January 2026 Edition

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#8321

Which of the following is NOT a policy goal mentioned by the PPP Chairman for the people of AJK in 2026?

(a) Securing rights of governance
(b) Privatization of all public utilities
(c) Ensuring rights of ownership
(d) Securing rights of employment
Explanation: The PPP Chairman's manifesto focuses on governance, ownership, and employment rights. Privatization of public utilities was not mentioned as a policy goal in his address. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#8322

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts mentioned in the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum address: 1. Pakistan facilitated talks between the United States and Iran after 47 years. 2. The ASEAN region has a combined GDP of approximately $3.8 trillion. 3. The Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a Palestinian state based on post-1967 borders. 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 2 are factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a state based on pre-1967 borders, not post-1967 borders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#8323

Which political leader emphasized the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in the National Finance Commission (NFC) during an election rally in 2026?

(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the PPP, advocated for the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in national policy forums like the NFC and the Council of Common Interests. Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan were not the speakers at this specific AJK election rally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#8324

Consider the following statements about the political discourse in AJK as of July 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman advocated for a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of AJK people if a two-thirds majority is achieved. 2. Restrictions on internet services in AJK were criticized as being harmful to the local population. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that decisions regarding the future of Kashmir should be made by authorities in Sindh or Punjab. 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 2 are correct as they reflect the Chairman's stated goals and criticisms. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chairman explicitly stated that decisions should be made by Kashmiris, not by people from Sindh or Punjab. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#8325

Who chaired the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on 2026-07-23 regarding the payment of dues to former Pak PWD employees?

(a) Senator Nasir Mehmood
(b) Senator Ishaq Dar
(c) Senator Mushahid Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Nasir Mehmood chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works during the session held on 2026-07-23. The committee focused on the administrative delays affecting the financial entitlements of former Pak PWD staff. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431367/salaries-payment-dues-of-ex-pak-pwd-employees-senate-body-concerned-over-delays, 23 Jul 2026]
#8326

Regarding the evolving landscape of governance and security in Pakistan as of July 30, 2026, consider the following statements:

(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 accurate as federal internal security challenges remain high following the Hangu attack; statement 2 reflects the Punjab Revenue Authority's focus on digital taxation through EIMS; and statement 3 correctly identifies the ongoing parliamentary critique surrounding the 27th Constitutional Amendment. All these events reflect contemporary governance challenges in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019442/9-cops-martyred-28-injured-as-police-checkpost-comes-under-attack-in-kps-hangu]
#8327

Which of the following statements regarding the Senate Committee's findings on 2026-07-23 is INCORRECT?

(a) All 20,024 adjusted employees have received their full salary arrears as of the committee meeting.
(b) The Ministry of Finance issued letters for the clearance of outstanding salary arrears.
(c) The committee expressed concern over delays in salary payments to former Pak PWD employees.
(d) The committee chairman directed officials to avoid misleading the panel with repeated assurances.
Explanation: Statement C is incorrect because the report explicitly states that many employees are still awaiting payment of salaries and arrears, despite their adjustment. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings of the committee meeting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431367/salaries-payment-dues-of-ex-pak-pwd-employees-senate-body-concerned-over-delays, 23 Jul 2026]
#8328

Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as reported on July 31, 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 National Tariff Commission's anti-dumping investigation specifically concerns Chinese crockery imports, not agricultural machinery. Statement 2 accurately reflects the Federal Minister's focus on infrastructure maintenance via axle load enforcement to ensure economic stabilization. Statement 3 correctly identifies the ECP's refusal to recognize Mahmood Khan Achakzai, citing non-compliance with the Elections Act, 2017 regarding intra-party election mandates. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432642/mechanism-to-ensure-adherence-to-axle-load-limits-ordered]
#8329

Consider the following statements about the 75th-anniversary ceremony held in May 2026: 1. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony in Islamabad. 2. The ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 3. The Prime Minister stated that the world can move forward without China's technological and industrial contribution. 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 Prime Minister emphasized that the world cannot move forward without China, given its industrial and technological advancements. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002044/pm-shehbaz-lauds-steadfast-pak-china-friendship-says-beijing-supported-islamabad-in-unwavering-fashion, 21 May 2026]
#8330

Who serves as the Commissioner for Indus Waters for Pakistan as of 2026-07-24?

(a) Jam Saifullah
(b) Mehar Ali Shah
(c) Khalil Tahir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mehar Ali Shah is the Commissioner for Indus Waters and also serves as the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resources. Jam Saifullah is the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources, not the Commissioner. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431517/senate-panel-told-govt-unaware-of-indias-chenab-water-release, 24 Jul 2026]
#8331

Who was confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party on July 17, 2026?

(a) Keir Starmer
(b) Andy Burnham
(c) Nigel Farage
(d) Gordon Brown
Explanation: Andy Burnham was confirmed as the new Labour leader on July 17, 2026, following the resignation of Keir Starmer. Keir Starmer is the predecessor, not the successor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
#8332

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran was extended indefinitely in 2026 upon the request of which Pakistani leaders?

(a) The President and the Foreign Minister
(b) The Army Chief and the Prime Minister
(c) The Interior Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly
(d) None of these
Explanation: The ceasefire extension was granted by the US President specifically following the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Other combinations of officials do not reflect the specific diplomatic request mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002286/cdf-asim-munir-arrives-in-iran-as-part-of-ongoing-mediation-efforts-ispr, 22 May 2026]
#8333

Which of the following is NOT a category of information that civil servants are required to disclose under the 2026 rules?

(a) Foreign residence permits
(b) Foreign passports
(c) Foreign bank account balances
(d) Foreign travel documents
Explanation: The 2026 rules focus on nationality, passports, residence permits, and travel documents. Financial disclosures like bank account balances are not covered under this specific set of rules. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#8334

Consider the following statements about the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting held in 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from all SCO member states including India and Iran. 2. The primary focus of the CFM is limited exclusively to economic trade agreements. 3. The Pakistani delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as both India and Iran are SCO members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CFM focuses on international relations and security policies, not just trade. Statement 3 is correct as Ishaq Dar led the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431529/dar-to-attend-sco-cfms-meeting-today, 24 Jul 2026]
#8335

Which regional leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consult regarding the security of oil tankers and freedom of navigation on July 24, 2026?

(a) The Emir of Qatar
(b) The Prime Minister of Yemen
(c) The President of Oman
(d) The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This conversation reinforced the mutual defense alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#8336

Who represented Pakistan at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in July 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan at the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#8337

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's regional security stance as of July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan has pledged to support the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has abandoned all diplomatic efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. 3. Pakistan's defense pact with Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one is considered aggression against both. 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 PM reaffirmed support for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan has not abandoned hope for diplomatic negotiations. Statement 3 is correct as it references the ratified mutual defense agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#8338

Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as of July 31, 2026: 1. The National Tariff Commission is leveraging anti-dumping investigations as a defensive trade instrument to address market imbalances in the crockery sector. 2. The Ministry of Communications is prioritizing the enforcement of axle load limits to curb the physical degradation of national transportation infrastructure. 3. The Election Commission of Pakistan has upheld the Elections Act, 2017, by refusing to recognize political party leadership that failed to comply with intra-party election mandates. Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the governance challenges and regulatory actions occurring on July 31, 2026. The NTC is investigating crockery imports, the Ministry of Communications is enforcing load limits for infrastructure protection, and the ECP is applying the Elections Act, 2017 to regulate political parties. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432643/crockery-products-imported-from-china-ntc-initiates-anti-dumping-investigation]
#8339

Which of the following is NOT a category of business exempted from the 9pm closing time in Sindh as per the May 2026 notification?

(a) Wedding halls
(b) Shopping malls
(c) Food outlets
(d) Public sector offices
Explanation: The notification specifically exempted commercial entities like wedding halls, shopping malls, and food outlets from the 9pm closing time. Public sector offices were not included in this commercial market timing exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#8340

Who announced the decision to lift market timing restrictions in Sindh on May 16, 2026?

(a) Murad Ali Shah
(b) Sharjeel Memon
(c) Saeed Ghani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sharjeel Memon, serving as the Sindh Senior Minister, officially announced the exemption of markets and businesses from fixed closing times. Murad Ali Shah is the Chief Minister, but the specific announcement regarding this policy shift was attributed to the Senior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]