#13101

Which of the following statements regarding the US position at the UN Security Council in March 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The US questioned the utility of continued international funding for Afghanistan.

(b) The US criticized the Taliban for restricting female national staff from working at UN offices.

(c) The US announced an immediate increase in humanitarian aid to fill the $1 billion shortfall.

(d) The US Ambassador emphasized that the Taliban's intransigence complicates international engagement.

Explanation: The US did not announce an increase in aid; rather, it suggested that the international community would be more willing to fill the funding shortfall if the Taliban ceased excluding women from basic rights. Options A, B, and D accurately reflect the US stance presented at the UNSC. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980478/us-designates-afghanistan-state-sponsor-of-wrongful-detention, 10 Mar 2026]

#13102

Who among the following associates of Asiya Andrabi was also sentenced by the Delhi court in March 2026?

(a) Fehmeeda Sofi

(b) Yasin Malik

(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

(d) Syed Ali Geelani

Explanation: Fehmeeda Sofi and Nahida Nasreen were the two associates sentenced alongside Asiya Andrabi. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but were not the subjects of this specific court verdict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]

#13103

Which of the following statements regarding the FO statement on the 2026 sentencing is INCORRECT?

(a) It described the verdict as a grave miscarriage of justice.

(b) It called for the international community to take notice of the development.

(c) It explicitly endorsed the legal validity of the UAPA in the occupied territory.

(d) It reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.

Explanation: The Foreign Office statement condemned the sentencing and questioned the judicial process, meaning it did not endorse the UAPA. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the FO's official stance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]

#13104

Who is the current Hurriyat chairman who reported that the gates of the Jama Masjid were locked from all sides on the last Friday of Ramazan in 2026?

(a) Yasin Malik

(b) Syed Ali Geelani

(c) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

(d) Shabbir Shah

Explanation: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, confirmed the closure via social media. The other individuals listed are prominent Kashmiri figures but do not hold the specific title mentioned in the context of this event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981738/fo-condemns-continued-closure-of-historic-mosque-in-occupied-kashmir-on-last-friday-of-ramazan, 13 Mar 2026]

#13105

The Foreign Office of Pakistan issued a formal statement regarding the sentencing of Kashmiri leaders on which date in 2026?

(a) March 20, 2026

(b) March 25, 2026

(c) March 30, 2026

(d) April 05, 2026

Explanation: The Foreign Office issued its condemnation on March 25, 2026, the same day the sentencing news was reported. The other dates are incorrect as they do not align with the event timeline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985165/fo-condemns-harsh-sentences-awarded-to-kashmiri-leader-asiya-andrabi-associates-by-delhi-court, 25 Mar 2026]

#13106

Consider the following statements about the situation in occupied Kashmir as of March 2026: 1. The closure of the Jama Masjid in Srinagar was compared to the restrictions placed on Masjid al-Aqsa. 2. The Foreign Office of Pakistan has demanded that the United Nations take notice of the religious freedom violations. 3. The restrictions on religious gatherings in the valley have been in place for over two decades.

(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 official reports. Statement 3 is incorrect because the specific policy of sealing the mosque on the last Friday of Ramazan has been occurring for seven years, not two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981738/fo-condemns-continued-closure-of-historic-mosque-in-occupied-kashmir-on-last-friday-of-ramazan, 13 Mar 2026]

#13107

All of the following categories of violations against journalists were documented in the second quarter of 2026 EXCEPT:

(a) Attempted murder

(b) Cyber-terrorism conviction

(c) Assault resulting in injury

(d) Kidnapping

Explanation: The report lists various violations including legal action, arrests, assault, and attempted murder. While legal actions under Peca are common, a 'cyber-terrorism conviction' is not listed as a specific category of violation in the report's findings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]

#13108

Which legislative act was specifically mentioned as being used to initiate investigations or criminal proceedings against journalists in 2026?

(a) Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca)

(b) Freedom of Information Ordinance

(c) Defamation Ordinance

(d) Press Council of Pakistan Ordinance

Explanation: The report notes that journalists frequently face legal proceedings under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), alongside anti-terrorism and other criminal laws. This reflects the broader trend of utilizing existing regulatory frameworks to exert pressure on the media. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]

#13109

What percentage of the 22 documented cases of threats against journalists in the second quarter of 2026 involved state actors as the principal threat?

(a) 52 percent

(b) 68 percent

(c) 75 percent

(d) None of these

Explanation: The Freedom Network review identified state actors as the primary source of intimidation in 15 out of the 22 documented cases, which equates to approximately 68 percent. This highlights the growing trend of using administrative and legal mechanisms to target media practitioners. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017436/punjab-leads-tally-for-cases-involving-threats-to-journalists, 22 Jul 2026]

#13110

Which of the following statements regarding the Senate debate on May 15, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The government claimed that parliamentary rules allow committees to interfere in prison administration.

(b) Opposition members demanded an independent committee to visit jails.

(c) PTI senators alleged that the founder has lost sight in one eye.

(d) The government cited a five-member medical board that endorsed the current treatment.

Explanation: The government explicitly stated that parliamentary rules of business do not provide room for a committee to interfere in executive matters related to prison administration. Therefore, is the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]

#13111

Who served as the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly during the session where the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 was passed?

(a) Saleem Haider

(b) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman

(c) Zulfiqar Ali Shah

(d) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

Explanation: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presided over the session as Speaker and directed the distribution of the bill copies to the members. Saleem Haider is the Governor of Punjab, not the Speaker. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]

#13112

Who presented the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 in the Punjab Assembly?

(a) Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman

(b) Azma Bokhari

(c) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

(d) Ejaz Augustine

Explanation: Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, serving as the Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister, formally presented the bill to the assembly. While Azma Bokhari participated in the debate and Ejaz Augustine moved an amendment, Rehman was the minister responsible for the bill's introduction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]

#13113

Consider the following statements about the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026: 1. The bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on April 27, 2026. 2. The legislation includes a provision that no child should be treated as an offender merely for being a contracting party to a child marriage. 3. The Federal Shariat Court has previously endorsed similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. 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 legislative proceedings and the context provided. The bill was passed on the date mentioned, the amendment regarding the child's status as a non-offender was included, and the Federal Shariat Court's stance on the Sindh legislation was cited during the debate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]

#13114

Which of the following statements regarding the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) It sets the minimum marriage age at 18 for both males and females.

(b) It declares underage marriage a non-bailable offence.

(c) It allows individuals under 18 to marry with court permission.

(d) It mandates that the best interests of the child be a primary consideration.

Explanation: The bill does not contain a provision allowing marriage under 18 with court permission; in fact, the proposal for such an exception was explicitly opposed by ministers during the debate. The other statements accurately reflect the provisions of the passed legislation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995556/punjab-assembly-passes-bill-setting-minimum-marriage-age-at-18-for-both-males-and-females, 27 Apr 2026]

#13115

What is the primary concern regarding groundwater management in Pakistan as highlighted in the 2026 report?

(a) Unchecked extraction and pollution

(b) Excessive recharge rates

(c) Lack of available drilling technology

(d) Over-regulation of private wells

Explanation: The report notes that aquifers are being depleted faster than they can naturally recharge, a situation worsened by pollution. This combination threatens the long-term sustainability of groundwater supplies. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018921/water-policy, 28 Jul 2026]

#13116

The flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, were primarily caused by which environmental phenomenon?

(a) Tectonic plate shifting

(b) Heavy rainfall and subsequent mudslides

(c) Glacial lake outburst floods

(d) None of these

Explanation: The disaster was triggered by heavy rainfall leading to flash floods and mudslides that brought boulders into the town. While residents compared the sound to an earthquake, it was a hydrological event, not a tectonic one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#13117

On July 21, 2026, which organization deployed volunteers to provide emergency food, water, and tents to flood-affected residents in Nuristan?

(a) Afghan Red Crescent Society

(b) World Food Programme

(c) International Rescue Committee

(d) Doctors Without Borders

Explanation: The Afghan Red Crescent Society confirmed the deployment of dozens of volunteers to assist with immediate humanitarian needs. Other organizations like the WFP or IRC were not cited as the primary responders on the ground in this specific report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#13118

Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The military was deployed to support the relief effort.

(b) The United Nations was involved in assessing the disaster.

(c) The death toll was confirmed to be exactly 100 people.

(d) Dozens of shops and buildings were destroyed by the flood.

Explanation: The report stated that 23 people were killed and around 100 were unaccounted for, not that 100 people were confirmed dead. The other statements accurately reflect the relief and damage assessment efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#13119

Which of the following government officials were reported missing following the flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026?

(a) The Provincial Governor

(b) The Mayor of Parun

(c) The Minister of Defense

(d) The Chief of Police

Explanation: The governor's office reported that the mayor of Parun was among those missing after the deluge. The provincial governor was not reported missing, and the defense minister is a national-level official. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#13120

Which of the following regions was NOT explicitly mentioned by the NDMA as being at risk of flash floods in the July 2026 alert?

(a) Gilgit-Baltistan

(b) Azad Jammu and Kashmir

(c) Southern Sindh

(d) Northeastern Balochistan

Explanation: The NDMA alert identified risks in KP, GB, AJK, Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan. Southern Sindh was not included in the specific list of high-risk areas for flash floods in this particular advisory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017248/monsoon-rains-kill-12-in-kp-in-past-3-days-nationwide-flood-warning-issued, 21 Jul 2026]

January 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions