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.
#17141
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mediation efforts: 1. The mediation is described as a 'strategic synergy' between Ankara, Cairo, and Islamabad. 2. The conflict in the Middle East was triggered by attacks that resulted in the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 3. Pakistan is leveraging its position to act as a 'net regional stabilizer'. 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 provided information. The mediation is a tripartite effort, the conflict involved the assassination of the supreme leader, and Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#17142
Consider the following statements about the political developments involving MQM-P in March 2026: 1. The MQM-P leadership views constitutional reform as a national security necessity. 2. Kamran Tessori was removed as the Governor of Sindh without prior consultation with the MQM-P. 3. The proposed 28th Amendment is primarily aimed at increasing the number of federal ministries. 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 party's public stance and the circumstances of the governor's removal. Statement 3 is incorrect because the amendment is focused on local government empowerment and participatory democracy, not the expansion of federal ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#17143
Consider the following statements about the current status of Pakistan's power sector negotiations: 1. Negotiations with CPEC-related power producers have resulted in significant tariff reductions as of May 2026. 2. The government is constrained by government-to-government frameworks when renegotiating CPEC energy contracts. 3. The government has successfully reduced the budgeted power sector subsidy from Rs1.287 trillion to Rs890 billion for the current year. 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 minister stated there has been 'no sufficient outcome' regarding CPEC-related negotiations. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the minister's briefing regarding the framework constraints and the reduction in subsidy figures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004161/no-sufficient-outcome-yet-of-talks-to-secure-discounts-from-chinese-power-producers-leghari, 31 May 2026]
#17144
Which of the following statements regarding the June 28, 2026, Karachi attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three terrorists were killed during the retaliatory action by security forces.
(b) The apprehended terrorist claimed he was trained in Iran.
(c) The attack was carried out by the proscribed group Jamaatul Ahrar.
(d) Three security personnel were martyred during the exchange of fire.
Explanation: The apprehended terrorist explicitly stated he was trained in Afghanistan, not Iran. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the ISPR and security reports regarding the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011436/terrorist-involved-in-rangers-camp-attack-in-karachi-reveals-he-was-trained-in-afghanistan, 28 Jun 2026]
#17145
What is the total value of financial irregularities identified by the Auditor General of Pakistan in the Ministry of National Health Services as of June 2026?
(a) Rs1.48 billion
(b) Rs2.84 billion
(c) Rs3.41 billion
(d) Rs4.12 billion
Explanation: The audit report explicitly identifies irregularities amounting to Rs3.41 billion within the health sector. Other figures, such as Rs1.48 billion, refer to specific sub-categories like bank account management irregularities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010834/audit-report-identifies-rs341bn-worth-of-irregularities-in-health-sector, 25 Jun 2026]
#17146
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the June 2026 Burgenstock talks?
(a) Establishment of a high-level committee for political oversight
(b) Immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions on Iran
(c) Creation of a communication line to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Formation of working groups focused on nuclear and sanctions issues
Explanation: While the talks addressed sanctions and nuclear issues through working groups, there was no agreement for the immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions. The other options are explicitly mentioned as outcomes of the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#17147
Consider the following statements about the security arrangements for Ashura 2026: 1. In Sindh, approximately 60,000 police and Rangers personnel were deployed for security. 2. Section 144 was imposed in the Rawalpindi district to maintain public order. 3. The Karachi police chief stated that mobile and internet services would remain fully operational throughout the city. 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 Sindh Chief Minister confirmed the deployment of 60,000 personnel. Statement 2 is correct as Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Karachi police chief explicitly stated that mobile and internet services would likely be suspended along the procession route. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#17148
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#17149
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#17150
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]
#17151
What was the total financial penalty imposed by PEMRA on Geo News in the 2026 regulatory order?
(a) Rs 5 million
(b) Rs 10 million
(c) Rs 15 million
(d) None of these
Explanation: The authority mandated a fine of Rs 10 million as part of the disciplinary action for the regulatory violation. This fine was a prerequisite for the resumption of transmission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014653/geo-news-resumes-transmission-after-15-day-suspension-warned-of-licence-cancellation-over-future-violations, 11 Jul 2026]
#17152
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan in July 2026: 1. The military spokesperson stated that security forces would exercise proportionality in their response to the attacks. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized a mutual and singular decision by civil and military leadership to end terrorism. 3. The attacks in Balochistan since July 5 included an ambush of an army convoy in Bela. 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 ISPR spokesperson explicitly warned that terrorists should expect no 'rationality and proportionality' in the security response. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official government and military briefings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#17153
Which of the following statements regarding the June 27, 2026, attack is INCORRECT?
(a) Three Rangers personnel were martyred in the line of duty.
(b) The captured militant was identified as an Afghan national.
(c) Four soldiers were reported injured during the exchange of fire.
(d) The attack was successfully carried out by the militants without any casualties to their own ranks.
Explanation: The statement that the militants suffered no casualties is incorrect, as the ISPR confirmed that three attackers were eliminated and one was captured. The other options accurately reflect the details provided in the official report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#17154
Which of the following is NOT a security measure implemented during the Ashura processions in 2026?
(a) Deployment of snipers on rooftops
(b) Mandatory closure of all private businesses nationwide
(c) Suspension of mobile and internet services
(d) Installation of CCTV cameras for monitoring
Explanation: While authorities implemented strict security measures like snipers, service suspensions, and CCTV monitoring, there was no nationwide mandatory closure of all private businesses. The other options are documented security protocols used to maintain public order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011005/ashura-processions-conclude-peacefully-countrywide-amid-strict-security, 26 Jun 2026]
#17155
Who served as the co-chairs for the symposium held on Capitol Hill on March 24, 2026?
(a) Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman
(b) Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker
(c) Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Donald Trump
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressmen Tom Suozzi and Jack Bergman chaired the four-hour session. Paul Kapur and Natalie Baker were speakers or contributors, not the chairs of the event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985157/pakistans-mediation-offer-reflects-growing-diplomatic-confidence-capitol-hill-symposium-told, 25 Mar 2026]
#17156
Consider the following statements about the security operation in Karachi on June 27, 2026: 1. The attack occurred in the evening hours near Mosamiyat Chowrangi. 2. The Sindh Inspector General of Police confirmed that a fierce exchange of gunfire followed the initial blast. 3. The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were attended by 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they align with the reported timeline and official confirmation by the Sindh IGP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report mentions the attendance of the Interior Minister, Sindh Governor, and Sindh Chief Minister, but does not list the COAS as a participant in the funeral prayers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#17157
What is the name of the peace agreement signed between the United States and Iran in 2026?
(a) Geneva Accord
(b) Burgenstock Treaty
(c) Islamabad Peace Deal
(d) Hormuz Security Pact
Explanation: The agreement that ended the hostilities between the United States and Iran in 2026 is officially referred to as the Islamabad Peace Deal. While Geneva was mentioned as a potential site for subsequent talks, it is not the name of the primary agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#17158
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 US-Iran peace process is INCORRECT?
(a) The peace deal includes a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
(b) The peace deal was signed in person by the leaders in Switzerland.
(c) The peace deal requires negotiations on key issues to be completed within 60 days.
(d) Pakistan acted as a mediator throughout the conflict.
Explanation: The memorandum of understanding was electronically signed by the parties, not in person in Switzerland. The other statements accurately reflect the terms and context of the agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009269/pm-shehbaz-saudi-crown-prince-discuss-iran-us-talks-stress-peace-process-must-not-be-undermined, 19 Jun 2026]
#17159
The framework for the June 2026 peace talks was based on which previously signed agreement?
(a) The Geneva Accord
(b) The Lucerne Protocol
(c) The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The talks were conducted under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This document provided the foundational structure for the subsequent negotiations in Switzerland. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#17160
According to the ISPR, which militant group was responsible for the attack on the Rangers facility in June 2026?
(a) Jamaatul Ahrar
(b) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(c) Balochistan Liberation Army
(d) Lashkar-e-Jhangvi
Explanation: The ISPR explicitly identified the attackers as belonging to Jamaatul Ahrar, which it described as an Indian proxy. Other groups listed are active in Pakistan but were not cited in the official report regarding this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]