July 2026 Edition
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July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#20581
At which international forum did US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth praise Pakistan's role in US-Iran negotiations on May 30, 2026?
(a) Raisina Dialogue
(b) Munich Security Conference
(c) Shangri-La Dialogue
(d) World Economic Forum
Explanation: The US Secretary of Defense made these remarks during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit held in Singapore. The Raisina Dialogue is a separate geopolitical conference hosted in India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#20582
Which of the following statements regarding the US-Pakistan diplomatic relationship as of May 30, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The US Secretary of Defense described the developing relationship as a true friendship.
(b) The US Secretary of State indicated that strengthening ties with Pakistan comes at the expense of the relationship with New Delhi.
(c) The US administration claims to have brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025.
(d) President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Pakistani military leadership.
Explanation: The US Secretary of State explicitly stated that the strengthening of ties with Pakistan does not come at the expense of Washington's relationship with New Delhi, making the incorrect statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#20583
Who is the current US Secretary of Defense as of May 30, 2026?
(a) Marco Rubio
(b) Tulsi Gabbard
(c) Pete Hegseth
(d) None of these
Explanation: Pete Hegseth is the serving US Secretary of Defense. Marco Rubio serves as the US Secretary of State, and Tulsi Gabbard is the former director of national intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#20584
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments mentioned on May 30, 2026: 1. Pakistan served as the official interlocutor between Washington and Tehran. 2. The US Secretary of Defense expressed concerns that Pakistan's missile capabilities are currently a direct threat to the US. 3. The US President has referred to the Pakistani Army Chief as his 'favourite field marshal'. 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 acted as the interlocutor. Statement 3 is correct as the US President used that specific phrasing. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Secretary of Defense explicitly stated that the US is not calling either country a threat to them at this time. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003936/us-pakistan-developing-true-friendship-hegseth-hails-islamabads-role-in-us-iran-negotiations, 30 May 2026]
#20585
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#20586
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#20587
Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan in July 2026: 1. The military spokesperson stated that security forces would exercise proportionality in their response to the attacks. 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized a mutual and singular decision by civil and military leadership to end terrorism. 3. The attacks in Balochistan since July 5 included an ambush of an army convoy in Bela. 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 the ISPR spokesperson explicitly warned that terrorists should expect no 'rationality and proportionality' in the security response. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct as per the official government and military briefings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#20588
Consider the following statements about the security operation in Karachi on June 27, 2026: 1. The attack occurred in the evening hours near Mosamiyat Chowrangi. 2. The Sindh Inspector General of Police confirmed that a fierce exchange of gunfire followed the initial blast. 3. The funeral prayers for the martyred personnel were attended by the Chief of Army Staff. 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 align with the reported timeline and official confirmation by the Sindh IGP. Statement 3 is incorrect because the report mentions the attendance of the Interior Minister, Sindh Governor, and Sindh Chief Minister, but does not list the COAS as a participant in the funeral prayers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011178/3-sindh-rangers-personnel-martyred-during-attack-on-local-headquarters-in-karachis-gulistan-i-jauhar-sindh-ig, 27 Jun 2026]
#20589
According to the Prime Minister's statement on May 9, 2026, which issue remains an 'unfinished agenda of Partition'?
(a) The Iran-US conflict
(b) The Kashmir issue
(c) The Afghanistan border dispute
(d) The Gwadar port development
Explanation: The Prime Minister reiterated that the Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of Partition and is critical for strategic stability in South Asia. The other options are unrelated to the historical context of the Partition of the subcontinent. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998951/etched-in-history-pm-shehbaz-says-pakistan-cannot-be-intimidated-or-subdued-as-nation-marks-marka-i-haq-anniversary, 09 May 2026]
#20590
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit of March 12, 2026: 1. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. Pakistan expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia regarding the current regional security challenges. 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 visit was at the invitation of the Crown Prince. Statement 3 is correct regarding the expression of solidarity. Statement 2 is incorrect because the discussions focused on regional security and the ongoing conflict, not exclusively on trade. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#20591
Which official held a meeting with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud on March 7, 2026, to discuss regional security?
(a) Asim Munir
(b) Ahmad Farooq
(c) Tahir Andrabi
(d) Syed Mustafa Rabani
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, to meet with the Saudi Defence Minister regarding the security situation. The other individuals listed are diplomats or spokespersons. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#20592
Who accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his official visit to Saudi Arabia on March 12, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar accompanied the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Khawaja Asif were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981279/as-war-in-middle-east-escalates-pm-shehbaz-departs-on-brief-visit-to-saudi-arabia, 12 Mar 2026]
#20593
According to the statement issued on July 23, 2026, what is considered essential for achieving lasting peace in Balochistan?
(a) Immediate withdrawal of federal administrative control
(b) Sustained efforts by security forces and public support
(c) Complete privatization of all natural resources
(d) Exclusive reliance on international peacekeeping forces
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20594
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the security strategy for Balochistan as per the July 23, 2026, address?
(a) Immediate cessation of all development initiatives
(b) Dismantling terrorist infrastructure
(c) Eliminating terrorist facilitators
(d) Achieving lasting peace through sustained efforts
Explanation: The government is actively pursuing development initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, making the cessation of such projects an incorrect statement. The other options are core components of the stated security policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20595
Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 23, 2026: 1. The Chief of Defence Forces pledged to continue operations until terrorism is eliminated. 2. The security strategy relies solely on military force without public involvement. 3. The federal and provincial governments are pursuing development initiatives in the province. 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 CDF vowed to continue operations. Statement 3 is correct as the government is pursuing development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly emphasizes the necessity of public support. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20596
Where was the 20th National Workshop Balochistan held on July 23, 2026?
(a) Governor House, Quetta
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad
(d) None of these
Explanation: The 20th National Workshop Balochistan took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. This venue is the primary administrative and command center for the Pakistan Army. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#20597
Who is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan who visited Tehran in May 2026?
(a) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
(b) Field Marshal Asim Munir
(c) General Raheel Sharif
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Asim Munir is the current Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces who led the mediation delegation to Tehran. The other names listed are former army chiefs. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002541/encouraging-progress-made-during-cdf-munirs-tehran-visit-ispr, 23 May 2026]
#20598
Where did the Chief of Defence Forces address the participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan on July 24, 2026?
(a) Prime Minister House, Islamabad
(b) General Headquarters, Rawalpindi
(c) Governor House, Quetta
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces addressed the workshop participants at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. This location serves as the primary command center for the Pakistan Army's strategic communications and operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20599
Which of the following is NOT a group or entity mentioned by the Chief of Defence Forces in the context of the July 2026 security address?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij
(b) Fitna al Hindustan
(c) International peacekeeping coalitions
(d) Foreign-sponsored proxy groups
Explanation: The CDF identified Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and foreign-sponsored proxy groups as threats to stability. International peacekeeping coalitions were not mentioned in the context of the security operations discussed. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]
#20600
Which specific groups were identified by the Chief of Defence Forces as targets for continued operations on July 24, 2026?
(a) Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan
(b) Fitna al Sahaba and Fitna al Mujahideen
(c) Fitna al Fasad and Fitna al Baghi
(d) Fitna al Munafiq and Fitna al Kuffar
Explanation: The CDF explicitly named Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan as the primary threats that the security forces are committed to dismantling. These terms are used by the state to categorize specific militant and proxy elements operating against national stability. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431561/cdf-vows-to-dismantle-terrorist-infrastructure, 24 Jul 2026]