January 2026 Edition
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January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#8961
Who serves as the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan as of June 2026?
(a) Raja Shahbaz Khan
(b) Ghulam Abbas
(c) Jamil Nagri
(d) None of these
Explanation: Raja Shahbaz Khan is the Chief Election Commissioner of Gilgit-Baltistan who issued the notification regarding the delegation of magisterial powers. Ghulam Abbas is the Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005690/gilgit-baltistan-votes-in-legislative-assembly-elections-on-sunday-24-constituencies-up-for-grabs, 06 Jun 2026]
#8962
According to the unofficial results of the 2026 elections, which political party secured the highest number of seats in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly?
(a) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
(b) Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM)
(c) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
(d) None of these
Explanation: The unofficial results indicate that the PPP emerged as the leading party with 10 seats. The PML-N followed with six seats, while independent candidates secured seven. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#8963
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections: 1. The PPP has fielded more candidates than the PML-N. 2. Only eight women are contesting the elections across all constituencies. 3. The Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) has fielded more candidates than the PTI. 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: The PPP has 23 candidates compared to 22 for the PML-N. There are exactly eight women contesting the elections. The IPP has 15 candidates, which is more than the 10 candidates fielded by the PTI. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005690/gilgit-baltistan-votes-in-legislative-assembly-elections-on-sunday-24-constituencies-up-for-grabs, 06 Jun 2026]
#8964
In the context of the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections, what is a Form-45?
(a) A record of the vote count prepared by a presiding officer at a polling station
(b) A document used to register new voters in the region
(c) A formal petition filed to challenge the results of an election
(d) A certificate issued to candidates confirming their eligibility to contest
Explanation: Form-45 is the official document containing the result of the vote count prepared by the presiding officer at each polling station. The PPP alleged delays in the provision of this form during the 2026 elections. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#8965
Which of the following statements regarding the July 17, 2026, AJK campaign address is INCORRECT?
(a) The PPP Chairman announced that the government had already accepted his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission.
(b) The PPP Chairman claimed that the government's current response is punishing all Kashmiris rather than specific individuals.
(c) The PPP Chairman urged protesters to halt demonstrations that disrupt the supply of essential goods.
(d) The PPP Chairman emphasized that the upcoming election is the most important in the history of AJK.
Explanation: The PPP Chairman explicitly stated that neither the government nor the protesters had responded to his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission. Therefore, the claim that it was accepted is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#8966
According to the campaign address on July 17, 2026, which two regions were identified as being critical yet historically underdeveloped within the Pakistani context?
(a) Sindh and Balochistan
(b) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab
(c) Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) FATA and Islamabad Capital Territory
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari specifically highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as two regions that have been waiting for generations to be fully integrated and developed. These regions are central to his party's current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#8967
Consider the following statements about the political discourse regarding AJK on July 17, 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman argued that politicians have a duty to act as a bridge between the region and the Centre. 2. The proposed reforms include calling constitutional conventions to allow local input on governance. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that the AJK issue can only be resolved through military intervention. 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 Chairman's emphasis on political bridging and local input through conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect because he explicitly stated that there is no issue that cannot be resolved politically and peacefully. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#8968
Who issued the notification regarding the public holiday for educational institutions in Islamabad on March 13, 2026?
(a) The Prime Minister of Pakistan
(b) The Minister of Federal Education
(c) The Islamabad Deputy Commissioner
(d) The Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court
Explanation: The notification was shared by the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, via his official social media account. The Deputy Commissioner holds the administrative authority to issue such directives within the Islamabad Capital Territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#8969
The notification for the public holiday in Islamabad was issued on which date in 2026?
(a) March 10, 2026
(b) March 11, 2026
(c) March 13, 2026
(d) March 12, 2026
Explanation: The news desk reported the issuance of the notification on March 12, 2026, one day prior to the declared holiday of March 13, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#8970
Consider the following statements about the administrative decision regarding the March 13, 2026 holiday in Islamabad: 1. The holiday applies to all educational institutions within the Islamabad Capital Territory. 2. The notification was released by the office of the Deputy Commissioner. 3. The notification provided a detailed justification for the holiday based on religious observance. 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 holiday covers all institutions in the ICT and was issued by the Deputy Commissioner. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification did not specify a reason for the holiday. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#8971
Which Minister of State for Interior moved the bill in the National Assembly to transform the Frontier Constabulary into the Federal Constabulary on March 12, 2026?
(a) Shahid Khattak
(b) Syed Naveed Qamar
(c) Tallal Chaudhry
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: Tallal Chaudhry, the Minister of State for Interior, moved the bill in the National Assembly. Syed Naveed Qamar is a PPP MNA who proposed amendments, while Ghulam Mustafa Shah served as the Deputy Speaker during the session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#8972
Which of the following political parties did NOT participate in the first phase of the 2026 AJK elections in the Mirpur division?
(a) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) AJK
(b) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) AJK
(c) Istehkam Pakistan Party
(d) None of these
Explanation: All three listed parties (PML-N AJK, PPP AJK, and Istehkam Pakistan Party) were explicitly mentioned as contesting the elections in the Mirpur division. Therefore, none of the options provided are correct as a 'non-participant'. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#8973
Nehal Hashmi was appointed as the Governor of Sindh in 2026 as a representative of which political party?
(a) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)
(b) Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)
(c) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
(d) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
Explanation: Nehal Hashmi is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). His appointment was recommended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who leads the PML-N. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#8974
Which of the following statements regarding the appointment of the Sindh Governor in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The appointment was made on the advice of the Prime Minister.
(b) The President of Pakistan granted the final approval for the appointment.
(c) The appointment process involved the signing of a formal Commission of Appointment.
(d) The MQM-P was consulted and provided prior consent for the removal of the incumbent governor.
Explanation: The MQM-P leadership, including Farooq Sattar, explicitly stated that they were not consulted and had no prior information regarding the removal of Kamran Tessori, making statement C incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]
#8975
Which of the following statements regarding the legislative events of March 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The bill sought to shift all powers and assets of the FC to the Federal Constabulary.
(b) The opposition protested by tearing apart copies of the agenda.
(c) Amendments proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar were approved before the session was prorogued.
(d) The Deputy Speaker immediately accepted the opposition's call for a count of members.
Explanation: The Deputy Speaker, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, ignored the opposition's initial calls for a count of members. He only acted after the lack of quorum was formally pointed out by an MNA. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#8976
Which political figure pointed out the lack of quorum in the National Assembly on March 12, 2026?
(a) Tallal Chaudhry
(b) Shahid Khattak
(c) Syed Naveed Qamar
(d) Ghulam Mustafa Shah
Explanation: PTI-backed MNA Shahid Khattak pointed out the lack of quorum to the Deputy Speaker. This action effectively halted the legislative proceedings on the bill. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981390/pointing-out-of-lack-of-quorum-in-na-opposition-blocks-passage-of-bill-seeking-to-upgrade-fc-to-federal-force, 12 Mar 2026]
#8977
What was the age of the suspect, Kamal Singh Jamwal, at the time of his arrest on March 12, 2026?
(a) 53 years
(b) 73 years
(c) 63 years
(d) 83 years
Explanation: Official reports identified the attacker as a 63-year-old man. He claimed to have been planning the attack for approximately two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#8978
Consider the following statements about the security incident on March 12, 2026: 1. The suspect claimed to have been planning the attack for nearly twenty years. 2. Farooq Abdullah was serving as the incumbent Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of the attack. 3. The weapon used by the assailant was recovered by security forces. 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 suspect cited a twenty-year plan. Statement 2 is incorrect because Farooq Abdullah is a former Chief Minister, not the incumbent. Statement 3 is correct as the firearm was recovered from the suspect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981258/man-arrested-after-attempt-on-life-of-former-occupied-kashmir-cm-farooq-abdullah, 12 Mar 2026]
#8979
Which of the following categories of educational institutions in Islamabad were included in the public holiday notification for March 13, 2026?
(a) Public schools only
(b) Private universities only
(c) Both public and private institutions
(d) None of these
Explanation: The notification explicitly stated that the holiday applies to all educational institutions, encompassing both public and private sectors, including schools, colleges, and universities within the revenue limits of the ICT. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981400/educational-institutions-to-remain-closed-in-islamabad-on-friday, 12 Mar 2026]
#8980
Which individual held the office of the Governor of Sindh immediately prior to the appointment of Nehal Hashmi in 2026?
(a) Farooq Sattar
(b) Kamran Tessori
(c) Khalid Maqbool Siddique
(d) None of these
Explanation: Kamran Tessori, an affiliate of the MQM-P, was the incumbent Governor of Sindh before his removal and replacement by Nehal Hashmi in 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981259/president-zardari-approves-appointment-of-pml-ns-nehal-hashmi-as-sindh-governor, 12 Mar 2026]