January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Explanation: The government has set a GDP growth target of 4 percent for the fiscal year 2026-27 as part of its economic stabilization and growth strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The GB Assembly does include one member from the Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), making statement C incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the political situation described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 and 2 are factually correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the notification explicitly states that Section 144 was imposed across the entire province, not just in Quetta. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: Amjad Hussain of the PPP was elected as the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Fida Muhammad Nashad was disqualified by the Supreme Appellate Court, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 was announced at Rs 18.8 trillion. This figure represents the government's primary fiscal planning document for the upcoming year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007374/finmin-aurangzeb-says-govt-committed-to-reducing-tax-burden-by-widening-tax-net, 12 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the cabinet has 12 members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the PML-N decided to sit in the opposition. Statement 3 is correct as the Governor administers the oath. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017537/newly-sworn-in-gb-cm-picks-8-ppp-4-ipp-assembly-members-to-join-his-cabinet-as-ministers, 22 Jul 2026]

Explanation: The order prohibits the use of unregistered motorcycles, not registered ones. The other three options are explicitly listed as prohibited activities in the government notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: While all events occur on 09 August 2026, the thematic progression reflects the shift from constitutional governance in AJK, to regional trilateral defense pacts, to industrial strike disruptions, and finally to international economic indicators like China's factory-gate inflation data. This sequence follows the logical reporting flow from constitutional-political to security, domestic economic, and finally macroeconomic data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2021618/conflicting-priorities]

Explanation: The notification issued by the Balochistan government specifically bans pillion riding, along with other measures like tinted glasses and the display of weapons. Public transport and trade were not subject to a blanket ban under this specific order. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000944/section-144-imposed-throughout-balochistan-for-one-month, 17 May 2026]

Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the report: the request for 14,000 personnel covers the period from June 7 to June 21, the strike is set for June 9 (the start of nominations), and the proscription was enacted under the 2014 Act. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005462/ajk-govt-bans-joint-awami-action-committee-under-anti-terrorism-act, 05 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The PPP platform focuses on sovereignty, land ownership, and employment. There is no mention of privatizing hydroelectric assets in the party's stated campaign priorities for the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005196/at-ghizer-rally-bilawal-urges-voters-to-give-ppp-heavy-mandate-to-safeguard-regions-rights, 04 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Barrister Gohar Ali Khan is the current Chairman of the PTI and led the party's response to the Gilgit-Baltistan election results. Imran Khan is the founding leader, but Gohar Ali Khan is the official Chairman who addressed the press conference. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006146/action-replay-of-2024-elections-pti-ttap-reject-gb-election-results-level-rigging-allegations, 08 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the report attributes the regional assembly and identity to Asif Ali Zardari. Statement 2 is correct as Bilawal warned that other parties might tear up land legislation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the party's focus is broader, including land ownership and employment across the entire region, not just urban infrastructure in Gilgit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005196/at-ghizer-rally-bilawal-urges-voters-to-give-ppp-heavy-mandate-to-safeguard-regions-rights, 04 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar authored the strongly worded judgment that classified acid attacks as more heinous than homicide. The other two judges mentioned were part of the three-judge bench but did not author the specific text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The National Economic Council (NEC) is the constitutional body responsible for reviewing the overall economic condition of the country and coordinating economic policies between the federal and provincial governments. While the NFC Award deals with revenue distribution, the NEC is the primary body for development budget oversight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006413/president-zardari-summons-na-senate-sessions-on-june-10, 09 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The court focused on rehabilitation, medical coverage, and pre-emptive regulation rather than mandating capital punishment. The other three options are explicit recommendations found within the court's judgment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]

Explanation: The IPP did not win any seats during the initial general elections; they fielded 16 candidates but none were successful. The party only gained representation later when four independent winners joined them. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect because the court explicitly stated that penal sanctions alone are insufficient to address the root of the problem. Statements 1 and 3 accurately reflect the court's observations on patriarchal violence and the regulatory measures cited from the Punjab Acid Control Act 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006139/acid-attack-more-heinous-than-homicide-tool-of-patriarchal-violence-sc, 08 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Aman Ali Amir was the independent candidate elected from GBA-21 Ghizer who subsequently joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. The other candidates represent different constituencies such as Ghanche and Diamer. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the PML-N pledged support to the PPP and four independents joined the IPP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the results of three constituencies were scheduled to be announced on June 17, 2026, not June 16. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008336/four-independents-join-aleem-khans-istehkam-i-pakistan-party-in-gilgit-baltistan, 16 Jun 2026]