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.
#11561
Which Italian official cancelled a planned visit to the United States following President Trump's remarks on June 19, 2026?
(a) Carlo Nordio
(b) Antonio Tajani
(c) Guido Crosetto
(d) None of these
Explanation: Antonio Tajani, the Italian Foreign Minister, officially cancelled his planned visit to the United States in response to the comments. While Carlo Nordio and Guido Crosetto are also cabinet ministers, they did not cancel diplomatic visits in this specific context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#11562
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic tensions between the US and Italy in 2026: 1. Prime Minister Meloni and President Trump previously clashed over the US President's criticism of the Pope. 2. President Trump accused Italy of failing to provide sufficient support to the United States regarding the Iran war. 3. The Italian Defence Minister supported the President's remarks as a necessary diplomatic correction. 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 report's account of previous friction. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, actually stated that such jokes do not benefit anyone, indicating disapproval rather than support. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009272/outrage-in-italy-after-trump-says-meloni-begged-for-photo-op, 19 Jun 2026]
#11563
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]
#11564
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]
#11565
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. 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 and 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#11566
On July 24, 2026, the Foreign Office spokesperson identified which specific maritime area as a critical zone for Pakistani vigilance against Houthi threats?
(a) Bab el-Mandab
(b) Strait of Malacca
(c) Suez Canal
(d) Strait of Gibraltar
Explanation: The Foreign Office explicitly mentioned the Bab el-Mandab chokepoint as the area where Pakistani armed forces remain vigilant. The other options are major global maritime chokepoints but are not the focus of the current security warning. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#11567
Which of the following statements regarding Pakistan's maritime security policy as of July 24, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) Pakistan considers attacks on its flagged vessels a red line.
(b) The armed forces are responsible for the technical assessment of maritime threats.
(c) Pakistan has officially declared a naval blockade against Houthi-controlled ports.
(d) Pakistan maintains a mutual defense arrangement with Saudi Arabia.
Explanation: Pakistan has not declared a naval blockade; rather, it has warned against attacks on its own assets and pledged to ensure the flow of commercial shipping. The other three statements accurately reflect the government's stated position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#11568
How does the Government of Pakistan define an attack on its commercial ships by Houthi rebels according to the July 24, 2026, policy statement?
(a) A violation of international trade law
(b) A breach of the Islamabad Memorandum
(c) An attack against Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that any strike against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as an attack against Pakistan itself, justifying a response in self-defense. This elevates the status of commercial assets to national security interests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#11569
Which regional leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consult regarding the security of oil tankers and freedom of navigation on July 24, 2026?
(a) The Emir of Qatar
(b) The Prime Minister of Yemen
(c) The President of Oman
(d) The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This conversation reinforced the mutual defense alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#11570
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's regional security stance as of July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan has pledged to support the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has abandoned all diplomatic efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. 3. Pakistan's defense pact with Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one is considered aggression against both. 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 PM reaffirmed support for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan has not abandoned hope for diplomatic negotiations. Statement 3 is correct as it references the ratified mutual defense agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#11571
Consider the following statements about the security situation as of March 18, 2026: 1. The Kabul strike resulted in secondary detonations of old Russian Scud missiles. 2. The DG ISPR claimed that 81 locations in Afghanistan were targeted in airstrikes. 3. The Tarlai imambargah attack was cited as an example of terrorism originating from Afghanistan. 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 supported by the DG ISPR's briefing. The strike in Kabul involved the destruction of stored missiles, 81 locations were targeted to dismantle support infrastructure, and the Tarlai attack was specifically linked to Afghan-based terrorists. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1983447/our-intelligence-was-correct-dg-ispr-says-pakistan-hit-ammunition-storage-site-in-kabul-strike, 18 Mar 2026]
#11572
According to the statement by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on July 26, 2026, how much explosive material was utilized in the attack on the Tank checkpost?
(a) Over 800 kilograms
(b) Over 1,000 kilograms
(c) Over 1,300 kilograms
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Kundi explicitly stated that more than 1,300 kilograms of explosives were used in the attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint. This figure highlights the high level of sophistication and the scale of the threat faced by security forces in the region. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#11573
Which of the following statements regarding the July 2026 attack on the Manji Khel checkpoint is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack involved the use of an explosive-laden vehicle.
(b) Security forces successfully eliminated 12 terrorists during the engagement.
(c) The attack caused significant damage to the perimeter wall and infrastructure.
(d) The checkpoint was defended solely by the Pakistan Army without any police presence.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because the Manji Khel checkpoint was a joint facility involving police, the Pakistan Army, and the forest department. The other options accurately describe the tactical details of the incident as reported by the military's media wing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#11574
Which official held a security briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan on July 26, 2026, regarding the Tank incident?
(a) Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(b) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi conducted the briefing at the Regional Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan. While he mentioned he would discuss the matter with the Interior Minister and the Chief Minister, he was the official who provided the briefing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018508/kp-governor-kundi-says-over-1300kg-of-explosives-used-in-tank-checkpost-attack, 26 Jul 2026]
#11575
Consider the following statements about the conflict as of July 26, 2026: 1. The conflict has lasted for nearly five months. 2. Iran has officially declared that it will permanently dismantle its missile program. 3. The US military had prepared a plan for a 14th night of strikes before opting for a pause. 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 conflict is nearing its fifth month. Statement 3 is correct as the Pentagon had presented a plan for a 14th night of strikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iran has only halted retaliatory attacks, not dismantled its missile program. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#11576
Who is the official spokesperson for the Iranian army who announced the halt of retaliatory operations on July 26, 2026?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Mohammad Akraminia
(c) Dan Caine
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mohammad Akraminia is the identified army spokesperson who confirmed that Iran ceased its retaliatory operations following the US pause. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister, and Dan Caine is a US general. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018487/iran-says-middle-east-attacks-halted-after-us-holds-fire-amid-reported-concerns-over-dwindling-munitions, 26 Jul 2026]
#11577
According to the statements made on 2026-07-27, who is credited with effectively presenting the Kashmir case at international forums?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Khawaja Asif
(c) Sharjeel Inam Memon
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is cited for his role as Foreign Minister in advocating for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination at international forums. Khawaja Asif was mentioned in the context of a separate political controversy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431894/only-kashmiris-have-to-decide-the-fate-of-kashmir-sharjeel, 27 Jul 2026]
#11578
Which of the following statements regarding the meeting on July 27, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The meeting was held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
(b) The delegation included representatives from the US House of Representatives.
(c) Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted the importance of structural reforms.
(d) The discussions excluded any mention of bilateral economic cooperation.
Explanation: The statement that discussions excluded economic cooperation is incorrect, as economic engagement and trade partnerships were primary agenda items during the meeting. The other three options accurately reflect the events of the day. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11579
According to the official statement regarding the July 27, 2026 meeting, what did Field Marshal Asim Munir identify as being closely linked to sustainable regional stability?
(a) Military expansion
(b) Economic growth and trade expansion
(c) Border fencing projects
(d) None of these
Explanation: Field Marshal Munir highlighted that sustainable regional stability is closely linked to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity. This reflects the current focus on economic diplomacy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]
#11580
Which US Congressman from Montana was part of the delegation that met with the Pakistani military leadership on July 27, 2026?
(a) Ryan Keith Zinke
(b) Michael James
(c) Mike Johnson
(d) None of these
Explanation: Congressman Ryan Keith Zinke of Montana was one of the two US representatives who visited the GHQ. Michael James of Washington was the other member of the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432023/us-lawmakers-meet-field-marshal-munir-discuss-security-economic-cooperation, 27 Jul 2026]