February 2026 Edition
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February 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#2541
Who led the Iranian delegation during the 2026 peace talks in Islamabad?
(a) Ali Larijani
(b) Abbas Araqchi
(c) Esmail Khatib
(d) Gholamreza Soleimani
Explanation: The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The other individuals listed are either deceased or held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#2542
What was the average daily borrowing by the government from banks during the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.9 trillion
(b) Rs500 billion
(c) Rs16.4 billion
(d) Rs8 trillion
Explanation: The government's daily borrowing through banks averaged Rs16.4 billion in FY26. The Rs500 billion figure represents the average monthly borrowing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2543
Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]
#2544
Which of the following statements regarding the fiscal situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government borrowed more in FY26 than it did in FY25.
(b) Debt servicing is projected to consume 50 percent of the total budget outlay in FY27.
(c) The government's borrowing from banks averaged Rs500 billion per month in FY26.
(d) The government allocated more funds to the PSDP than to debt servicing for FY27.
Explanation: The statement that the government allocated more to the PSDP than to debt servicing is incorrect, as debt servicing (Rs8 trillion) significantly exceeds the PSDP allocation (Rs1 trillion). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2545
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on 2026-07-21: 1. The Iranian Interior Minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in regional mediation. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on trade and economic cooperation. 3. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability in the Gulf region. 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 2 is incorrect because the discussions were primarily focused on regional security, border management, and diplomatic mediation, rather than exclusively on trade. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2546
Consider the following statements about the fiscal data released in 2026: 1. The government's borrowing from banks in FY26 was higher than in FY25. 2. Debt servicing costs are expected to consume half of the total budget outlay in FY27. 3. The corporate sector's investment in government papers is negligible compared to bank investments. 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 borrowing rose from Rs5.4 trillion to Rs5.9 trillion. Statement 2 is correct regarding the 50 percent budget consumption. Statement 3 is incorrect because the corporate sector accounts for a significant 25 percent of investment in government papers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2547
What was the specific amount of the proposed increase in the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) that the Prime Minister rejected on March 27, 2026?
(a) Rs 177 per litre
(b) Rs 203 per litre
(c) Rs 95 per litre
(d) Rs 76 per litre
Explanation: The Prime Minister announced the rejection of a Rs 203 per litre increase for HSD on March 27, 2026. The figure of Rs 177 was a previous recommendation rejected a week prior. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985954/pm-shehbaz-again-rejects-increase-in-petrol-diesel-prices, 27 Mar 2026]
#2548
According to State Bank of Pakistan data, what was the total amount borrowed by the government from banks in the fiscal year 2026?
(a) Rs5.4 trillion
(b) Rs5.9 trillion
(c) Rs8.0 trillion
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government borrowed Rs5.9 trillion from banks in FY26. The figure Rs5.4 trillion represents the borrowing amount from the previous fiscal year, FY25. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]
#2549
Who led the Iranian delegation during the diplomatic talks held in Islamabad on April 11, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Ayaz Sadiq
(d) Mohsin Naqvi
Explanation: Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, headed the Iranian delegation. Ishaq Dar and Ayaz Sadiq are Pakistani officials who facilitated the talks. [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]
#2550
Which critical maritime chokepoint was identified as the focus of US naval escort operations to ensure the continued flow of oil to global markets in March 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the vital maritime passage mentioned in the context of US naval escort operations aimed at maintaining global energy stability. Other options like the Strait of Malacca are major chokepoints but were not the focus of the reported military activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980727/oil-plunges-15pc-amid-hopes-of-de-escalation, 11 Mar 2026]
#2551
Which official attended the July 16, 2026, meeting as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan?
(a) Tariq Bajwa
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Jameel Ahmad
Explanation: Jameel Ahmad is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who attended the meeting. Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal were present as Federal Ministers, while Tariq Bajwa attended as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#2552
Which international organization issued a statement reaffirming its support for Somalia's unity following Israel's move in 2026?
(a) European Union
(b) Arab League
(c) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
(d) North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Explanation: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the move and reaffirmed its support for the internationally recognized government of Somalia. The OIC emphasized its commitment to the country's territorial integrity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#2553
Who was appointed by Israel as the first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland in 2026?
(a) Michael Lotem
(b) David Barnea
(c) Gilad Erdan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Michael Lotem was officially appointed as Israel's first non-resident ambassador to the breakaway region of Somaliland. This appointment triggered a formal joint condemnation from twelve countries, including Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#2554
During his previous visit in April 2026, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan's plans to return to international capital markets using which financial instruments?
(a) Green Bonds and Samurai Bonds
(b) Sovereign Sukuk and Treasury Bills
(c) Panda Bonds and Eurobonds
(d) Development Loans and Grants
Explanation: The Finance Minister briefed investors on plans to re-enter international capital markets specifically through the issuance of Panda Bonds and Eurobonds. These instruments are intended to diversify Pakistan's external financing sources. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#2555
Which sector was specifically identified as a primary contributor to the market recovery on July 21, 2026?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Pharmaceutical production
(c) Banking and refinery
(d) Automobile assembly
Explanation: Banking and refinery stocks were the primary drivers of the late-session recovery, offsetting early losses. Other sectors like textiles or pharmaceuticals were not cited as the main contributors to the index's rebound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#2556
Which of the following is NOT a component of the security measures reported during the 2026 escort operation?
(a) Deployment of two dozen fighter jets
(b) Use of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
(c) Ground-based infantry escort to Tehran
(d) Aerial surveillance of the delegation's path
Explanation: The security operation was conducted entirely through aerial assets, including fighter jets and AWACS for surveillance. There was no mention of a ground-based infantry escort to Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#2557
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 wildfire dispute is INCORRECT?
(a) The US President suggested that Canada should pay damages for the smoke impact.
(b) The US government has already finalized a permanent trade embargo against Canada.
(c) The wildfire smoke threatened to disrupt the World Cup final.
(d) The US President accused Canada of negligence regarding the fires.
Explanation: There is no evidence that a permanent trade embargo has been finalized; the administration only threatened the use of tariffs as a potential leverage tool. The other statements accurately reflect the events reported on July 21, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#2558
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]
#2559
Which Iranian official arrived in Islamabad on July 21, 2026, to hold talks regarding the US-Iran conflict?
(a) Eskander Momeni
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(d) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
Explanation: Interior Minister Eskander Momeni arrived in Islamabad to discuss the US-Iran conflict with Pakistani leadership. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister who remained in Tehran to receive the Pakistani ambassador. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#2560
What specific directive did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issue regarding petroleum products during the meeting on July 16, 2026?
(a) To increase the import of crude oil from regional partners
(b) To privatize the state-owned petroleum distribution network
(c) To take strict action against those creating artificial shortages
(d) To implement a total ban on private vehicle fuel consumption
Explanation: The Prime Minister directed provincial governments to take strict action against entities involved in creating artificial shortages of petroleum products to ensure supply stability. The other options were not part of the stated directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]