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.
#16481
What was the intraday high reached by the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?
(a) 176,133.56
(b) 177,370.45
(c) 178,370.45
(d) 179,370.45
Explanation: The KSE-100 index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45 points at 10:09am before experiencing profit-taking later in the session. The closing value was 176,133.56 points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]
#16482
Who presided over the three-judge Supreme Court bench that heard the plea on July 21, 2026?
(a) Justice Mansoor Ali Shah
(b) Justice Qazi Faez Isa
(c) Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar
(d) Justice Yahya Afridi
Explanation: The Supreme Court bench that took up the application for the early hearing of the sentence suspension plea was led by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar. The other listed justices were not the presiding officers for this specific bench. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017251/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-imaan-hadis-plea-against-ihc-decision-on-sentence-suspension, 21 Jul 2026]
#16483
What is the primary concern regarding groundwater management in Pakistan as highlighted in the 2026 report?
(a) Unchecked extraction and pollution
(b) Excessive recharge rates
(c) Lack of available drilling technology
(d) Over-regulation of private wells
Explanation: The report notes that aquifers are being depleted faster than they can naturally recharge, a situation worsened by pollution. This combination threatens the long-term sustainability of groundwater supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]
#16484
The theme for World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28, 2026, was:
(a) Hepatitis: Let’s break it down
(b) Hepatitis: Time for action
(c) Hepatitis: Zero tolerance
(d) None of these
Explanation: The theme for the 2026 observance was 'Hepatitis: Let’s break it down', which serves as a call to remove barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment. Option D is incorrect because the theme is explicitly stated in the text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018920/ending-hepatitis, 28 Jul 2026]
#16485
Who was elected as the vice chair of the USCIRF alongside Dr. Asif Mahmood for the 2026-27 term?
(a) CeCe Heil
(b) Hakeem Jeffries
(c) Kamala Harris
(d) None of these
Explanation: The USCIRF announced the unanimous election of Dr. Asif Mahmood as chair and CeCe Heil as vice chair for the 2026-27 term. The other individuals mentioned are political figures not serving in this specific commission role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#16486
Who was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan in June 2026?
(a) Amjad Hussain
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Ahad Khan Cheema
(d) None of these
Explanation: Advocate Amjad Hussain was elected unopposed as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan on June 22, 2026. The other names listed are either federal ministers or provincial officials not holding this specific office. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017241/centre-committed-to-working-closely-with-gb-government-pm-tells-cm-amjad-hussain, 21 Jul 2026]
#16487
Where did the Prime Minister of Pakistan meet the President to discuss the US-Iran dialogue on April 14, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House
(b) Aiwan-i-Sadr
(c) Foreign Office
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari took place at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. Aiwan-i-Sadr is the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. [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]
#16488
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area for the bilateral talks between Pakistan and Canada during the July 2026 visit?
(a) Trade and investment
(b) Education
(c) Military alliance formation
(d) People-to-people exchanges
Explanation: The bilateral talks focus on trade, investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Military alliance formation is not part of the stated agenda for this diplomatic visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016734/canadian-foreign-minister-anita-anand-to-visit-pakistan-on-monday, 19 Jul 2026]
#16489
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference: 1. The conference was a two-day event held in Islamabad. 2. Over 200 Chinese companies participated in the event. 3. The conference included discussions on establishing local vaccine manufacturing facilities. 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 it was a two-day event in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because 146 Chinese companies participated, not over 200 (over 200 Pakistani companies participated). Statement 3 is correct as local vaccine production was a priority discussed at the conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016621/pakistan-china-pharma-conference-ends-with-850m-agreements, 19 Jul 2026]
#16490
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The US-Iran talks in Islamabad concluded with a formal peace agreement signed by both delegations. 2. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the coordination between the civilian government and state institutions during the mediation process. 3. Negotiating teams from the US and Iran may return to Islamabad for further rounds of talks. 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 the talks concluded without a formal agreement, although they did not result in a breakdown. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports regarding the mediation success and the potential for future rounds. [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]
#16491
Consider the following statements about Dr. Asif Mahmood: 1. He has served as a member of the Medical Board of California. 2. He was elected chair of the USCIRF for the 2026-27 term. 3. He has lived in California since 1999. 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 correct. Dr. Mahmood is a two-term member of the Medical Board of California, was elected chair of the USCIRF in 2026, and has resided in California since 1999. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017231/pakistan-origin-physician-asif-mahmood-elected-chair-of-us-commission-on-religious-freedom, 21 Jul 2026]
#16492
The joint statement condemning Israel's appointment of an envoy to Somaliland was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) April 15, 2026
(b) April 18, 2026
(c) April 20, 2026
(d) April 22, 2026
Explanation: The joint statement from the twelve countries, including Pakistan, was issued on April 18, 2026, following the announcement of the appointment earlier that week. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]
#16493
What was the policy rate maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan as of June 15, 2026?
(a) 11.5 percent
(b) 10.5 percent
(c) 12.5 percent
(d) 13.5 percent
Explanation: The Monetary Policy Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11.5 percent during its final review for FY26. This rate is maintained to guide inflation toward the medium-term target range. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]
#16494
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Kuwait: 1. The visit was initiated at the invitation of the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister. 2. The discussions were limited exclusively to trade and energy sectors. 3. The visit included a call on the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad. 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 Ishaq Dar extended the invitation. Statement 3 is correct as the minister was expected to call on the leadership. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, not just trade and energy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#16495
Who accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir during his diplomatic visit to Tehran on April 15, 2026?
(a) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
(d) None of these
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was part of the formal delegation that accompanied Field Marshal Asim Munir to Tehran. The other listed ministers were not reported as part of this specific security-focused delegation. [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]
#16496
The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran was scheduled to conclude on which date in 2026?
(a) April 19
(b) April 28
(c) April 25
(d) April 22
Explanation: The ceasefire, which paused hostilities following the February 2026 strikes, was set to expire on April 22, 2026. This date is critical as it marks the end of the diplomatic window for the current round of talks. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#16497
Consider the following statements about the security situation along the Pak-Afghan border in 2026: 1. Pakistani security forces maintained complete control over border areas during the July 19, 2026, engagement. 2. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that over 1,043 operatives had been injured since the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. 3. The Afghan Taliban used only light infantry weapons during the July 19, 2026, border provocation. 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 Afghan Taliban utilized heavy weapons, mortars, and other arms, not just light infantry weapons. Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on official reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#16498
According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) report for the 2026-27 season, what was the total volume of seed cotton arrivals by July 15, 2026?
(a) 527,900 bales
(b) 445,779 bales
(c) 297,751 bales
(d) 466,925 bales
Explanation: The PCGA report confirmed that total seed cotton arrivals reached 527,900 bales by July 15, 2026. The figure 297,751 represents the arrivals from the previous year, while 445,779 represents the volume purchased by textile mills. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016601/early-cotton-arrivals-hit-record-527900-bales, 19 Jul 2026]
#16499
Who led the protest in Delhi on July 20, 2026, to demand the restoration of statehood for Indian-occupied Kashmir?
(a) Omar Abdullah
(b) Surinder Choudhary
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) Amit Shah
Explanation: Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Indian-occupied Kashmir, led the protest in Delhi. Surinder Choudhary is the Deputy Chief Minister who also participated, but the protest was led by Abdullah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017041/hundreds-protest-in-delhi-demanding-restoration-of-autonomy-for-occupied-kashmir, 20 Jul 2026]
#16500
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 21, 2026: 1. The US military strikes have been ongoing for ten consecutive days. 2. Iran has targeted US infrastructure belonging to the company Amazon in Bahrain. 3. The Iranian Interior Minister visited Islamabad to discuss the conflict with Pakistani leadership. 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 report: the US strikes reached their tenth day, the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted Amazon infrastructure in Bahrain, and the Iranian Interior Minister was in Islamabad for high-level meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017211/iran-targets-american-military-assets-in-gulf-warns-of-more-attacks-as-us-strikes-iran-for-10th-consecutive-day, 21 Jul 2026]