December 2026 Edition
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December 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#17221
Which parliamentary official presided over the National Assembly session on March 13, 2026, when the quorum issue was raised?
(a) Speaker of the National Assembly
(b) Chairman of the Senate
(c) Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) Leader of the Opposition
Explanation: Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah was presiding over the session when the opposition pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker and Chairman of the Senate were not the presiding officers for this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#17222
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative events of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The opposition protested by tearing apart copies of the agenda.
(c) Amendments proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar were approved before the session was prorogued.
(d) The Deputy Speaker immediately accepted the opposition's call for a count of members.
Explanation: The Deputy Speaker, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, ignored the opposition's initial calls for a count of members. He only acted after the lack of quorum was formally pointed out by an MNA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#17223
What is the total value of the emergency fund that the government plans to utilize to absorb petroleum price shocks as of 2026-03-12?
(a) Rs289 billion
(b) Rs589 billion
(c) Rs489 billion
(d) Rs389 billion
Explanation: The government has allocated a Rs389 billion emergency fund to mitigate the impact of rising global fuel prices on domestic consumers. Other options represent incorrect figures that do not align with the official fiscal planning mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#17224
Which political figure pointed out the lack of quorum in the National Assembly on March 12, 2026?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Shahid Khattak
(c) Syed Naveed Qamar
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: PTI-backed MNA Shahid Khattak pointed out the lack of quorum to the Deputy Speaker. This action effectively halted the legislative proceedings on the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#17225
What is the primary reason the opposition was able to halt the legislative process for the Federal Constabulary bill on March 13, 2026?
(a) A presidential veto
(b) Lack of quorum
(c) Supreme Court stay order
(d) None of these
Explanation: The opposition pointed out the lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct parliamentary proceedings. Once the lack of quorum was established, the chair was forced to prorogue the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#17226
Which of the following is NOT a stated area of focus for the IMF discussions with Pakistan in 2026?
(a) Immediate privatization of all state-owned enterprises
(b) Maintaining a sufficiently tight monetary policy
(c) Advancing reforms to improve the viability of the energy sector
(d) Sustaining fiscal consolidation to strengthen public finances
Explanation: The IMF statement highlighted fiscal consolidation, monetary policy, and energy sector reforms as key areas of progress. Immediate privatization of all state-owned enterprises is not listed as a specific focus area in the mission's end-of-mission statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#17227
Consider the following statements about the IHC ruling on 2026-03-12: 1. The court held that prison authorities are obligated to inform relatives when a prisoner develops a serious medical condition. 2. The court ruled that its inherent powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure allow it to override executive decisions regarding prison transfers. 3. The court noted that the Adiala jail superintendent had already taken steps to ensure the prisoner's medical treatment. 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 per Rule 795 of the Pakistan Prison Rules. Statement 3 is correct as the court acknowledged the jail superintendent's report. Statement 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated it cannot invoke its inherent power to interfere with or substitute the power vested in the executive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#17228
Which of the following categories of educational institutions in Islamabad were included in the public holiday notification for March 13, 2026?
(a) Public schools only
(b) Private universities only
(c) Both public and private institutions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly stated that the holiday applies to all educational institutions, encompassing both public and private sectors, including schools, colleges, and universities within the revenue limits of the ICT. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#17229
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#17230
Which of the following statements regarding the IHC order dated 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The court ordered the inclusion of Dr. Muhammad Arif in the medical board.
(b) The court ruled that the power to remove a prisoner for special treatment vests in the government.
(c) The court directed authorities to ensure the prisoner's meetings with lawyers and family.
(d) The court ordered the immediate transfer of the prisoner to Shifa International Hospital.
Explanation: The court did not order an immediate transfer; instead, it ordered the formation of a medical board to provide recommendations, which the executive would then use to decide on a transfer. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the court's order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981293/ihc-orders-formation-of-medical-board-on-plea-seeking-imrans-transfer-to-shifa-international-hospital, 12 Mar 2026]
#17231
Consider the following statements about the legislative developments on March 13, 2026: 1. The ordinance previously empowering the government to transform the FC had lapsed. 2. The opposition lawmakers tore apart copies of the agenda during the protest. 3. The government plans to reintroduce the bill in the upcoming sessions after Eid. Which of the statements given above 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 the session. The ordinance had lapsed, the opposition engaged in protest by tearing the agenda, and the government expressed intent to pursue the bill after the Eid holidays. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 13 Mar 2026]
#17232
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#17233
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#17234
Which individual held the office of the Governor of Sindh immediately prior to the appointment of Nehal Hashmi in 2026?
(a) Farooq Sattar
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kamran Tessori, an affiliate of the MQM-P, was the incumbent Governor of Sindh before his removal and replacement by Nehal Hashmi in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#17235
In which cities were the IMF mission discussions primarily held before transitioning to a virtual format in 2026?
(a) Lahore and Karachi
(b) Islamabad and Lahore
(c) Karachi and Islamabad
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IMF mission held discussions with Pakistani authorities in Karachi and Islamabad before moving to virtual meetings on March 3, 2026. Lahore was not a primary site for these specific mission meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#17236
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's energy situation as of 2026-03-12: 1. The government is facing internal division between cabinet members and technocrats regarding the use of pricing buffers. 2. The current Dubai-based pricing for oil is lower than the benchmark Brent price. 3. The government has cited the risk of supply disruptions, similar to those seen in Bangladesh and India, as a reason for previous price adjustments. 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 cabinet members and technocrats are divided over the prime minister's directive. Statement 3 is correct as ministers defended previous hikes by referencing supply disruptions in neighboring countries. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Dubai-based pricing ($135/barrel) is currently higher than the Brent benchmark ($105/barrel). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#17237
The IMF mission discussions with Pakistan in 2026 were focused on the third review of which facility?
(a) Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI)
(b) Stand-By Arrangement (SBA)
(c) Extended Fund Facility (EFF)
(d) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT)
Explanation: The mission was specifically tasked with the third review of the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The SBA is a separate, distinct type of IMF arrangement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#17238
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections: 1. The PPP alleged that the Balachi polling station in Astore-II was relocated to affect their vote bank. 2. Independent candidates, including those backed by the PTI, won a total of seven seats. 3. Reserved seats for women and technocrats are filled through direct general elections. 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 3 is incorrect because reserved seats are filled through proportional representation, not direct general elections. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the election report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#17239
Which of the following statements regarding the government's petroleum policy as of 2026-03-12 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has successfully secured an increase in LNG imports from Qatar.
(b) The government is considering using block allocations for emergencies to absorb price hikes.
(c) The government has banned the export of all petroleum products.
(d) Ministers indicated that petroleum prices could be reviewed on 2026-03-13.
Explanation: The statement regarding LNG imports is incorrect because Qatar declared force majeure on its processing facilities, leading to a suspension of LNG imports, not an increase. The other statements accurately reflect the government's current policy stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981355/govt-mulling-not-hiking-prices-of-petroleum-products-further-despite-increase-in-global-market, 12 Mar 2026]
#17240
What is the current price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre as of July 25, 2026?
(a) Rs335.18
(b) Rs383.46
(c) Rs520.35
(d) Rs281.00
Explanation: The government set the price of high-speed diesel at Rs383.46 per litre following the recent adjustment. Rs335.18 is the current price for petrol, while Rs520.35 represents a historical peak price for diesel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018328/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-for-two-days, 25 Jul 2026]