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.
#9181
The Virtual Assets Act 2026 mandates that the licensing and supervision of virtual asset activities in Pakistan are the responsibility of which body?
(a) Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) State Bank of Pakistan
(d) Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
Explanation: The Virtual Assets Act 2026 explicitly designates the PVARA as the statutory authority for the regulation and oversight of virtual assets. While the State Bank of Pakistan is involved in policy changes, the specific regulatory mandate belongs to the PVARA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#9182
Consider the following statements about the regulatory developments for virtual assets in Pakistan: 1. The Virtual Assets Act 2026 provides the legal basis for the PVARA to act as a statutory regulator. 2. The PVARA has introduced a regulatory sandbox to facilitate innovation in virtual asset services. 3. All pilot projects involving virtual assets are exempt from prior authorization requirements. 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 they reflect the legal framework and the operational tools (regulatory sandbox) mentioned in the policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because the authority explicitly stated that any pilot involving virtual assets requires prior authorization. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996695/pm-shehbaz-says-regulatory-system-for-virtual-assets-should-be-operationalised-at-the-earliest, 01 May 2026]
#9183
Who served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly during the session where the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 was passed?
(a) Saleem Haider
(b) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(c) Zulfiqar Ali Shah
(d) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
Explanation: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presided over the session as Speaker and directed the distribution of the bill copies to the members. Saleem Haider is the Governor of Punjab, not the Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9184
Who presented the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in the Punjab Assembly?
(a) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman
(b) Azma Bokhari
(c) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan
(d) Ejaz Augustine
Explanation: Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, serving as the Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister, formally presented the bill to the assembly. While Azma Bokhari participated in the debate and Ejaz Augustine moved an amendment, Rehman was the minister responsible for the bill's introduction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9185
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 27, 2026. 2. The legislation includes a provision that no child should be treated as an offender merely for being a contracting party to a child marriage. 3. The Federal Shariat Court has previously endorsed similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. 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 legislative proceedings and the context provided. The bill was passed on the date mentioned, the amendment regarding the child's status as a non-offender was included, and the Federal Shariat Court's stance on the Sindh legislation was cited during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9186
Which of the following statements regarding the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females.
(b) It declares underage marriage a non-bailable offence.
(c) It allows individuals under 18 to marry with court permission.
(d) It mandates that the best interests of the child be a primary consideration.
Explanation: The bill does not contain a provision allowing marriage under 18 with court permission; in fact, the proposal for such an exception was explicitly opposed by ministers during the debate. The other statements accurately reflect the provisions of the passed legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]
#9187
Who chaired the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee meeting that approved the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 on April 13, 2026?
(a) Amjad Mahmood
(b) Zulfiqar Shah
(c) Saleem Haider
(d) Pir Ashraf Rasool
Explanation: PML-N MPA Pir Ashraf Rasool chaired the committee meeting. While Zulfiqar Shah was a member who expressed opposition, Saleem Haider is the Governor who promulgated the initial ordinance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9188
Which of the following statements regarding the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It proposes a fine of Rs100,000 for nikah khawans who register child marriages.
(b) It allows for exceptions to the age limit based on the socio-economic status of the parents.
(c) It classifies cohabitation resulting from a child marriage as child abuse.
(d) It holds guardians accountable for failing to prevent underage marriages.
Explanation: The bill does not include exceptions for socio-economic status; committee members explicitly rejected such suggestions, fearing they would lead to the misuse of the law. The other options accurately reflect the punitive measures outlined in the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9189
Under the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, what is the maximum term of imprisonment proposed for adults contracting a marriage with a child?
(a) One year
(b) Five years
(c) Three years
(d) Seven years
Explanation: The bill stipulates that adults contracting marriage with a child face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years, but not less than two years. Other penalties, such as five to seven years, apply specifically to cohabitation classified as child abuse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9190
What is the minimum legal age for marriage for both males and females as proposed in the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in Punjab?
(a) 16 years
(b) 18 years
(c) 21 years
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 standardizes the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both genders. This replaces the previous legal framework that permitted marriage for women at 16 years of age. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9191
Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill aims to remove gender-based discrimination by setting a uniform marriage age. 2. The Punjab local government secretary has been directed to prepare the final draft of the rules within 60 days. 3. The bill was passed by the Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development without any opposition from its members. 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 bill seeks to eliminate gender disparity and mandates the preparation of rules within 60 days. Statement 3 is incorrect because committee members Pir Ashraf Rasool and Zulfiqar Shah explicitly opposed the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991404/punjab-assembly-panel-approves-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 13 Apr 2026]
#9192
What is the primary revenue target for the petroleum levy that Pakistan aims to achieve as discussed with the IMF in 2026?
(a) Rs1.2 trillion
(b) Rs1.8 trillion
(c) Rs1.468 trillion
(d) Rs2.1 trillion
Explanation: The government informed the IMF that it is well-positioned to meet the petroleum levy target of Rs1.468 trillion. Other figures are incorrect estimates of the stated fiscal goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#9193
Which political party boycotted the Sindh Assembly session during the presentation of the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan
(c) Jamaat-e-Islami
(d) Grand Democratic Alliance
Explanation: Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) boycotted the session, citing a lack of prior consultation. Other parties listed were not identified as the primary boycotting group in the assembly session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#9194
Which of the following statements regarding the July 20, 2026, protest in Delhi is INCORRECT?
(a) The protest was led by the Chief Minister of Indian-occupied Kashmir.
(b) Protesters demanded the restoration of statehood for the region.
(c) The protest was organized to celebrate the success of the 2019 reorganization.
(d) Participants shouted slogans demanding the restoration of rights and dignity.
Explanation: The protest was held to demand the restoration of statehood and criticize the government's failure to fulfill promises, not to celebrate the 2019 reorganization. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the protest. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017041/hundreds-protest-in-delhi-demanding-restoration-of-autonomy-for-occupied-kashmir, 20 Jul 2026]
#9195
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991689/pm-takes-president-into-confidence-on-us-iran-talks-briefs-him-on-upcoming-visits-to-saudi-arabia-turkiye, 14 Apr 2026]
#9196
Which federal minister attended the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on July 21, 2026?
(a) Ahsan Iqbal
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Rana Sanaullah
(d) None of these
Explanation: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal was present at the meeting alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Affairs. The other individuals listed were not reported as attendees of this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#9197
Which of the following sectors was explicitly cited by the US administration as a reason for the discriminatory treatment leading to the 2026 tariffs?
(a) Aerospace components
(b) Pharmaceutical products
(c) Dairy goods
(d) Textile manufacturing
Explanation: The US administration identified dairy goods, along with alcohol and American-made cars, as sectors subject to discriminatory treatment by Canada, prompting the tariff response. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]
#9198
All of the following are objectives or focus areas of the Finance Minister's visit to Washington in July 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Discussing market access for Pakistani exports
(b) Exploring funding for infrastructure and energy projects
(c) Negotiating a broader economic partnership framework
(d) Finalizing a complete debt write-off for Pakistan
Explanation: The visit focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation, including discussions on tariffs and project financing. There is no mention of a debt write-off, making it the incorrect statement among the options provided. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017217/us-technology-firm-proposes-refinery-modernisation-plan-for-pakistan-in-meeting-with-finance-minister, 21 Jul 2026]
#9199
Which of the following statements regarding the Iran-US talks in April 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The talks in Islamabad lasted for nearly 21 hours.
(b) Iran maintains that its right to enrich uranium is indisputable.
(c) The negotiations in Islamabad resulted in a comprehensive peace agreement.
(d) Messages between Iran and the US have continued to be exchanged through Pakistan.
Explanation: The talks in Islamabad did not yield a breakthrough or a formal agreement, making statement B incorrect. The other statements accurately reflect the reported status of the negotiations and Iran's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]
#9200
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US President indicated a preference for returning to Pakistan for further negotiations. 2. Iran has stated that the level of uranium enrichment is a negotiable issue. 3. The direct Iran-US talks in Islamabad were the first such engagement between the two nations since 1979. 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 the talks were the highest engagement since 1979, not the first. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reported comments from the US President and the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1991972/cdf-munir-visits-iran-alongside-delegation-as-part-of-mediation-efforts-holds-meeting-with-fm-araghchi, 15 Apr 2026]