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.
#14261
Who led the police operation following the suicide attack in Bannu on May 9, 2026?
(a) Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan
(b) District Police Officer Qudratullah Khan
(c) The Inspector General of Police KP
(d) The Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary
Explanation: Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan personally led the police operation at the site of the attack. Qudratullah Khan is the spokesman for the DPO in Lakki Marwat, serving as a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998957/police-foil-suicide-attack-on-bannu-post-at-least-2-personnel-martyred, 09 May 2026]
#14262
Which Iranian official arrived in Islamabad on July 21, 2026, to hold talks regarding the US-Iran conflict?
(a) Eskander Momeni
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mohammad Javad Zarif
(d) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
Explanation: Interior Minister Eskander Momeni arrived in Islamabad to discuss the US-Iran conflict with Pakistani leadership. Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister who remained in Tehran to receive the Pakistani ambassador. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#14263
What specific directive did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issue regarding petroleum products during the meeting on July 16, 2026?
(a) To increase the import of crude oil from regional partners
(b) To privatize the state-owned petroleum distribution network
(c) To take strict action against those creating artificial shortages
(d) To implement a total ban on private vehicle fuel consumption
Explanation: The Prime Minister directed provincial governments to take strict action against entities involved in creating artificial shortages of petroleum products to ensure supply stability. The other options were not part of the stated directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#14264
The intraday volatility on July 21, 2026, was primarily attributed to geopolitical tensions between which two nations?
(a) Pakistan and India
(b) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(c) Russia and Ukraine
(d) United States and Iran
Explanation: The market volatility was explicitly linked to heightened tensions and exchanged strikes between the United States and Iran. This geopolitical friction caused a risk-off sentiment and an increase in international oil prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]
#14265
According to the 2026 security framework, how deep is the 'security zone' that Israeli officials have vowed to maintain along the frontier?
(a) 5 kilometres
(b) 15 kilometres
(c) 10 kilometres
(d) 20 kilometres
Explanation: Israeli officials have stated that their forces will remain in a security zone 10 kilometres deep along the frontier until the disarmament of Hezbollah is achieved. This remains a point of contention in the ongoing negotiations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017160/lebanese-army-begins-takeover-of-pilot-zones, 21 Jul 2026]
#14266
On July 21, 2026, President Donald Trump held discussions regarding wildfire smoke damages with which Canadian leader?
(a) Justin Trudeau
(b) Mark Carney
(c) Pierre Poilievre
(d) None of these
Explanation: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the World Cup final to discuss the transboundary smoke issue. Justin Trudeau is a former Prime Minister, making him an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017162/trump-seeks-damages-from-canada-over-wildfires, 21 Jul 2026]
#14267
Who is the newly appointed Ambassador of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran as of July 2026?
(a) Mohsin Naqvi
(b) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui
(c) Syed Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Imran Ahmed Siddiqui presented his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on July 21, 2026. Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister of Pakistan, not the ambassador to Iran. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017147/araghchi-identifies-peace-security-as-key-goals-in-relations-with-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]
#14268
Consider the following statements about the US-Pakistan trade negotiations as of July 2026: 1. Pakistan successfully negotiated a reduction in the initial IEEPA-based tariff from 29 per cent to 19 per cent in 2025. 2. The temporary global tariff of 10 per cent imposed under Section 122 is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. 3. India is currently facing a lower proposed tariff under Section 301 than Pakistan. 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 regarding the 2025 tariff reduction. Statement 2 is correct as the Section 122 tariff has a 150-day statutory limit expiring on July 24, 2026. Statement 3 is incorrect because India faces a 12.5% tariff, which is higher than Pakistan's 10%. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016679/finance-minister-aurangzeb-arrives-in-us-on-3-day-visit-expected-to-hold-talks-on-trade-finance-investment, 19 Jul 2026]
#14269
Which specific bilateral mechanism did the leaders agree to convene in Ankara later in 2026?
(a) Joint Economic Commission
(b) High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council
(c) Defense and Security Dialogue
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the eighth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is scheduled to take place in Ankara to further strengthen the strategic partnership. The other options are generic titles that do not represent the specific formal council mentioned. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992556/pm-erdogan-emphasise-importance-of-utilising-window-of-opportunity-for-lasting-regional-peace, 17 Apr 2026]
#14270
What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan's armed forces against the Afghan Taliban in 2026?
(a) Operation Zarb-i-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) Operation Khyber-IV
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated by the Pakistani armed forces on February 26, 2026, following border tensions. The other operations listed are historical military campaigns conducted in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981002/ttap-calls-on-govt-to-take-opposition-parliament-into-confidence-on-defence-pacts-amid-changing-regional-situation, 11 Mar 2026]
#14271
Consider the following statements about the WAPDA union protests on 2026-07-27: 1. The protests were limited to the city of Lahore. 2. Union leaders warned that privatization would negatively affect the national economy. 3. The union demanded that families of employees who died in the line of duty receive benefits similar to security force martyrs. 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 false because the protest occurred in Peshawar, not Lahore. Statements 2 and 3 are accurate reflections of the union's stated position and demands. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431892/wapda-union-rejects-privatisation-of-discos, 27 Jul 2026]
#14272
On April 18, 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the repayment of how much debt to the United Arab Emirates?
(a) $1.5 billion
(b) $3.5 billion
(c) $2 billion
(d) $5 billion
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan officially announced on April 18, 2026, that the government had successfully repaid $2 billion to the UAE. While the total loan amount sought by the UAE was $3.5 billion, the specific payment confirmed on this date was $2 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#14273
What is the final value of the Eurobond issuance announced by the government on April 20, 2026?
(a) $500 million
(b) $750 million
(c) $1 billion
(d) $2 billion
Explanation: The government initially planned a $500 million issuance but exercised a green-shoe option to increase the total to $750 million due to high investor demand. The $500 million figure represents the initial amount, not the final upsized total. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#14274
Consider the following statements regarding the IMF's assessment of Pakistan's economy in May 2026: 1. The IMF flagged the Middle East war as a source of heightened geopolitical risk. 2. Pakistan met structural benchmarks related to tax policy and energy pricing. 3. The IMF recommended an immediate expansionary fiscal policy to stimulate growth. 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 IMF's stated concerns and the conditions met by Pakistan. Statement 3 is incorrect because the IMF explicitly recommended gradual fiscal consolidation, not expansionary policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]
#14275
Consider the following statements about the AJK electoral schedule announced in July 2026: 1. The polling is divided into three distinct phases ending on August 10. 2. Refugee constituencies are scheduled to vote alongside the Muzaffarabad division. 3. The Election Commission has confirmed that official notifications for winners will be issued immediately after the first phase concludes. 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 polls end on August 10. Statement 2 is correct as refugee constituencies are grouped with Muzaffarabad on August 2. Statement 3 is incorrect because the CEC noted they were still considering whether to issue notifications division-wise or after the entire process concluded. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017254/ajk-election-commissioner-says-polls-to-be-held-in-three-phases-beginning-july-27, 21 Jul 2026]
#14276
On July 16, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting in Islamabad to review the economic impact of tensions between which two nations?
(a) Saudi Arabia and Yemen
(b) United States and Iran
(c) Israel and Lebanon
(d) None of these
Explanation: The meeting focused on the economic repercussions of renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran. Other regional conflicts, while significant, were not the primary subject of this specific policy review. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]
#14277
Consider the following statements about the forum held on 2026-07-21: 1. The event marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. 2. The forum also commemorated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. 3. The event was held in Islamabad to discuss regional connectivity. 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 regarding the anniversaries celebrated. Statement 3 is incorrect because the event took place in Lahore, not Islamabad. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017164/better-ties-vital-for-pak-india-china-prosperity-ex-fm-khurshid-mahmud-kasuri, 21 Jul 2026]
#14278
Consider the following statements about the austerity measures implemented in 2026: 1. The working week for all government offices was reduced to four days. 2. The austerity measures applied equally to the agriculture and industrial sectors. 3. Parliamentarians were subject to a 25 percent salary reduction. 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 regarding the four-day work week. Statement 3 is correct regarding the 25 percent salary cut for parliamentarians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the measures specifically excluded the agriculture and industrial sectors. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999437/pm-extends-austerity-drive-till-june-13-to-deal-with-impact-of-middle-east-war, 11 May 2026]
#14279
Consider the following statements about the 2026 diplomatic mission in Pakistan: 1. The Iranian delegation requested the security escort due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. 2. The peace talks resulted in a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran. 3. Pakistan utilized its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to ensure the safety of the departing delegation. 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 the security concerns and the technical assets used. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as inconclusive and the delegations left empty-handed. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]
#14280
What was the new price of high-speed diesel per litre following the reduction announced on April 17, 2026?
(a) Rs353.43
(b) Rs366.58
(c) Rs378.00
(d) None of these
Explanation: Following the reduction of Rs32.12, the price of high-speed diesel was adjusted from Rs385.54 to Rs353.43 per litre. The other figures represent different price points mentioned in the context of recent fuel adjustments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992656/govt-slashes-diesel-price-by-rs32, 17 Apr 2026]