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.
#4481
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the approximate depth of the self-declared security zone Israel has carved out in southern Lebanon?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 10 kilometres
(c) 15 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israel has established a security zone extending approximately 10 kilometres into southern Lebanese territory. This zone is intended to mitigate rocket and drone threats from Hezbollah fighters. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4482
Who is the current Prime Minister of Lebanon as of May 2026?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu
(b) Joseph Aoun
(c) Nawaf Salam
(d) Israel Katz
Explanation: Nawaf Salam serves as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and has been involved in diplomatic discussions regarding the ceasefire. Joseph Aoun is the President of Lebanon. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4483
Which military measure did the United States maintain despite the extension of the ceasefire in April 2026?
(a) The deployment of ground troops to the border
(b) A total air exclusion zone over Tehran
(c) A naval blockade of Iranian ports
(d) The imposition of a complete telecommunications blackout
Explanation: While the ceasefire was extended to allow for diplomatic negotiations, the United States explicitly stated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. This distinguishes the ceasefire from a total cessation of all hostile military posturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4484
Who requested the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire from President Donald Trump in April 2026?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir
(b) Ishaq Dar and Natalie Baker
(c) Attaullah Tarar and JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir formally requested the extension to facilitate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The request was acknowledged by President Trump on his social media platform. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4485
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The original ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan.
(b) President Trump announced the ceasefire extension on his Truth Social platform.
(c) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for the extension.
(d) The United States immediately lifted the naval blockade upon announcing the ceasefire extension.
Explanation: The statement that the naval blockade was lifted is incorrect, as the United States explicitly maintained the blockade despite the ceasefire extension. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the events of April 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993810/at-the-request-of-cdf-munir-pm-shehbaz-trump-announces-extension-in-ceasefire-until-iran-submits-proposal, 21 Apr 2026]
#4486
Consider the following statements about the 2026 conflict dynamics: 1. The Lebanese government has officially sought full normalization of relations with Israel. 2. The Israeli military reported the death of 17 soldiers in southern Lebanon since the fighting erupted in March 2026. 3. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding a potential peace deal between Israel and Lebanon in 2026. 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 false because the Lebanese Prime Minister explicitly stated that Lebanon is not seeking normalization, but rather a security agreement and withdrawal. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the reported developments in the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998133/israel-strikes-beirut-for-the-first-time-since-ceasefire, 06 May 2026]
#4487
Who is the current Supreme Leader of Iran as of April 2026?
(a) Ali Khamenei
(b) Mojtaba Khamenei
(c) Ebrahim Raisi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026. Ali Khamenei is the late predecessor, not the current leader. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4488
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Iran diplomatic process in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement
(b) The US president confirmed that future talks would be held remotely
(c) The US president expressed respect for Pakistan's mediatory role
(d) The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was immediately abandoned after the first round of talks
Explanation: The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan was not abandoned; rather, it was extended by the US president until a unified proposal is submitted. Therefore, the statement claiming it was abandoned is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#4489
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Iranian leadership's stance is INCORRECT?
(a) The leadership has renounced all legitimate rights to ensure peace.
(b) Tehran does not seek war with the United States and Israel.
(c) Public demonstrations are considered influential in the outcome of negotiations.
(d) Iran intends to demand compensation for damages inflicted during the war.
Explanation: The leadership explicitly stated that they will NOT renounce their legitimate rights under any circumstances. Therefore, the claim that they have renounced these rights is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4490
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran peace process as of June 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is expected to officially open upon the signing of the peace deal. 2. The peace deal includes the immediate release of cash funds to Iran upon signing. 3. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cautioned against misinformation campaigns aimed at sabotaging the peace deal. 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 President Trump indicated the strait would open upon signing. Statement 2 is incorrect because Vice President Vance explicitly stated that no cash or funds are being released for simply signing the deal. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister warned against misinformation campaigns. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007361/peace-has-never-been-this-close-pm-shehbaz-says-text-of-final-us-iran-peace-deal-agreed-upon, 12 Jun 2026]
#4491
In the context of the 2026 conflict, what is the duration of the ceasefire agreed upon between Iran and the United States?
(a) One week
(b) Two weeks
(c) One month
(d) Three months
Explanation: The Iranian leadership confirmed a two-week ceasefire with the United States to facilitate potential peace negotiations. This period is intended to de-escalate tensions following recent military engagements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990308/in-written-message-iran-supreme-leader-says-tehran-does-not-seek-war-but-will-not-renounce-legitimate-rights, 09 Apr 2026]
#4492
Consider the following statements about the US-Iran diplomatic situation as of April 2026: 1. Iran has formally accepted the initial US ceasefire proposal without modifications. 2. The US has demanded that Iran forswear the development of nuclear weapons. 3. Iran has submitted a 10-point counter-proposal to the United States. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the core US demand regarding nuclear weapons and the specific counter-proposal submitted by Tehran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989227/trump-says-vance-witkoff-kushner-talking-with-intermediaries-in-pakistan-iran-could-be-taken-out-on-tuesday, 06 Apr 2026]
#4493
Consider the following statements about the events of July 3, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Istanbul immediately after attending the funeral ceremony in Tehran. 2. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. 3. The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader occurred in a joint strike involving the United States and Israel. 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 Prime Minister departed for Istanbul after the ceremony, the venue was the Grand Mosalla, and the strike was attributed to US-Israeli involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012668/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-pay-respects-to-irans-assassinated-supreme-leader-khamenei, 03 Jul 2026]
#4494
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks occurred in April 2026. 2. The US president insisted that future negotiations would require in-person meetings in Islamabad. 3. Pakistan has been actively involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran. 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 talks occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US president explicitly stated that future talks would be held remotely by telephone, not in person. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan is recognized for its mediatory role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#4495
Which of the following statements regarding the Iranian strikes on July 18, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The IRGC officially confirmed and claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saudi Arabia.
(b) Kuwait International Airport suspended operations due to missile and drone threats.
(c) Iranian missiles struck power facilities and desalination pumps in the city of Jask.
(d) The IRGC claimed to have destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base.
Explanation: While reports indicated attacks on Saudi Arabia, the IRGC explicitly made no mention of any such operation in their official statements. The other options accurately reflect the reported events of the day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#4496
By what percentage have oil prices increased due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as of April 2026?
(a) 25 percent
(b) 40 percent
(c) 50 percent
(d) 75 percent
Explanation: The conflict has significantly disrupted energy supplies, leading to a 50 percent increase in oil prices. This surge is a primary driver of the projected global economic slowdown. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990654/global-growth-to-suffer-due-to-middle-east-war-world-bank-chief, 11 Apr 2026]
#4497
Which Pakistani official visited Tehran in June 2026 to deliver a message from the Chief of Defence Forces to the Iranian Supreme Leader?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Bilawal Bhutto
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to convey a message from the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister who issued the public call for restraint, while Asim Munir is the Chief of Defence Forces. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006144/give-peace-a-little-more-chance-pm-shehbaz-calls-for-restraint-after-israel-iran-exchange-attacks, 08 Jun 2026]
#4498
Which Kuwaiti military facility was specifically identified by the IRGC as a target of their missile and drone strikes on July 18, 2026?
(a) Camp Arifjan
(b) Bubiyan Naval Base
(c) Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The IRGC explicitly claimed to have struck a US military support center at Camp Arifjan. While other facilities in Kuwait were affected, Camp Arifjan was the specific site named in the context of the IRGC's operational claims. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#4499
Consider the following statements about the conflict escalation on July 18, 2026: 1. Iran justified its actions by citing a Quranic command regarding reciprocal attacks. 2. The US and Iran have been testing escalation limits since the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. 3. Iranian health officials reported that over 500 people were killed in US strikes over the past three weeks. 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 IRGC cited a Quranic command for their actions. Statement 2 is correct regarding the testing of escalation limits. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report stated 50 people were killed and 500 were injured, not 500 killed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016426/iran-hits-gulf-states-and-jordan-after-seventh-night-of-us-strikes, 18 Jul 2026]
#4500
According to security sources on March 30, 2026, what is the primary objective behind India's alleged plan to use Pakistani prisoners in a false flag operation?
(a) To facilitate a prisoner exchange program
(b) To divert attention from diplomatic humiliation
(c) To conduct a joint border security exercise
(d) None of these
Explanation: Security sources indicate that the operation is intended to cover up India's diplomatic failures and divert public attention away from Pakistan. Option A is incorrect as there is no mention of a prisoner exchange, and option C is factually inconsistent with the nature of a false flag operation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986909/india-planning-false-flag-operation-using-pakistani-prisoners-security-sources, 30 Mar 2026]