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.
#16581
The intraday volatility on July 21, 2026, was primarily attributed to geopolitical tensions between which two nations?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(c) Russia and Ukraine
(d) United States and Iran
Explanation: The market volatility was explicitly linked to heightened tensions and exchanged strikes between the United States and Iran. This geopolitical friction caused a risk-off sentiment and an increase in international oil prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#16582
Who is the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran as of July 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(c) Syed Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui presented his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on July 21, 2026. Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister of Pakistan, not the ambassador to Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#16583
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than 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: Statement 1 is correct regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#16584
Which specific bilateral mechanism did the leaders agree to convene in Ankara later in 2026?
(a) Joint Economic Commission
(b) High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
(c) Defense and Security Dialogue
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the eighth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is scheduled to take place in Ankara to further strengthen the strategic partnership. The other options are generic titles that do not represent the specific formal council mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992556/pm-erdogan-emphasise-importance-of-utilising-window-of-opportunity-for-lasting-regional-peace, 17 Apr 2026]
#16585
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan's armed forces against the Afghan Taliban in 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-i-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by the Pakistani armed forces on February 26, 2026, following border tensions. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#16586
Consider the following statements about the WAPDA union protests on 2026-07-27: 1. The protests were limited to the city of Lahore. 2. Union leaders warned that privatization would negatively affect the national economy. 3. The union demanded that families of employees who died in the line of duty receive benefits similar to security force martyrs. 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 protest occurred in Peshawar, not Lahore. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the union's stated position and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#16587
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#16588
What is the final value of the Eurobond issuance announced by the government on April 20, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $750 million
(c) $1 billion
(d) $2 billion
Explanation: The government initially planned a $500 million issuance but exercised a green-shoe option to increase the total to $750 million due to high investor demand. The $500 million figure represents the initial amount, not the final upsized total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#16589
Consider the following statements regarding the IMF's assessment of Pakistan's economy in May 2026: 1. The IMF flagged the Middle East war as a source of heightened geopolitical risk. 2. Pakistan met structural benchmarks related to tax policy and energy pricing. 3. The IMF recommended an immediate expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate growth. 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 IMF's stated concerns and the conditions met by Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IMF explicitly recommended gradual fiscal consolidation, not expansionary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#16590
On July 16, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review the economic impact of tensions between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting focused on the economic repercussions of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Other regional conflicts, while significant, were not the primary subject of this specific policy review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#16591
Consider the following statements about the forum held on 2026-07-21: 1. The event marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. 2. The forum also commemorated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. 3. The event was held in Islamabad to discuss regional connectivity. 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 regarding the anniversaries celebrated. Statement 3 is incorrect because the event took place in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017164/better-ties-vital-for-pak-india-china-prosperity-ex-fm-khurshid-mahmud-kasuri, 21 Jul 2026]
#16592
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures implemented in 2026: 1. The working week for all government offices was reduced to four days. 2. The austerity measures applied equally to the agriculture and industrial sectors. 3. Parliamentarians were subject to a 25 percent salary reduction. 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 regarding the four-day work week. Statement 3 is correct regarding the 25 percent salary cut for parliamentarians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the measures specifically excluded the agriculture and industrial sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]
#16593
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mission in Pakistan: 1. The Iranian delegation requested the security escort due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. 2. The peace talks resulted in a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran. 3. Pakistan utilized its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to ensure the safety of the departing delegation. 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 security concerns and the technical assets used. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as inconclusive and the delegations left empty-handed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#16594
What was the new price of high-speed diesel per litre following the reduction announced on April 17, 2026?
(a) Rs353.43
(b) Rs366.58
(c) Rs378.00
(d) None of these
Explanation: Following the reduction of Rs32.12, the price of high-speed diesel was adjusted from Rs385.54 to Rs353.43 per litre. The other figures represent different price points mentioned in the context of recent fuel adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#16595
In the context of the July 16, 2026, meeting, which sector did the Prime Minister specifically mention as being protected by government subsidies?
(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Fuel and energy consumers
(c) Information technology exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister highlighted that government subsidies were utilized to mitigate the impact of fuel price increases on ordinary citizens, including transport operators and motorcycle riders. This falls under the broader category of fuel and energy consumers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#16596
Consider the following statements regarding the meeting held on July 16, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister stated that Pakistan's economy is currently stable. 2. The meeting was informed that sufficient petroleum reserves are available. 3. The government announced a complete cessation of fuel subsidies to ensure fiscal austerity. 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 meeting's outcomes. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government emphasized the use of subsidies to protect citizens, rather than announcing their cessation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#16597
Who is the current Petroleum Minister of Pakistan as of April 2026?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ali Pervaiz Malik
(c) Bilal Yaseen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ali Pervaiz Malik serves as the Petroleum Minister, while Muhammad Aurangzeb serves as the Finance Minister. The distinction is critical for identifying the officials responsible for economic and energy policy announcements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]
#16598
Which of the following statements regarding the PSX market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The KSE-100 index closed in positive territory.
(b) The index opened the session with a gain of over 1,000 points.
(c) The market experienced a wide intraday range of 2,493 points.
(d) Banking and refinery stocks helped erase sharp intraday losses.
Explanation: The market actually opened on a depressed note, with the benchmark index opening nearly 2,000 points lower, not higher. Therefore, statement C is factually false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#16599
Consider the following statements about the AJK election campaign activities: 1. The election process is scheduled to begin on July 27, 2026. 2. Nawaz Sharif promised to increase the AJK budget by 10 times compared to his previous tenure. 3. The PML-N leadership stated that the governance model being applied in Punjab should be replicated in AJK. 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 campaign launch event. The election start date, the budget increase pledge, and the replication of the Punjab governance model were all highlighted by the party leadership. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017265/pml-n-supremo-nawaz-kicks-off-partys-election-campaign-in-ajk, 21 Jul 2026]
#16600
Which of the following is NOT a topic discussed during the high-level security consultations in Islamabad on July 21, 2026?
(a) Effective border management
(b) Regional and bilateral security
(c) Nuclear energy cooperation
(d) De-escalation of regional tensions
Explanation: The official reports confirm discussions on border management, regional security, and de-escalation efforts. Nuclear energy cooperation was not mentioned as part of the security consultations between the two interior ministries. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]