July 2026 Edition

July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

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

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#8121

Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas. 2. The Prime Minister invited the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to visit Pakistan. 3. The EU High Representative described Pakistan as a minor regional power with limited strategic influence. 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 official proceedings and invitations extended by the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kaja Kallas explicitly referred to Pakistan as a 'major regional power' and an 'important partner'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#8122

During the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held on July 17, 2026, the signed agreements were valued at approximately:

(a) $440 million
(b) $340 million
(c) $240 million
(d) $540 million
Explanation: The conference in Islamabad resulted in agreements between Pakistani and Chinese firms in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors valued at nearly $440 million. This investment is viewed as a significant step toward advancing CPEC 2.0. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016208/security-of-chinese-in-pakistan-paramount-for-us-says-pm-shehbaz, 17 Jul 2026]
#8123

Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area mentioned in the March 2026 high-level meetings regarding national strategy?

(a) Institutional harmony
(b) Constitutional amendment drafting
(c) Energy supply pressures
(d) Regional security environment
Explanation: The meetings focused on national security, economic challenges, energy costs, and regional stability. Constitutional amendment drafting was not a stated agenda item for these specific consultative meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8124

Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?

(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#8125

Consider the following statements about the March 2026 high-level meetings: 1. The leadership emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony. 2. The Prime Minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices to provide relief to the public. 3. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming diplomatic visit of the Foreign Minister to Washington. 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 based on the government's stated policy of austerity and price management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit mentioned in the report was to Beijing, not Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8126

Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?

(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#8127

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]
#8128

The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:

(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#8129

Which official holds the dual portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the current administration as of March 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Ishaq Dar is identified as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is the PPP Chairperson, and Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8130

In March 2026, the federal government held an expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr that included representatives from which of the following?

(a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) The Election Commission of Pakistan
(c) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr included the leadership of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The judiciary and the Election Commission were not listed as participants in this executive-led consultative forum. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8131

Which of the following events occurred at the onset of the conflict in February 2026?

(a) The formal dissolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(b) The signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement
(c) The assassination of the Iranian supreme leader
(d) The total withdrawal of US forces from the region
Explanation: The conflict was marked by the assassination of the then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial strikes. The other options describe events that did not occur at the start of this specific conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#8132

Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?

(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#8133

Consider the following statements about the recent developments in the US-Iran conflict: 1. Renewed fighting in the Gulf region began on July 8, 2026. 2. The Islamabad MoU was intended to end the war after a 60-day negotiation period. 3. China and Pakistan have expressed satisfaction with the current stability in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 3 is incorrect because the countries expressed 'concern over the deterioration of the current situation' rather than satisfaction with stability. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#8134

Who is the current Iranian Foreign Minister mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts?

(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmail Baghaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is identified as the Iranian Foreign Minister involved in the diplomatic exchanges. Esmail Baghaei is the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, while the others are not the current incumbents in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#8135

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#8136

Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz transit developments in 2026: 1. The transit agreement allows for two Pakistani-flagged ships to cross the Strait daily. 2. The fuel crisis is attributed to the disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The mediation efforts involve high-level communication between Pakistani leadership and the Iranian President. Which of the statements given above 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 diplomatic and logistical developments reported in March 2026. The agreement facilitates daily transits, the global fuel crunch is linked to the Strait's disruption, and the mediation involves direct engagement with the Iranian presidency. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#8137

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in March 2026: 1. Pakistan is actively attempting to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. 2. The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries to address the regional crisis. 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 is mediating between the US and Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on the Middle East crisis and regional stability, not bilateral trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986574/pm-shehbaz-commends-kingdoms-remarkable-restraint-in-meeting-with-saudi-fm-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-support, 29 Mar 2026]
#8138

According to the Power Minister's statement on May 31, 2026, what is the estimated prevalence of corruption within the DISCOs?

(a) 10-15 percent
(b) 25-30 percent
(c) 40-50 percent
(d) 80-90 percent
Explanation: The Power Minister acknowledged that corruption exists within DISCOs but stated that the prevalence is likely between 10 and 15 percent. This contrasts with public perception, which often views the issue as more systemic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#8139

Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?

(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#8140

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic outreach by Pakistan in March 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
(b) The Prime Minister officially declared war on the United States.
(c) The Prime Minister offered condolences for the loss of lives.
(d) The Prime Minister advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Explanation: Pakistan maintained a stance of facilitating peace and de-escalation, not declaring war. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the Prime Minister's official communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]