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.
#821
In April 2026, the government raised $500 million in the international capital market through which financial instrument?
(a) Sovereign Sukuk
(b) Treasury Bill
(c) Commercial Loan
(d) Eurobond
Explanation: The government successfully raised $500 million through a Eurobond issuance in April 2026, marking the first such issuance in four years. This is part of a broader strategy to diversify financing sources beyond traditional bilateral loans. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#822
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 2026. 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 UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#823
Which of the following is NOT identified as a potential economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan in the March 2026 report?
(a) Increased energy costs
(b) Immediate collapse of the banking sector
(c) Strain on remittance inflows
(d) Pressure on the exchange rate
Explanation: The report warns of inflation, import costs, and remittance strain, but it does not predict an immediate collapse of the banking sector. The other options are explicitly mentioned as risks to the external sector. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#824
Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook for Pakistan in 2026: 1. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20 percent of global oil passes. 2. The Planning Commission report suggests that Pakistan's development trajectory for FY26 remains positive despite external risks. 3. The government has advised citizens to increase fuel consumption to stimulate domestic industrial growth.
(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 report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Planning Minister specifically urged citizens to adopt responsible consumption practices and avoid unnecessary travel, rather than increasing fuel consumption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#825
According to the Planning Commission's March 2026 report, what percentage of Pakistan's total imports are accounted for by petroleum products?
(a) Nearly 10 percent
(b) Nearly 25 percent
(c) Nearly 40 percent
(d) None of these
Explanation: The report specifies that petroleum products constitute nearly one-quarter, or 25 percent, of Pakistan's total import bill. This high dependency makes the country particularly susceptible to global oil price volatility. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979649/external-sector-faces-instability-amid-middle-east-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#826
Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?
(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#827
Which of the following statements regarding the economic and governance landscape of Pakistan on August 11, 2026, are correct?
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct.
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct.
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct.
(d) All statements are correct.
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan warned of potential inflationary price spirals, and the Supreme Court declared retrospective tax penalties unlawful. The World Bank expressed concern specifically over the diversion of funds from the Balochistan housing program, not the federal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022040/sbp-warns-of-price-spirals]
#828
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's economic and governance indicators reported on August 11, 2026:
(a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
(b) Only 2 and 3 are correct
(c) Only 1 and 3 are correct
(d) All statements are correct
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the automotive sector experienced a 141% surge in sales, not a contraction. Statement 2 is correct regarding the Privitisation Commission's move to outsource major airports. Statement 3 is correct regarding the rise in external remittances to $3.6 billion in July. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022170/privatisation-commission-approves-financial-adviser-for-outsourcing-karachi-lahore-airports]
#829
Given the events reported on August 11, 2026, identify the correct chronological order of the following developments as they pertain to the broader Pakistani socio-economic and institutional framework (assuming sequential reporting across regional sectors):
(a) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. High Court judicial appointments -> 4. Fuel price adjustments
(b) 1. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 2. Remittances data release -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
(c) 1. High Court judicial appointments -> 2. Fuel price adjustments -> 3. Remittances data release -> 4. Balochistan housing funds controversy
(d) 1. Remittances data release -> 2. Balochistan housing funds controversy -> 3. Fuel price adjustments -> 4. High Court judicial appointments
Explanation: Based on the provided event sequence and reporting metadata, the flow of policy-related updates on August 11, 2026, began with external economic inflows (remittances), followed by fiduciary concerns (Balochistan), then judicial administrative updates, and finally, energy-sector fiscal adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2022042/remittances-rise-13pc-to-36bn-in-july]
#830
The Foreign Office spokesperson who issued the statement regarding the UAE financial deposits on April 4, 2026, is:
(a) Mumtaz Zahra Baloch
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(d) None of these
Explanation: Tahir Andrabi is the official identified in the report as the Foreign Office spokesperson who clarified that the return of the UAE deposits was a routine financial transaction. The other names are prominent diplomats but were not the source of this specific statement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#831
Which political leader met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on June 13, 2026, following parliamentary debates?
(a) Asad Qaiser
(b) Amir Dogar
(c) Ahsan Iqbal
(d) Mehmood Khan Achakzai
Explanation: Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the Opposition Leader, held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the Saturday preceding the June 14, 2026, report. The other individuals mentioned are active participants in the National Assembly debates but were not the primary interlocutors in this specific meeting. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773/info-minister-invites-opposition-to-sign-charter-of-economy-defends-proposed-fy27-budget, 14 Jun 2026]
#832
Consider the following statements about the financial situation reported on April 4, 2026: 1. The total amount of debt to be returned to the UAE is $3.5 billion. 2. The repayment of these deposits is expected to reduce Pakistan's central bank reserves by approximately 18 percent. 3. The UAE deposits were rolled over multiple times since 2019. 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 report: the amount is $3.5 billion, the impact on reserves is estimated at an 18 percent reduction, and the deposits have been subject to multiple rollovers since 2019. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988580/fo-rejects-misleading-unfounded-commentary-regarding-financial-deposits-from-uae, 04 Apr 2026]
#833
What is the total amount of debt Pakistan has decided to return to the United Arab Emirates by the end of April 2026?
(a) $2.0 billion
(b) $12.5 billion
(c) $5.0 billion
(d) $3.5 billion
Explanation: The government announced the return of $3.5 billion in deposits to the UAE. This amount was part of the financial support provided in 2019 to stabilize the balance of payments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1988321/pakistan-to-return-35bn-uae-debt-before-month-end-official, 03 Apr 2026]
#834
Which Pakistani official led the delegation to the United States in July 2026 to discuss economic cooperation?
(a) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Shamshad Akhtar
(d) Miftah Ismail
Explanation: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb led the delegation and held meetings with the US Treasury Secretary. The other individuals listed are former finance ministers or officials not involved in this specific 2026 visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#835
Who is the current US Treasury Secretary who met with Pakistan's Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) Janet Yellen
(b) Timothy Geithner
(c) Steven Mnuchin
(d) Scott Bessent
Explanation: Scott Bessent is the US Treasury Secretary who held discussions with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding Pakistan's economic reforms. Janet Yellen is a former Treasury Secretary, making her an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#836
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. 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 US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#837
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's remittance inflows during the July-February period of FY26 is INCORRECT?
(a) Total remittances from Arab countries accounted for 53.3 percent of total inflows.
(b) Remittances from the United States were higher than those from the European Union.
(c) The UAE recorded a 12 percent increase in remittances to Pakistan.
(d) Remittances from the United Kingdom reached 4 billion dollars.
Explanation: The United States sent 2.3 billion dollars, whereas the European Union countries sent 3.5 billion dollars. Therefore, the statement that US inflows were higher is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#838
What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?
(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#839
Which country was the largest source of remittances for Pakistan during the July-February period of FY26?
(a) United Arab Emirates
(b) United Kingdom
(c) United States
(d) Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Saudi Arabia remained the top source of remittances, contributing 6.163 billion dollars during the first eight months of FY26. The UAE followed as the second-largest source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#840
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 2026. 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 accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]