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.
#16881
As part of the austerity measures announced on April 3, 2026, for how long will federal cabinet members not receive their salaries?
(a) Two months
(b) Four months
(c) Six months
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government extended the salary suspension for cabinet members from the previously planned two months to six months to address the ongoing fuel crunch. Option D is incorrect because the correct duration is explicitly stated as six months. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#16882
All of the following are key areas of cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Turkiye during the July 4, 2026, visit EXCEPT:
(a) Industrial cooperation
(b) Space exploration
(c) Investment
(d) Bilateral trade
Explanation: The leaders specifically emphasized trade, investment, and industrial cooperation as the pillars of the new phase of their economic partnership. Space exploration was not mentioned as a focus area in the official discussions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#16883
Which of the following statements regarding the government's fuel price adjustments on April 3, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The petrol levy was reduced by Rs80 per litre.
(b) The new petrol price is set to remain unchanged for at least one month.
(c) The new petrol price is effective across the entire country.
(d) The government increased the levy on diesel to Rs55 per litre.
Explanation: The government actually reduced the levy on diesel to zero, not increased it to Rs55. The other statements accurately reflect the policy measures announced by the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#16884
Consider the following statements about the events of July 3, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Istanbul immediately after attending the funeral ceremony in Tehran. 2. The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was held at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla. 3. The assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader occurred in a joint strike involving the United States and Israel. 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 provided information. The Prime Minister departed for Istanbul after the ceremony, the venue was the Grand Mosalla, and the strike was attributed to US-Israeli involvement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012668/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-pay-respects-to-irans-assassinated-supreme-leader-khamenei, 03 Jul 2026]
#16885
Who is the Foreign Minister of Kuwait who visited Pakistan in July 2026?
(a) Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah
(b) Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah
(c) Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah
(d) Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Explanation: Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister who undertook the official visit to Pakistan in July 2026. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432027/kuwaiti-foreign-minister-to-visit-pakistan-on-tuesday-fo, 27 Jul 2026]
#16886
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for vehicle owners under the new Sindh Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2026?
(a) Compulsory installation of GPS tracking devices
(b) Mandatory insurance for vehicle transfer
(c) Insurance verification for annual token tax payment
(d) Valid insurance policy for vehicle registration
Explanation: The amendment mandates third-party insurance for registration, transfer, and token tax payments. GPS tracking is not a requirement stipulated under this specific legislative amendment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979648/sindh-govt-makes-third-party-vehicle-insurance-mandatory, 08 Mar 2026]
#16887
The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was highlighted during the July 4, 2026, visit, was signed to address which of the following?
(a) The US-Iran war
(b) Regional climate change
(c) Bilateral education exchange
(d) Maritime border disputes
Explanation: The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for Turkiye's support regarding the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 18, 2026, to end the US-Iran war. This reflects the diplomatic role both nations play in regional security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#16888
Consider the following statements about the Pak-Turkiye relationship as discussed on July 4, 2026: 1. Pakistan maintains a firm stance in support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 2. Turkiye provides consistent support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 3. The two leaders agreed that military intervention is the only path to preserving international peace. 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 mutual support on core national issues. Statement 3 is incorrect because the leaders explicitly reaffirmed that dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual respect are the only sustainable paths to resolving disputes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2012929/two-hearts-with-one-soul-pm-shehbaz-says-pak-turkiye-economic-partnership-entering-a-new-phase, 04 Jul 2026]
#16889
How much did the government spend from national resources over the three weeks prior to April 3, 2026, to cushion the impact of rising oil prices?
(a) Rs80 billion
(b) Rs105 billion
(c) Rs129 billion
(d) Rs160 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister stated that the government utilized Rs129 billion from national resources to subsidize the impact of international oil price hikes during the three weeks preceding the announcement. The other figures represent different levy rates or adjustments mentioned in the context of the policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988282/petrol-price-reduces-to-rs378-per-litre-as-govt-cuts-levy-by-rs80, 03 Apr 2026]
#16890
Who served as Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the UNSC debate on July 23, 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Maleeha Lodhi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) Abdullah Hussain Haroon
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UNSC debate and expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General's proposals. The other individuals are former representatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017861/un-chief-praises-pakistans-peace-initiatives-to-reduce-tensions-and-create-space-for-dialogue, 23 Jul 2026]
#16891
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic initiative: 1. The proposal for Islamabad to host talks was initially requested by Washington. 2. President Donald Trump shared the Prime Minister's message on his social media platform. 3. The Iranian Foreign Minister has confirmed that no messages from the US have been received. 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 request originated from Washington and was shared by Trump. Statement 3 is incorrect because Iran implied the existence of a backchannel and confirmed that messages from the US were received and responded to. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985071/islamabad-offers-to-host-us-iran-climbdown-effort, 25 Mar 2026]
#16892
What was the approximate percentage increase in the price of kerosene announced in March 2026?
(a) 50 percent
(b) 60 percent
(c) 80 percent
(d) 70 percent
Explanation: The government increased the price of kerosene by Rs130.08 from a base of Rs188.73, which represents an increase of almost 70 percent. This was a significant adjustment compared to the previous monthly rates. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979534/govt-hikes-kerosene-price-by-rs130-to-rs31881-per-litre, 07 Mar 2026]
#16893
Who is the current United Nations Secretary-General who commended Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives on July 23, 2026?
(a) Kofi Annan
(b) Ban Ki-moon
(c) Antonio Guterres
(d) None of these
Explanation: Antonio Guterres is the incumbent UN Secretary-General who addressed the UNSC open debate regarding Pakistan's peace initiatives. The other options are former Secretaries-General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017861/un-chief-praises-pakistans-peace-initiatives-to-reduce-tensions-and-create-space-for-dialogue, 23 Jul 2026]
#16894
Until what date in 2026 is the current airspace restriction on Indian-registered aircraft effective?
(a) August 23, 2026
(b) August 12, 2026
(c) July 24, 2026
(d) September 23, 2026
Explanation: The Notam explicitly states that the restriction remains in force until 11:59pm on August 23, 2026. July 24 was the expiration date of the previous restriction period. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016474/paa-extends-airspace-ban-on-indian-aircraft-until-aug-23, 18 Jul 2026]
#16895
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 2. President Donald Trump stated that the US would resume the war immediately following the cancellation of the envoys' visit. 3. Part of the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran to obtain instructions regarding the war.
(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 minister publicly termed the visit fruitful. Statement 3 is correct as part of the delegation returned to Tehran for instructions. Statement 2 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]
#16896
Consider the following statements about the flood situation as of July 2026: 1. The Jhelum River is currently flowing in low to medium flood at Mangla and Rasul. 2. Flash flooding is anticipated in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan. 3. The Indus River is currently experiencing high flood levels at the Tarbela and Chashma stations. 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 per the FFD observations. Statement 2 is correct regarding the hill torrents. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Indus is reported at low and below-low levels at Tarbela and Chashma, not high flood levels. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017067/chenab-water-level-likely-to-surge-following-ongoing-rains-in-indian-occupied-kashmir-punjab, 20 Jul 2026]
#16897
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. The first round of direct US-Iran talks occurred in April 2026. 2. The US president insisted that future negotiations would require in-person meetings in Islamabad. 3. Pakistan has been actively involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran. 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 the talks occurred in April 2026. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US president explicitly stated that future talks would be held remotely by telephone, not in person. Statement 3 is correct as Pakistan is recognized for its mediatory role. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995275/great-respect-for-pakistan-and-they-will-stay-involved-but-we-are-going-to-do-it-by-phone-trump-on-iran-talks, 26 Apr 2026]
#16898
According to the study published on 2026-07-17, what percentage increase in annual case resolution was observed when judges were provided with AI access and targeted training?
(a) 4.2 percent
(b) 5.1 percent
(c) 7.8 percent
(d) 6.3 percent
Explanation: The study reported that the introduction of the AI assistant alongside targeted training resulted in an additional 1,848 cases being resolved per year, representing a 6.3 percent increase over the mean. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016213/study-finds-ai-use-in-trial-courts-results-in-over-6pc-more-cases-resolved-annually, 17 Jul 2026]
#16899
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's economic and governance indicators reported on August 11, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the automotive sector experienced a 141% surge in sales, not a contraction. Statement 2 is correct regarding the Privitisation Commission's move to outsource major airports. Statement 3 is correct regarding the rise in external remittances to $3.6 billion in July. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022170/privatisation-commission-approves-financial-adviser-for-outsourcing-karachi-lahore-airports]
#16900
Given the events reported on August 11, 2026, identify the correct chronological order of the following developments as they pertain to the broader Pakistani socio-economic and institutional framework (assuming sequential reporting across regional sectors):
(a) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. High Court judicial appointments -> 4. Fuel price adjustments
(b) 1. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 2. Remittances data release -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
(c) 1. High Court judicial appointments -> 2. Fuel price adjustments -> 3. Remittances data release -> 4. Balochistan housing funds controversy
(d) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
Explanation: Based on the provided event sequence and reporting metadata, the flow of policy-related updates on August 11, 2026, began with external economic inflows (remittances), followed by fiduciary concerns (Balochistan), then judicial administrative updates, and finally, energy-sector fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022042/remittances-rise-13pc-to-36bn-in-july]