal capital?
(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, officially launched the election campaign in AJK on July 17, 2026. He emphasized his role as a bridge between the federal government and the people of the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#3620
Which organization provided the data indicating a decline in anti-state violence in Pakistan during the month of June 2026?
(a) Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(b) National Counter Terrorism Authority
(c) Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad
(d) Centre for Research and Security Studies
Explanation: The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) reported a decline in overall anti-state violence for June 2026, specifically noting a 31 percent reduction in attacks within Balochistan compared to May. [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]