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.
#16281
All of the following are cited as factors contributing to Pakistan's economic stability in 2026 EXCEPT:
(a) Record workers' remittances
(b) Increased reliance on foreign grants
(c) Expansion in large-scale manufacturing
(d) Continued growth in IT exports
Explanation: The government emphasizes fiscal discipline, remittances, and IT exports as drivers of stability. Reliance on foreign grants is not cited as a primary pillar of the current economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011978/govt-expects-easing-inflationary-pressure-in-new-fiscal-year-following-reopening-of-strait-of-hormuz, 30 Jun 2026]
#16282
Who accompanied the Prime Minister of Pakistan on his diplomatic visit to Iran and Turkiye in July 2026?
(a) The Minister of Defence
(b) The Minister of Finance
(c) The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with cabinet members and senior officials, accompanied the Prime Minister. The other options are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific delegation composition mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012436/fo-says-pm-to-visit-iran-turkiye-from-july-3-5-to-attend-funeral-of-assassinated-iranian-supreme-leader, 02 Jul 2026]
#16283
Which naval vessel was specifically mentioned as being diverted for the rescue operation on July 9, 2026?
(a) PNS Alamgir
(b) PNS Tippu Sultan
(c) PNS Taimur
(d) PNS Hunain
Explanation: PNS Hunain was one of the primary assets diverted to the site of the distressed vessel. Other assets included aerial units coordinated through the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014176/20-crew-members-rescued-from-sinking-cargo-dhow-east-of-ormara-ispr, 09 Jul 2026]
#16284
Which vessel was specifically identified as being struck during the maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) Al-Rekayyat
(b) Al-Zubarah
(c) Al-Ghashamiyah
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Qatari LNG vessel 'Al-Rekayyat' was explicitly named by the Qatari foreign ministry as the target of the attack. Other options are common names for Qatari-flagged vessels but were not involved in this specific incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#16285
Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as being present at the Provincial Apex Committee meeting in Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(c) Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
(d) Sarfraz Bugti
Explanation: The meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Minister of Balochistan (Sarfraz Bugti), and the Governor of Balochistan (Jaffar Khan Mandokhail). Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not reported as an attendee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#16286
On July 8, 2026, Pakistan's Foreign Office urged restraint following military strikes between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office statement specifically addressed the escalating hostilities and mutual strikes between the United States and Iran. The other options represent different regional conflicts not central to this specific diplomatic appeal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]
#16287
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in July 2026: 1. The Prime Minister visited Iran to attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 2. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding includes a 14-point accord to address the US-Iran conflict. 3. Pakistan has accepted India's proposal to review the Indus Waters Treaty due to terrorism concerns. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan explicitly rejected India's attempt to use terrorism as a pretext to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012436/fo-says-pm-to-visit-iran-turkiye-from-july-3-5-to-attend-funeral-of-assassinated-iranian-supreme-leader, 02 Jul 2026]
#16288
Which international organization or agency reported the initial strikes on the tankers in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026?
(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
(b) International Energy Agency (IEA)
(c) United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
(d) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
Explanation: The UKMTO is the primary maritime security agency that reported the strikes, including the use of drones and unknown projectiles. The IMO and IEA are regulatory or analytical bodies that do not typically provide real-time tactical reporting on maritime security incidents. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#16289
Which of the following is NOT a provision included in the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026?
(a) Issuance of lifetime official passports to members and their spouses
(b) Requirement for the Speaker's prior permission before arresting a member on a criminal charge
(c) Mandatory life imprisonment for officers who fail to attend member-summoned meetings
(d) Blanket immunity from preventive detention for all members
Explanation: While the Act mandates that officers attend meetings and classifies failure to do so as a breach of privilege, it does not prescribe life imprisonment for such an act. The other three options are accurate descriptions of the privileges granted under the new legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#16290
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) as of 2026?
(a) Waqas Ghani
(b) Bilal bin Saqib
(c) Taqi Usmani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilal bin Saqib serves as the Chairman of the PVARA and is leading the dialogue with religious scholars regarding digital asset classification. Waqas Ghani is a research head at a brokerage firm, and Mufti Taqi Usmani is a prominent religious scholar. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015697/crypto-czar-asks-jamia-darul-uloom-to-distinguish-between-speculative-crypto-asset-backed-tokens, 15 Jul 2026]
#16291
Consider the following statements about the PMD monsoon forecast for July 2026: 1. Moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to reach the upper parts of the country from July 2. 2. The PMD warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir. 3. Rainfall in Sindh is predicted to occur throughout the entire first week of July. 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 2 are factually correct based on the advisory. Statement 3 is incorrect because the forecast for Sindh specifically mentions rain on July 3 and July 4, not the entire first week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011619/pmd-forecasts-nationwide-monsoon-rainfall-from-first-week-of-july, 29 Jun 2026]
#16292
Which of the following statements regarding the July 7, 2026, maritime incident is INCORRECT?
(a) Qatar acted as a mediator in the broader US-Iran conflict.
(b) The attacks occurred despite a fragile ceasefire agreement.
(c) All three struck vessels were confirmed to be carrying crude oil exclusively.
(d) Iran has expressed opposition to the Omani-proposed transit corridor.
Explanation: The report specifies that one of the struck vessels was a Qatari LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanker, not a crude oil tanker. The other statements are factually accurate regarding the mediation role of Qatar, the existence of a ceasefire, and Iran's opposition to the Omani corridor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013627/three-ships-struck-in-hormuz-flare-up-qatar-slams-iranian-attack, 07 Jul 2026]
#16293
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Quetta on July 9, 2026?
(a) Minister of Defence
(b) Minister of Interior
(c) Minister of Information
(d) Minister of Finance
Explanation: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar was among the officials who accompanied the Prime Minister to Quetta. Other attendees included the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Adviser on Political Affairs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#16294
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan as of July 8, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) An ambush on an army convoy occurred in Bela.
(b) An armed attack took place on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5.
(c) A police post in Ziarat was assaulted on July 6.
(d) The security situation in Balochistan showed an increase in attacks in June compared to May.
Explanation: The statement that attacks increased in June is incorrect because the PICSS data explicitly reported a significant decline in terrorism in Balochistan during June, with 49 attacks compared to 71 in May. The other three options accurately describe the specific recent incidents mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013924/cross-border-terrorism-will-be-crushed-with-full-might-of-the-state-field-marshal-asim-munir, 08 Jul 2026]
#16295
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye is INCORRECT?
(a) The CDF visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
(b) The CDF was accorded a guard of honour at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters.
(c) The CDF signed a formal mutual defence treaty during the visit.
(d) The CDF held a meeting with the Turkish Minister of National Defence.
Explanation: While the visit focused on strengthening cooperation, there is no record of a formal mutual defence treaty being signed during this specific trip. The other three options are factually accurate events that occurred during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#16296
The K2 Airways cargo aircraft that disappeared over the Arabian Sea on July 7, 2026, was a:
(a) Boeing 777-300ER
(b) Boeing 737-400
(c) Airbus A320-200
(d) None of these
Explanation: The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737-400 freighter. It was registered as AP-BOI and had been in service with K2 Airways since 2024. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013645/cargo-plane-disappears-from-radar-over-arabian-sea-off-karachi, 07 Jul 2026]
#16297
Under the KP Provincial Assembly (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Act, 2026, what is the consequence for a government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by an MPA without sufficient cause?
(a) Immediate termination from service
(b) Deemed to have committed a breach of privilege
(c) Mandatory fine of one million rupees
(d) Suspension of salary for six months
Explanation: Section 8(3) of the Act explicitly states that any government officer who fails to attend a meeting summoned by a member without sufficient cause shall be deemed to have committed a breach of privilege. This provision is designed to ensure the attendance of officials at constituency-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013628/kp-govt-enacts-law-granting-lawmakers-lifetime-official-passports-expanding-privileges, 07 Jul 2026]
#16298
What was the primary professional role of the individual martyred in the IED explosion in Peshawar on July 14, 2026?
(a) Bomb Disposal Unit official
(b) Federal Constabulary personnel
(c) Intelligence Bureau operative
(d) Counter-Terrorism Department officer
Explanation: The victim was a member of the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. He was attempting to defuse an unexploded IED at an abandoned police post. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015448/bomb-disposal-unit-official-martyred-in-ied-explosion-in-kps-peshawar-district-police, 14 Jul 2026]
#16299
Consider the following statements about the Provincial Apex Committee meeting held on July 9, 2026: 1. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the National Action Plan. 2. The leadership identified the eastern neighbour as being involved in supporting terrorist activities. 3. The committee decided to reduce the presence of security forces in Balochistan to de-escalate tensions. 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 Prime Minister chaired the meeting and explicitly accused the eastern neighbour of involvement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leadership resolved to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist is eliminated, rather than reducing security presence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014127/mutual-and-singular-decision-by-leadership-to-end-terrorism-pm-shehbaz-says-after-balochistan-attacks, 09 Jul 2026]
#16300
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic situation as of July 8, 2026: 1. Pakistan has officially offered to continue its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US leadership expressed optimism regarding the continuation of the ceasefire during the Nato summit. 3. The Islamabad MoU was signed after the US carried out attacks in response to the downing of an Apache helicopter. 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 Pakistan reaffirmed its mediation role. Statement 3 is correct as the MoU followed the helicopter incident. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US leadership explicitly stated the ceasefire was 'over' at the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2013927/pakistan-urges-us-iran-to-exercise-restraint-after-overnight-strikes, 08 Jul 2026]