#16561

Which of the following statements regarding the May 10, 2026, attack in Bannu is INCORRECT?

(a) The attack involved a vehicle laden with explosives.

(b) The rescue operation was concluded by Rescue 1122 on Sunday morning.

(c) The police post remained largely intact despite the intensity of the blast.

(d) Terrorists opened heavy fire following the initial explosion.

Explanation: The statement that the police post remained intact is false; reports confirm the post was completely destroyed by the powerful blast. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the attack. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]

#16562

On May 8, 2026, the IMF Executive Board approved a financing package for Pakistan totaling:

(a) 1.10 billion dollars

(b) 1.32 billion dollars

(c) 4.80 billion dollars

(d) 16.0 billion dollars

Explanation: The IMF approved $1.32 billion in financing during the May 2026 review. While $4.8 billion represents the total cumulative disbursements under the current arrangements, $1.32 billion is the specific amount approved in this tranche. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#16563

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Shawwal moon sighting is INCORRECT?

(a) The new moon was expected to be born on March 19, 2026.

(b) Suparco predicted the chances of sighting the crescent on March 19 were low.

(c) The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies.

(d) The estimated interval between sunset and moonset was 28 minutes.

Explanation: The statement that the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is not required to consider witness testimonies is false. The committee is explicitly mandated to make decisions based on credible witness testimonies and verified observations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]

#16564

What was the primary geopolitical factor contributing to the rise in global oil prices on July 21, 2026?

(a) Sanctions on Russian energy exports

(b) Threats of a naval blockade by Yemen's Houthis

(c) OPEC production quota adjustments

(d) Disruption in the Suez Canal transit

Explanation: The rise in oil prices was attributed to continued hostilities in the Gulf and specific threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Houthi forces. This geopolitical instability directly impacted global energy market sentiment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#16565

Which official attended the July 16, 2026, meeting as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan?

(a) Tariq Bajwa

(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb

(c) Ahsan Iqbal

(d) Jameel Ahmad

Explanation: Jameel Ahmad is the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan who attended the meeting. Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ahsan Iqbal were present as Federal Ministers, while Tariq Bajwa attended as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015941/pm-shehbaz-warns-renewed-us-iran-conflict-could-hit-economy-again, 16 Jul 2026]

#16566

Which international organization issued a statement reaffirming its support for Somalia's unity following Israel's move in 2026?

(a) European Union

(b) Arab League

(c) Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

(d) North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Explanation: The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the move and reaffirmed its support for the internationally recognized government of Somalia. The OIC emphasized its commitment to the country's territorial integrity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]

#16567

Who served as the Acting Chair during the IMF Executive Board meeting on May 8, 2026?

(a) Kristalina Georgieva

(b) Gita Gopinath

(c) Nigel Clarke

(d) David Malpass

Explanation: Nigel Clarke, the IMF Deputy Managing Director, presided over the meeting as the Acting Chair. The other individuals listed hold or have held different leadership roles within the IMF or World Bank. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#16568

Who was appointed by Israel as the first non-resident ambassador to Somaliland in 2026?

(a) Michael Lotem

(b) David Barnea

(c) Gilad Erdan

(d) None of these

Explanation: Michael Lotem was officially appointed as Israel's first non-resident ambassador to the breakaway region of Somaliland. This appointment triggered a formal joint condemnation from twelve countries, including Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993013/12-countries-including-pakistan-condemn-israels-move-to-appoint-envoy-to-somaliland, 18 Apr 2026]

#16569

During his previous visit in April 2026, Finance Minister Aurangzeb discussed Pakistan's plans to return to international capital markets using which financial instruments?

(a) Green Bonds and Samurai Bonds

(b) Sovereign Sukuk and Treasury Bills

(c) Panda Bonds and Eurobonds

(d) Development Loans and Grants

Explanation: The Finance Minister briefed investors on plans to re-enter international capital markets specifically through the issuance of Panda Bonds and Eurobonds. These instruments are intended to diversify Pakistan's external financing sources. [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]

#16570

Which of the following statements regarding the KSE-100 market performance on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The index closed with a decline of 0.12 per cent.

(b) The market experienced a sharp dip after 12pm.

(c) The index opened the session in the green.

(d) The index reached an intraday high of 178,370.45.

Explanation: The index actually closed with a gain of 0.12 per cent, not a decline. The other three statements accurately describe the market's opening, the timing of the mid-day dip, and the intraday peak. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#16571

The commercial bunkering operation at Gwadar Port was conducted between which dates in 2026?

(a) July 1 and July 3

(b) July 9 and July 11

(c) July 5 and July 7

(d) July 13 and July 15

Explanation: The operation took place from July 9 to July 11, 2026. This timeframe is explicitly documented as the period of the first successful commercial bunkering. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014650/gwadar-port-carries-out-first-successful-commercial-bunkering-operation, 11 Jul 2026]

#16572

Which of the following statements regarding the flood situation in Nuristan on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The military was deployed to support the relief effort.

(b) The United Nations was involved in assessing the disaster.

(c) The death toll was confirmed to be exactly 100 people.

(d) Dozens of shops and buildings were destroyed by the flood.

Explanation: The report stated that 23 people were killed and around 100 were unaccounted for, not that 100 people were confirmed dead. The other statements accurately reflect the relief and damage assessment efforts. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#16573

Which sector was specifically identified as a primary contributor to the market recovery on July 21, 2026?

(a) Textile manufacturing

(b) Pharmaceutical production

(c) Banking and refinery

(d) Automobile assembly

Explanation: Banking and refinery stocks were the primary drivers of the late-session recovery, offsetting early losses. Other sectors like textiles or pharmaceuticals were not cited as the main contributors to the index's rebound. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017152/stocks-eke-out-gains-amid-extreme-volatility, 21 Jul 2026]

#16574

According to the IMF review of May 2026, what was the level of Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of December 2025?

(a) 16.0 billion dollars

(b) 14.5 billion dollars

(c) 18.2 billion dollars

(d) 20.5 billion dollars

Explanation: The IMF report confirmed that foreign exchange reserves reached $16 billion by the end of December 2025, an increase from the $14.5 billion recorded in June 2025. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#16575

According to the 2026 astronomical forecast, on what date was the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH expected to be born?

(a) March 17, 2026

(b) March 18, 2026

(c) March 19, 2026

(d) None of these

Explanation: The astronomical analysis stated that the new moon of Shawwal 1447 AH was expected to be born on March 19, 2026, at 6:23 am. This timing is critical for determining the visibility of the crescent at sunset on the same day. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980975/eidul-fitr-likely-to-fall-on-march-21-suparco, 11 Mar 2026]

#16576

Which of the following government officials were reported missing following the flash floods in Nuristan on July 21, 2026?

(a) The Provincial Governor

(b) The Mayor of Parun

(c) The Minister of Defense

(d) The Chief of Police

Explanation: The governor's office reported that the mayor of Parun was among those missing after the deluge. The provincial governor was not reported missing, and the defense minister is a national-level official. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017247/afghans-search-for-dozens-missing-some-with-bare-hands-after-devastating-flood-in-nuristan-province, 21 Jul 2026]

#16577

Which of the following is NOT a component of the security measures reported during the 2026 escort operation?

(a) Deployment of two dozen fighter jets

(b) Use of Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)

(c) Ground-based infantry escort to Tehran

(d) Aerial surveillance of the delegation's path

Explanation: The security operation was conducted entirely through aerial assets, including fighter jets and AWACS for surveillance. There was no mention of a ground-based infantry escort to Tehran. [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]

#16578

Which facility, alongside the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), provided funding to Pakistan in the May 2026 IMF review?

(a) Precautionary and Liquidity Line

(b) Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust

(c) Flexible Credit Line

(d) Resilience and Sustainability Facility

Explanation: The financing package consists of funds from the EFF and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The other options are alternative IMF lending instruments not utilized in this specific disbursement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998725/imfs-executive-board-approves-12-billion-financing-for-pakistans-reform-programme, 08 May 2026]

#16579

Which Canadian Foreign Minister visited Islamabad in July 2026, marking the first such visit in nearly 20 years?

(a) Melanie Joly

(b) Anita Anand

(c) Marc Garneau

(d) Chrystia Freeland

Explanation: Anita Anand conducted the official visit to Pakistan in July 2026, which was noted as the first visit by a Canadian Foreign Minister to the country in approximately two decades. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017175/canada-announces-over-47m-in-assistance, 21 Jul 2026]

#16580

Consider the following statements about the July 2026 Canada-Pakistan diplomatic engagement: 1. Canada announced $45 million specifically for development assistance including climate resilience and girls' education. 2. The security assistance package of $2.2 million includes partnerships with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 3. Pakistan raised the Kashmir dispute during the bilateral talks with the Canadian Foreign Minister. 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: All three statements are factually accurate based on the official outcomes of the visit. The aid is split between development ($45m) and security ($2.2m), and the Kashmir issue was formally raised by the Pakistani side. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017175/canada-announces-over-47m-in-assistance, 21 Jul 2026]

July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions