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.
#17901
Who is the current Defence Minister of Pakistan as of May 18, 2026?
(a) Azam Nazir Tarar
(b) Khawaja Muhammad Asif
(c) Upendra Dwivedi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Khawaja Muhammad Asif is the serving Defence Minister of Pakistan. Azam Nazir Tarar is the Law Minister, and Upendra Dwivedi is the Indian Army Chief. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001298/india-will-be-relegated-to-history-if-it-attempts-misadventure-against-pakistan, 18 May 2026]
#17902
The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia in May 2026 were described by the Pakistani Foreign Office as a violation of which fundamental international principle?
(a) Sovereignty and territorial integrity
(b) Freedom of navigation
(c) Humanitarian intervention protocols
(d) Maritime boundary delimitation
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly stated that the attacks constituted a serious violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This language is standard in diplomatic condemnations regarding cross-border aggression. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#17903
The diplomatic engagement between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio on May 28, 2026, primarily focuses on reviewing bilateral relations and addressing which regional conflict?
(a) US-China trade war
(b) US-Iran war
(c) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(d) Israel-Palestine conflict
Explanation: The visit is framed within the context of Islamabad's efforts to negotiate a peace pact to end the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. Other conflicts mentioned in the options are not the primary focus of this specific diplomatic mission. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003563/dar-to-meet-rubio-in-washington-tomorrow-fo, 28 May 2026]
#17904
What was the focal depth of the earthquake that occurred in Jhelum on May 26, 2026?
(a) 128 kilometres
(b) 190 kilometres
(c) 58 kilometres
(d) 12 kilometres
Explanation: The earthquake had a shallow focal depth of 12 kilometres. The other options refer to the depths of different seismic events that occurred earlier in the year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#17905
Which bowler took a career-best four-wicket haul during the second ODI of the 2026 series?
(a) Matthew Kuhnemann
(b) Nathan Ellis
(c) Adam Zampa
(d) Cameron Green
Explanation: Nathan Ellis recorded a career-best four-wicket haul in the second ODI, which helped Australia level the series at 1-1. Matthew Kuhnemann also performed well in the series but his career-best was 3-38. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#17906
Consider the following statements about the regional security developments in May 2026: 1. The drone attacks on Saudi Arabia involved three drones that were successfully intercepted. 2. The UAE Industry Minister characterized the strike on the Barakah nuclear plant as a terrorist attack. 3. Pakistan's official response emphasized that military escalation is the only viable path to regional stability. 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 three drones were intercepted. Statement 2 is correct as Dr. Sultan Al-Jaber labeled the strike a terrorist attack. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, not military escalation, as the path to stability. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001312/pakistan-condemns-drone-strike-on-saudi-arabia-expresses-solidarity-with-riyadh, 18 May 2026]
#17907
Who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan who met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan and conducted the official visit to Washington in May 2026. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#17908
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 27, 2026: 1. The Prime Minister discussed the potential for a US-Iran peace deal to unlock economic potential. 2. The Malaysian Prime Minister described Pakistan's role in the Gulf ceasefire as remarkable. 3. The Kuwaiti leadership expressed reservations regarding Pakistan's mediation efforts. 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 diplomatic exchanges. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Kuwaiti leadership was reported to be fully supportive of Pakistan's mediation efforts, not reserved. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003497/us-iran-peace-deal-could-benefit-entire-region-pm-tells-pezeshkian-in-eid-call, 27 May 2026]
#17909
Who was the captain of the Australian cricket team during the 2026 ODI series against Pakistan?
(a) Josh Inglis
(b) Adam Zampa
(c) Nathan Ellis
(d) None of these
Explanation: Josh Inglis served as the captain for the Australian side throughout the three-match ODI series. Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis were members of the squad but did not hold the captaincy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#17910
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 25, 2026: 1. The US is seeking to link the Iran peace deal to the expansion of the Abraham Accords. 2. Many nations targeted by the US demand have historically prioritized a two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. 3. Senator Lindsey Graham suggested that refusing to join the Abraham Accords would have no impact on future relationships with the US. 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 accurate based on the diplomatic context provided. Statement 3 is incorrect because Senator Graham explicitly warned that refusal to join would lead to 'severe repercussions' and make the peace proposal 'unacceptable'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003043/trump-demands-widespread-sign-up-to-abraham-accords-as-part-of-iran-peace-deal, 25 May 2026]
#17911
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ODI series between Pakistan and Australia is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan won the first ODI match held in Rawalpindi.
(b) Australia won the second ODI match by 41 runs.
(c) The final ODI match was decided by a four-wicket victory for Pakistan.
(d) Pakistan won the series with a final score of 3-0.
Explanation: Pakistan won the series 2-1, not 3-0. The other statements accurately reflect the series progression and results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#17912
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic engagements of May 2026: 1. The US State Department acknowledged Pakistan's constructive role in mediating tensions between Iran and the United States. 2. The meeting between Ishaq Dar and Marco Rubio focused exclusively on the Abraham Accords. 3. The US Secretary of State expressed condolences for a terrorist attack that occurred in Quetta.
(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 US acknowledged Pakistan's mediation efforts. Statement 3 is correct as Rubio expressed condolences for the Quetta attack. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting covered a broader range of bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, not just the Abraham Accords. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003632/pakistan-firmly-committed-to-stance-on-palestine-israel-dar-answers-question-on-abraham-accords, 29 May 2026]
#17913
Which stadium hosted the third and final ODI match between Pakistan and Australia on June 4, 2026?
(a) Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
(b) National Bank Stadium
(c) Gaddafi Stadium
(d) Multan Cricket Stadium
Explanation: The third ODI match, which decided the series in favor of Pakistan, was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Rawalpindi hosted the first match of the series. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#17914
Which of the following is NOT a stated concern or position of the PPP regarding the upcoming 2026-27 budget?
(a) Support for immediate reduction in development spending
(b) Preference for a broader tax base over taxing the existing base
(c) Dissatisfaction with the budget in its current form
(d) Opposition to the imposition of new taxes
Explanation: The PPP emphasized the need for development spending and inclusive growth, rather than supporting a reduction in such expenditures. The other three options accurately reflect the party's stated positions during the consultations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#17915
In which districts of Balochistan were the intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted by security forces on June 2, 2026?
(a) Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech
(b) Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, and Lasbela
(c) Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, and Zhob
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ISPR statement confirmed that the IBOs were specifically carried out in the districts of Mastung, Nushki, Khuzdar, and Kech following the Quetta train attack. Other districts listed in the distractors, while located in Balochistan, were not the primary sites of these specific operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004690/security-forces-kill-17-terrorists-in-various-districts-of-balochistan-following-quetta-train-bombing-ispr, 02 Jun 2026]
#17916
Which of the following statements regarding the earthquake in Jhelum on May 26, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The epicentre was located 58 kilometres northeast of Jhelum.
(b) Rescue 1122 reached the site within eight minutes of receiving the emergency call.
(c) The earthquake resulted in at least one fatality.
(d) Approximately 10 houses were seriously damaged in the incident.
Explanation: The epicentre was located 58 kilometres southwest of Jhelum, not northeast. The other statements accurately reflect the reported facts of the incident. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]
#17917
Consider the following statements about the final ODI match of the 2026 series: 1. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. 2. Pakistan successfully chased the target in 41.5 overs. 3. Shadab Khan and Abdul Samad shared an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership to secure the win. 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 match report. Australia batted first after winning the toss, Pakistan reached the target in 41.5 overs, and the partnership between Shadab and Samad was indeed the decisive factor for the seventh wicket. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005169/pakistan-upstage-australia-for-2-1-odi-series-win, 04 Jun 2026]
#17918
Consider the following statements about the 2026-27 budget consultations: 1. The consultations were influenced by new fiscal demands from the IMF. 2. The FBR Chairman participated in the discussions regarding tax measures. 3. The budget presentation date was finalized as June 10, 2026, by the Prime Minister alone without coalition input. 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 IMF demands were a central topic and the FBR Chairman was present. Statement 3 is incorrect because the date was decided through a unanimous recommendation by the coalition partners to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004970/another-meeting-expected-as-pml-n-ppp-continue-budget-discussions-ahead-of-june-10-presentation, 03 Jun 2026]
#17919
Consider the following statements about the China-Pakistan diplomatic engagement on May 25, 2026: 1. The two leaders discussed building a community with a shared future in the new era. 2. Pakistan's mediation efforts were focused on the conflict between Washington and Tehran. 3. The visit was part of a short one-day trip to China. 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 as they align with the official discourse on regional peace and the specific mediation role mentioned. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Prime Minister's visit was a four-day official trip, not a one-day trip. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002979/chinas-xi-hails-unbreakable-ties-praises-pakistans-role-in-iran-peace-efforts-as-he-meets-pm-shehbaz, 25 May 2026]
#17920
Consider the following statements about the seismic profile of Pakistan: 1. Pakistan is situated at the intersection of the Arabian, Euro-Asian, and Indian tectonic plates. 2. The country is divided into five distinct seismic zones based on tectonic activity. 3. The earthquake on May 26, 2026, was caused by the movement of the Hindu Kush fault line. 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 Pakistan's tectonic setting and seismic zoning. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Jhelum earthquake was not attributed to the Hindu Kush fault line, which is associated with different regional tremors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003299/at-least-one-killed-11-injured-as-earthquake-damages-houses-in-punjabs-jhelum-district, 26 May 2026]