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.
#18141
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz crisis: 1. Pakistan coordinated with China on a five-point initiative to restore maritime security. 2. The resolution demanded that Iran cease attacks on commercial ships and civilian infrastructure. 3. Pakistan hosted foreign ministers from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye in late March 2026 to discuss the crisis. 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 diplomatic activities reported in the context of the crisis. Pakistan has actively engaged in regional diplomacy to contain the conflict and protect critical infrastructure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989533/china-russia-veto-un-resolution-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz, 07 Apr 2026]
#18142
Who chaired the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026, to address petroleum monitoring and supply chain issues?
(a) Shehbaz Sharif
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Musadik Malik
(d) None of these
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the cabinet committee meeting on April 6, 2026. While Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif constituted the committee, he did not chair this specific session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#18143
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime corridor through which what percentage of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the 2026 conflict?
(a) 20 percent
(b) 15 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 25 percent
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is identified as a vital global energy chokepoint, accounting for 20 percent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transit. Threats to this corridor have been a central point of tension in the US-Iran conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#18144
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 ceasefire agreement is INCORRECT?
(a) The White House confirmed that the in-person talks in Islamabad were finalized and officially announced by President Trump.
(b) Israel supported the ceasefire deal but maintained it did not include Lebanon.
(c) The United States and Iran agreed to an immediate ceasefire.
(d) Saudi Arabia expressed hope that the truce would lead to a comprehensive de-escalation.
Explanation: The White House Press Secretary stated that while discussions about in-person talks were occurring, nothing was final until officially announced by the President or the White House. Therefore, stating that the talks were already finalized and announced is incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#18145
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 energy conservation policy is INCORRECT?
(a) Sindh is currently exempt from the 8:00 PM mandatory closure pending further consultations.
(b) All markets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 10:00 PM.
(c) The policy was formulated in response to fuel price hikes linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
(d) The federal government is providing free inter-city public transport in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad for one month.
Explanation: Only divisional headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are permitted to remain open until 9:00 PM, not 10:00 PM. The other statements accurately reflect the policy details regarding Sindh's exemption, transport subsidies, and the rationale behind the energy conservation measures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#18146
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in 2026: 1. Pakistan initiated its mediation efforts immediately following the attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. 2. The US peace proposal conveyed through Pakistan consisted of 10 clauses. 3. Iran has consistently demanded a permanent end to the war rather than a temporary ceasefire. 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 began diplomatic outreach on the day the conflict started. Statement 2 is incorrect because the US proposal contained 15 points, not 10 (the 10 clauses were part of the Iranian response). Statement 3 is correct as Iran emphasized the necessity of a permanent end to the conflict in its communications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#18147
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 10, 2026: 1. The international community has a well-defined 'Plan B' in case the current peace talks fail. 2. Pakistan has successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. 3. The ongoing conflict is expected to have significant economic consequences globally. 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 Bilawal Bhutto Zardari explicitly stated that the world does not have a 'Plan B'. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990535/world-doesnt-have-a-plan-b-bilawal-stresses-need-for-us-iran-talks-to-lead-to-peaceful-resolution-of-conflict, 10 Apr 2026]
#18148
The trilateral meetings hosted by China in April 2026 spanned a duration of how many days?
(a) Three days
(b) Five days
(c) Seven days
(d) Ten days
Explanation: The Chinese foreign ministry stated that the meetings were held from April 1 to April 7, 2026, which constitutes a period of seven days. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989918/afghanistan-pakistan-agree-to-avoid-escalation-during-china-hosted-talks-beijing, 08 Apr 2026]
#18149
Which strategic maritime chokepoint was highlighted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as needing to be opened following the 2026 ceasefire?
(a) Strait of Malacca
(b) Strait of Hormuz
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened to address traffic buildup and regional security. The other straits listed are not the primary focus of the current Iran-US diplomatic de-escalation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#18150
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediated the ceasefire between the United States and Iran. 2. The ceasefire agreement was initially rejected by all members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 3. The Iranian President confirmed his country's participation in the proposed Islamabad negotiations. 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 Prime Minister helped mediate the deal. Statement 3 is correct as President Pezeshkian confirmed participation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the GCC members actually welcomed the ceasefire. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989584/pm-shehbaz-asks-trump-to-extend-deadline-for-two-weeks-requests-iran-to-open-hormuz-for-corresponding-period, 07 Apr 2026]
#18151
Which of the following entities is granted an exemption from the 2026 energy conservation timing restrictions?
(a) Marriage halls
(b) Departmental stores
(c) Medical stores and pharmacies
(d) None of these
Explanation: Medical stores and pharmacies are explicitly exempted from the new timing restrictions to ensure public access to essential healthcare supplies. Marriage halls and departmental stores are subject to the 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM closure rules. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989178/markets-malls-to-close-at-8pm-across-country-except-sindh-to-conserve-energy, 06 Apr 2026]
#18152
Consider the following statements about the 2026 peace initiative in Islamabad: 1. The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for de-escalation in Lebanon. 2. The first round of talks is scheduled to occur on April 11, 2026. 3. The Iranian leadership expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in hosting the negotiations. 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 correct. The ceasefire covers Lebanon, the talks are set for the weekend following the April 8, 2026 announcement (specifically April 11), and the Iranian President explicitly thanked the Pakistani leadership for their mediation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989847/us-iranian-delegations-expected-in-pakistan-on-friday-white-house-says-first-round-of-talks-to-be-held-on-saturday, 08 Apr 2026]
#18153
On April 9, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with which official to review Pakistan's mediatory efforts between the US and Iran?
(a) Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir
(b) Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
(c) President of Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir, who serves as the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, to discuss the progress of regional peace initiatives. Ishaq Dar is the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, making him a separate official involved in the diplomatic process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#18154
Consider the following statements about the cabinet committee meeting held on April 6, 2026: 1. The committee expressed concern over loopholes in the diesel rate build-up. 2. Climate Change Minister Dr. Musadik Malik previously served as the energy and petroleum minister. 3. The government decided to rely solely on private sector data for monitoring retail outlets. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government is actively deploying joint teams to ensure data transparency and is not relying solely on private sector data, which was noted as having even poorer integration than PSO. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1989171/ogra-pso-come-under-fire-for-poor-monitoring-of-oil-stocks, 06 Apr 2026]
#18155
In the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts, how many clauses were included in the Iranian response to the US peace proposal?
(a) 5 clauses
(b) 10 clauses
(c) 15 clauses
(d) 20 clauses
Explanation: Iranian media reported that Tehran conveyed a 10-clause response to the US proposal, which included demands for the lifting of sanctions and a permanent end to the war. The 5-clause figure refers to an earlier set of conditions proposed by Iran, while the 15-point proposal originated from the US. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990234/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-discuss-pakistans-efforts-to-mediate-between-us-and-iran, 09 Apr 2026]
#18156
Consider the following statements about the 2026 visit of the Pakistani CDF to Turkiye: 1. The visit included a meeting with the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces. 2. The discussions focused on regional security dynamics and professional matters. 3. The Turkish President received the CDF at the Istanbul airport. 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 CDF met General Metin Tokel and discussed regional security. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President received the CDF at the Ankara airport, not Istanbul. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr, 14 Jul 2026]
#18157
What is the primary revenue target for the petroleum levy that Pakistan aims to achieve as discussed with the IMF in 2026?
(a) Rs1.2 trillion
(b) Rs1.8 trillion
(c) Rs1.468 trillion
(d) Rs2.1 trillion
Explanation: The government informed the IMF that it is well-positioned to meet the petroleum levy target of Rs1.468 trillion. Other figures are incorrect estimates of the stated fiscal goal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996451/govt-hikes-petrol-price-by-rs6-diesel-by-rs19, 30 Apr 2026]
#18158
Which political party boycotted the Sindh Assembly session during the presentation of the 2026-27 budget?
(a) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan
(c) Jamaat-e-Islami
(d) Grand Democratic Alliance
Explanation: Lawmakers from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) boycotted the session, citing a lack of prior consultation. Other parties listed were not identified as the primary boycotting group in the assembly session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]
#18159
Which of the following statements regarding the July 20, 2026, protest in Delhi is INCORRECT?
(a) The protest was led by the Chief Minister of Indian-occupied Kashmir.
(b) Protesters demanded the restoration of statehood for the region.
(c) The protest was organized to celebrate the success of the 2019 reorganization.
(d) Participants shouted slogans demanding the restoration of rights and dignity.
Explanation: The protest was held to demand the restoration of statehood and criticize the government's failure to fulfill promises, not to celebrate the 2019 reorganization. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the protest. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017041/hundreds-protest-in-delhi-demanding-restoration-of-autonomy-for-occupied-kashmir, 20 Jul 2026]
#18160
Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being present at the meeting between the Prime Minister and the President on April 14, 2026?
(a) Rana Sanaullah
(b) Bilal Yaseen
(c) Sherry Rehman
(d) Nayyar Bukhari
Explanation: Bilal Yaseen is the Punjab Housing Minister and was not present at the meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr. The other individuals listed were explicitly mentioned as attendees in the official statement. [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]