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.
#2881
The decision to hold fuel prices in March 2026 was made following a consultative session that included which high-ranking official?
(a) Minister of Finance
(b) Governor of the State Bank
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(d) Chairman of the FBR
Explanation: The consultative session involved federal and provincial representatives and was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir. This reflects the high-level coordination regarding national economic security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981713/pm-shehbaz-says-prices-of-petroleum-products-not-being-increased-despite-uptick-in-global-market, 13 Mar 2026]
#2882
Which three countries are actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to mediate between the United States and Iran as of March 2026?
(a) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar
(b) Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye
(c) Pakistan, Jordan, and Oman
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkiye are identified as the primary mediators working to bridge the gap between the US and Iran. Other regional players like Saudi Arabia or Qatar are not mentioned as part of this specific tripartite diplomatic conduit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2883
Who was appointed as the Governor of Sindh following the removal of Kamran Tessori in March 2026?
(a) Nehal Hashmi
(b) Mustafa Kamal
(c) Farooq Sattar
(d) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi, a PML-N stalwart, was sworn in as the Governor of Sindh after the removal of the MQM-P nominee Kamran Tessori. The other individuals listed are senior leaders of the MQM-P. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985186/mqm-p-calls-for-revisiting-proposed-28th-amendment-transforming-feudal-democracy-into-participatory-democracy, 25 Mar 2026]
#2884
In which facility is the PTI founder currently imprisoned as of March 22, 2026?
(a) Kot Lakhpat Jail
(b) Adiala Jail
(c) Central Jail Karachi
(d) None of these
Explanation: The PTI founder is incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Kot Lakhpat and Central Jail Karachi are other major correctional facilities in Pakistan but are not the site of his current detention. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#2885
In the context of the 2026 regional conflict, what specific action did US President Donald Trump order to facilitate potential talks with Iran?
(a) A permanent ceasefire in the Persian Gulf
(b) The withdrawal of naval assets from the Strait of Hormuz
(c) A five-day postponement of military strikes against Iranian power plants
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump ordered a five-day delay in planned military strikes against Iranian power infrastructure to allow space for constructive dialogue. This tactical pause is a central element of the current de-escalation efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984640/pakistan-egypt-turkiye-engaged-in-back-channel-diplomacy-for-us-iran-de-escalation-sources, 23 Mar 2026]
#2886
The price of diesel, based on Platts, increased to more than how many dollars per barrel during the 2026 energy crisis?
(a) 100 dollars
(b) 150 dollars
(c) 250 dollars
(d) 200 dollars
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister noted that diesel prices, which are indexed to Platts, surged from $80 per barrel to over $200 per barrel. This reflects the unprecedented global oil price hike mentioned in the 2026 briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#2887
Who received Field Marshal Asim Munir upon his arrival in the region on March 21, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Corps Commander
(b) Peshawar Corps Commander
(c) Quetta Corps Commander
(d) Lahore Corps Commander
Explanation: The Peshawar Corps Commander is responsible for the security of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and officially received the Army Chief upon his arrival. Other corps commanders oversee different geographical jurisdictions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#2888
According to the government's 2026 energy briefing, how much in savings was generated through recent austerity measures?
(a) Rs 17 billion
(b) Rs 27 billion
(c) Rs 22 billion
(d) Rs 32 billion
Explanation: The Petroleum Minister confirmed that government-led austerity measures successfully accumulated Rs 27 billion in a special fund. These funds are designated to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on the general public. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#2889
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 21, 2026: 1. The military leadership has expressed that sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan pose a threat to Pakistan's security. 2. The Army Chief attributed operational successes to the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs. 3. The government has officially declared that all border security operations have been permanently concluded. 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 correct based on the ISPR statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the military continues to maintain a posture of vigilance and active defense against cross-border threats, rather than concluding operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#2890
What is the official slogan announced by the Iranian leadership for the year 2026?
(a) Global solidarity against the Zionist enemy
(b) Resistance economy in light of national unity and national security
(c) Strengthening the Resistance Front through regional integration
(d) Economic prosperity through international cooperation
Explanation: The Supreme Leader declared 'resistance economy in light of national unity and national security' as the guiding slogan for the year to counter economic warfare. Other options represent general policy themes but are not the official slogan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#2891
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of March 20, 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the position of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the deceased predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]
#2892
Which of the following statements regarding the visit of Field Marshal Asim Munir on March 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) He announced a permanent withdrawal of all troops from the border regions.
(b) He emphasized that terrorists operating from Afghanistan would not be allowed to undermine Pakistan's security.
(c) He offered Eidul Fitr prayers with the troops.
(d) He lauded the achievements of the soldiers during Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
Explanation: The military leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to defending sovereignty and maintaining a presence in border regions, making the claim of a permanent withdrawal false. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984256/terrorists-operating-from-afghanistan-wont-be-allowed-to-undermine-pakistans-security-cdf-munir, 21 Mar 2026]
#2893
In the context of the 2026 austerity measures, what percentage of public sector staff was mandated to work from home?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: As part of the broader austerity measures announced to cope with the fuel crisis, the government decided that 50 percent of staff in the public sector would work from home, with exemptions for those providing essential services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984358/govt-increases-levy-on-high-octane-fuel-used-in-luxury-vehicles-by-rs200-per-litre, 22 Mar 2026]
#2894
Who shared the statement from the incarcerated PTI founder on the social media platform X on March 22, 2026?
(a) Sulaiman Khan
(b) Aleema Khan
(c) Kasim Khan
(d) Jemima Goldsmith
Explanation: Kasim Khan, the son of the PTI founder, shared the message on X after speaking with his father. While Sulaiman is his brother, Kasim was the specific individual who relayed this particular statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984369/imran-rails-against-judiciary-as-son-kasim-shares-statement-from-jailed-pti-founder, 22 Mar 2026]
#2895
Which of the following is NOT a type of infrastructure mentioned as being targeted during the 2026 regional retaliatory strikes?
(a) Airports
(b) Telecommunication satellites
(c) Residential areas
(d) Military bases
Explanation: The reports specify that airports, residential areas, energy installations, and military bases were targeted. Telecommunication satellites are not mentioned in the context of these specific regional strikes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983459/saudi-arabia-to-celebrate-eidul-fitr-on-friday, 18 Mar 2026]
#2896
Who currently serves as the Federal Minister for Petroleum in Pakistan as of March 21, 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Attaullah Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik is the Petroleum Minister who addressed the press conference regarding energy scarcity on March 21, 2026. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Attaullah Tarar is the Information Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984252/scarcity-of-energy-pm-shehbaz-urges-nation-govt-to-display-responsible-attitude, 21 Mar 2026]
#2897
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister held discussions with the President of Uzbekistan regarding the Gulf region. 2. The diplomatic calls were conducted exclusively to discuss bilateral trade tariffs. 3. The Prime Minister reiterated the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional disputes. 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 PM spoke with President Mirziyoyev. Statement 3 is correct as the PM consistently emphasized diplomacy. Statement 2 is incorrect because the primary focus was regional de-escalation, not trade tariffs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984038/calls-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east-as-pm-shehbaz-speaks-to-several-world-leaders, 20 Mar 2026]
#2898
Which maritime chokepoint is the primary focus of the US request for naval escort operations in 2026?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Suez Canal
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is the critical waterway mentioned in the context of US efforts to secure shipping lanes during the conflict with Iran. Other options are major global chokepoints but are not the subject of this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983125/trump-blasts-foolish-nato-on-iran-says-us-needs-no-help-after-allies-rebuff-call-for-help-on-hormuz, 17 Mar 2026]
#2899
Which of the following statements regarding the March 2026 fuel policy is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of fuel for ordinary vehicles used by the middle class was increased.
(b) The government expects to generate Rs9 billion in monthly savings.
(c) The levy increase applies to high-octane fuel used in luxury vehicles.
(d) The Prime Minister chaired the meeting virtually.
Explanation: The government explicitly stated that the prices of fuel used in ordinary vehicles by the lower and middle classes have not been increased. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984358/govt-increases-levy-on-high-octane-fuel-used-in-luxury-vehicles-by-rs200-per-litre, 22 Mar 2026]
#2900
Consider the following statements about the current geopolitical stance of Iran in 2026: 1. The Iranian leadership views the current regional conflict as an imposed war. 2. The Supreme Leader has accused Israel of using false flag tactics to create discord with neighbors. 3. Iran has officially accepted responsibility for all attacks occurring in Turkiye and Oman. 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 reflections of the Supreme Leader's recent public statements. Statement 3 is false because Iran has explicitly denied responsibility for the attacks in Turkiye and Oman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984126/supreme-leader-mojtaba-denies-irans-role-in-attacks-in-oman-turkiye-dubs-them-false-flag-tactic, 20 Mar 2026]