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.
#8181
The diplomatic discussions held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 20, 2026, were primarily focused on which of the following objectives?
(a) Economic trade agreements
(b) Military alliance formation
(c) Climate change cooperation
(d) Regional de-escalation
Explanation: The primary focus of the calls with leaders from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan was the urgent need for de-escalation of hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region. While bilateral ties were mentioned, the core objective was conflict resolution through diplomacy. [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]
#8182
On March 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the prices of which commodities would remain unchanged despite global market trends?
(a) Petroleum products
(b) Electricity tariffs
(c) Natural gas rates
(d) Wheat flour prices
Explanation: The Prime Minister decided against increasing petroleum prices to provide relief to the common man. This decision was made despite an uptick in global oil prices caused by regional tensions. [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]
#8183
Which government ministry issued the official notification regarding the commencement of the month of Shawwal in 2026?
(a) Ministry of Interior
(b) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
Explanation: The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is the designated authority responsible for issuing official notifications regarding moon sightings and religious observances. Other ministries listed are involved in different aspects of governance but do not handle this specific religious notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#8184
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Eidul Fitr announcement: 1. The Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee declared that the month of Ramazan would last for 30 days. 2. The official date for Eidul Fitr in Pakistan was set for March 21, 2026. 3. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates celebrated Eidul Fitr on the same day as the rest of Pakistan. 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 the committee confirmed the 30-day duration and the March 21 date. Statement 3 is incorrect because Saudi Arabia and the UAE celebrated Eid on Friday, March 20, whereas the national announcement for Pakistan was for Saturday, March 21. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#8185
Who led the PPP delegation during the pre-budget meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister on June 7, 2026?
(a) Asif Ali Zardari
(b) Murad Ali Shah
(c) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(d) Sherry Rehman
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari led the PPP delegation in the meeting held at Zardari House. While other party members like Murad Ali Shah and Sherry Rehman were present, Bilawal served as the head of the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#8186
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic tensions between the US and Italy in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Meloni and President Trump previously clashed over the US President's criticism of the Pope. 2. President Trump accused Italy of failing to provide sufficient support to the United States regarding the Iran war. 3. The Italian Defence Minister supported the President's remarks as a necessary diplomatic correction. 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 report's account of previous friction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, actually stated that such jokes do not benefit anyone, indicating disapproval rather than support. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#8187
Who is the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee that announced the Eidul Fitr moon sighting status on March 19, 2026?
(a) Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman
(b) Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad
(c) Mufti Shahabuddin Popalzai
(d) None of these
Explanation: Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad serves as the Chairman of the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee and presided over the meeting in Islamabad. Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman is a former chairman, making him a plausible but incorrect distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983722/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-eidul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-on-saturday, 19 Mar 2026]
#8188
Consider the following statements about the political situation as of July 17, 2026: 1. Rana Sanaullah stated that the JUI-F chief's remarks were damaging to the motivation of those guarding the frontiers. 2. The JUI-F leadership claimed that the media storm regarding the remarks began immediately on the day of the Kasur public meeting. 3. Rana Sanaullah rejected the claim that there was a coordinated propaganda campaign against the JUI-F chief. 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 JUI-F leadership stated that there was no mention of the remarks in the media on July 12, and the outcry only began on July 13. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the position taken by Rana Sanaullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016238/sanaullah-says-jui-f-chiefs-remarks-against-martyrs-were-inappropriate-but-unintended, 17 Jul 2026]
#8189
Which of the following entities is explicitly exempted from the four-day work week policy according to the March 2026 austerity review?
(a) Ministry of Petroleum
(b) Ministry of Finance
(c) Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
(d) Prime Minister's Office
Explanation: The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister clarified that the four-day work week policy does not apply to law enforcement agencies and the FBR, as they must maintain normal operational duties. Other ministries are expected to adhere to the austerity-driven work schedule. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
#8190
Which of the following sectors was explicitly identified as having vast export potential during the meeting held on March 15, 2026?
(a) Textiles and garments
(b) Automobile manufacturing
(c) Information technology
(d) Meat and dairy
Explanation: The official briefing highlighted that Pakistan's agricultural sector, specifically including meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, possesses significant export potential. Textiles and IT were not the focus of this food-security-centric meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982358/pm-shehbaz-directs-formulation-of-strategy-for-exporting-surplus-food-items-to-gulf-countries, 15 Mar 2026]
#8191
Which of the following is NOT a diplomatic action taken by Pakistan in response to the 2026 regional conflict?
(a) Holding phone calls with dignitaries from relevant countries
(b) Deploying military assets to the Gulf region
(c) Exploring prospects for a ceasefire through direct communication
(d) Advocating for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary path to peace
Explanation: Pakistan has focused on diplomatic mediation and 'bridge building' rather than military intervention. Deploying military assets would contradict the stated policy of seeking de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#8192
Who is the current Interior Minister of Iran mentioned in the context of the June 2026 diplomatic meetings?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(c) Eskandar Momeni
(d) Masoud Pezeshkian
Explanation: Eskandar Momeni is the Iranian Interior Minister who held bilateral talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Abbas Araghchi serves as the Foreign Minister, while Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#8193
With which leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hold a 'restricted meeting' during his visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026?
(a) King Salman bin Abdulaziz
(b) Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman
(c) President Masoud Pezeshkian
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to discuss regional stability and express solidarity with the Gulf country. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#8194
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding a potential ceasefire. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has officially condemned the Iranian government for the ongoing regional instability. 3. Pakistan has emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path to resolving the current Middle Eastern conflict. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect the government's active diplomatic efforts. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Iran rather than condemning its government. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983074/dar-stresses-dialogue-diplomacy-for-achieving-regional-peace-in-meeting-with-iranian-ambassador, 17 Mar 2026]
#8195
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of the Interior Minister in 2026: 1. The Interior Minister held meetings with the Iranian President and the Parliament Speaker during his visit to Tehran. 2. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a unified strategy among institutions to enhance national security. 3. The US-Iran conflict is currently governed by a stable and permanent peace treaty signed in early 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the conflict is described as being in a 'shaky ceasefire' rather than a stable or permanent peace treaty. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005678/pm-shehbaz-meets-interior-minister-ahead-of-naqvis-iran-visit, 06 Jun 2026]
#8196
Which of the following is NOT a primary concern raised by the PPP during the pre-budget meetings in June 2026?
(a) The total exclusion of the Public Sector Development Programme from the budget
(b) The impact of fiscal measures on inflation-hit masses
(c) The need to expand the tax base rather than taxing the same classes
(d) The feasibility of provincial revenue targets set by the IMF
Explanation: The PPP discussed the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) as a priority for development spending, rather than calling for its exclusion. The other options accurately reflect the party's stated reservations regarding tax policy and IMF conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#8197
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 3. The US President confirmed that the cancellation of the envoys' visit signifies an immediate resumption of war.
(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 official statements made by the Prime Minister and the Iranian Foreign Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#8198
Which of the following statements regarding the joint statement of April 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The ministers recognized the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship.
(b) The ministers condemned the accelerating illegal settlement activity.
(c) The ministers declared that Israel has full sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
(d) The ministers called for a political solution based on the two-state solution.
Explanation: The statement explicitly emphasizes that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, making the false statement. The other options accurately reflect the positions taken by the foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#8199
Which of the following statements regarding the July 17, 2026, AJK campaign address is INCORRECT?
(a) The PPP Chairman announced that the government had already accepted his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission.
(b) The PPP Chairman claimed that the government's current response is punishing all Kashmiris rather than specific individuals.
(c) The PPP Chairman urged protesters to halt demonstrations that disrupt the supply of essential goods.
(d) The PPP Chairman emphasized that the upcoming election is the most important in the history of AJK.
Explanation: The PPP Chairman explicitly stated that neither the government nor the protesters had responded to his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission. Therefore, the claim that it was accepted is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#8200
Consider the following statements about the medical disclosure of Benjamin Netanyahu: 1. The prostate cancer was identified as an early-stage malignant tumor. 2. The medical report indicated that the Prime Minister is currently in poor health. 3. The Prime Minister visited a Jerusalem cafe in March 2026 to refute rumors regarding his death.
(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 tumor was early-stage and malignant. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report stated he was in good health. Statement 3 is correct as he visited a cafe to refute death rumors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994721/netanyahu-says-he-was-successfully-treated-for-prostate-cancer, 24 Apr 2026]