#5501

Brent crude futures fell to approximately what price per barrel on March 11, 2026, following the market's reaction to de-escalation hopes?

(a) 105.60 dollars

(b) 92.45 dollars

(c) 84.73 dollars

(d) 119.00 dollars

Explanation: Brent futures dropped to $84.73 per barrel on March 11, 2026, representing a sharp decline from the session highs observed earlier in the week. The other values represent either higher price points or incorrect benchmarks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]

#5502

What is the interest rate offered on the Eurobond issued by Pakistan in April 2026?

(a) 5.975 percent

(b) 8.975 percent

(c) 7.975 percent

(d) 6.975 percent

Explanation: The sovereign yield for the 2026 Eurobond issuance was set at 6.975 percent. This rate reflects the market's assessment of the risk and the government's re-entry into global capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]

#5503

Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.

(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.

(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.

(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.

Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]

#5504

Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?

(a) Strait of Hormuz

(b) Suez Canal

(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

(d) Panama Canal

Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]

#5505

All of the following factors contributed to the volatility of oil prices in March 2026 EXCEPT:

(a) Supply cuts by Saudi Arabia and other producers

(b) A permanent global transition to renewable energy sources

(c) Concerns regarding disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz

(d) Diplomatic proposals aimed at a settlement to the war

Explanation: The market volatility in March 2026 was driven by immediate geopolitical tensions and supply chain concerns, not by a long-term transition to renewable energy. The other three options are direct factors that influenced the price fluctuations described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]

#5506

According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?

(a) $16 billion

(b) $26 billion

(c) $46 billion

(d) $36 billion

Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]

#5507

What was the specific percentage of the duty that Washington rolled back on Indian exports in February 2026?

(a) 10 percent

(b) 25 percent

(c) 15 percent

(d) 30 percent

Explanation: The United States reduced a 25 percent duty on Indian exports as part of an interim trade deal. This adjustment followed New Delhi's stated commitment regarding its energy procurement policies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979646/new-delhi-continues-importing-russian-oil, 08 Mar 2026]

#5508

What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?

(a) Rs2.17 trillion

(b) Rs1.17 trillion

(c) Rs3.17 trillion

(d) Rs4.17 trillion

Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]

#5509

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]

#5510

In March 2026, which US official stated that the American military had facilitated a shipment of oil to maintain global energy stability?

(a) Secretary of Energy

(b) Secretary of Defense

(c) Secretary of State

(d) Secretary of Treasury

Explanation: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly confirmed that the American military facilitated oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This action was intended to reassure markets regarding the continuity of energy supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]

#5511

According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?

(a) Jared Kushner

(b) Steve Kushner

(c) JD Vance

(d) None of these

Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]

#5512

On March 11, 2026, by what approximate percentage did global oil prices plunge following reports of potential de-escalation in the conflict with Iran?

(a) 5 percent

(b) 10 percent

(c) 20 percent

(d) 15 percent

Explanation: Oil prices experienced a significant correction of approximately 15 percent on March 11, 2026, as markets reacted to diplomatic signals suggesting a potential end to the conflict. This followed a period of extreme volatility where prices had previously surged to levels not seen since 2022. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]

#5513

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]

#5514

What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?

(a) Rs129 billion

(b) Rs107 billion

(c) Rs81 billion

(d) Rs385 billion

Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]

#5515

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.

(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.

(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.

(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.

Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]

#5516

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]

#5517

The ex-depot price of petrol was fixed at which of the following rates on April 11, 2026?

(a) Rs450.15 per litre

(b) Rs385.54 per litre

(c) Rs366.58 per litre

(d) Rs369.72 per litre

Explanation: Following the Rs12 reduction, the new price for petrol was fixed at Rs366.58 per litre. The other values correspond to the new prices for HSD, kerosene, and light diesel oil. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]

#5518

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]

#5519

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]

#5520

What was the new price of kerosene per litre following the government notification issued on March 7, 2026?

(a) Rs188.73

(b) Rs318.81

(c) Rs288.50

(d) Rs350.25

Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority issued a notification increasing the price of kerosene by Rs130.08, bringing the total to Rs318.81 per litre. Rs188.73 was the previous price effective from March 1, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]

August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions