July 2026 Edition
Start July Quiz
July 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#16661
How long did the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Masoud Pezeshkian last on April 19, 2026?
(a) 15 minutes
(b) 45 minutes
(c) 30 minutes
(d) 60 minutes
Explanation: The official statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that the conversation between the two leaders lasted for approximately 45 minutes. This duration allowed for a detailed exchange regarding the current regional security situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#16662
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustment on April 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of light diesel oil (LDO) was reduced by Rs25.31 per litre.
(b) The government decided to retain a portion of the global price fall to recoup previous subsidy expenditures.
(c) Tax rates on all fuel products were kept unchanged during this price revision.
(d) The price of kerosene was reduced by Rs17.33 per litre.
Explanation: The Prime Minister explicitly rejected the proposal to retain part of the price fall to recoup subsidy costs, making statement A incorrect. All other statements accurately reflect the details provided in the announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#16663
Which maritime trade route was reported as closed by Iran on April 18, 2026, amid escalating tensions with the United States?
(a) Strait of Hormuz
(b) Suez Canal
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Panama Canal
Explanation: Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, stating it would remain shut until the US ended its blockade of Iranian ports. The other straits are not involved in this specific diplomatic dispute. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#16664
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation on April 20, 2026: 1. The US leadership confirmed that a delegation was en route to Islamabad. 2. Iranian officials expressed full confidence in the US commitment to the diplomatic process. 3. Security measures in Islamabad included the sealing of the Red Zone. 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 US leadership confirmed the delegation's travel. Statement 3 is correct as security was tightened in Islamabad. Statement 2 is incorrect because Iranian officials explicitly expressed a lack of trust in Washington's seriousness. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993458/us-delegation-expected-in-islamabad-but-uncertainty-prevails-over-talks-amid-mixed-signals-from-iran, 20 Apr 2026]
#16665
Which specific area in Islamabad was subjected to restricted entry and work-from-home arrangements on April 20, 2026?
(a) Red Zone
(b) Diplomatic Enclave
(c) Blue Area
(d) F-6 Sector
Explanation: The Red Zone was the specific area where the district magistrate and Cabinet Division mandated work-from-home arrangements and restricted traffic access. Other areas like the Blue Area or F-6 were not the primary focus of these specific administrative directives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#16666
According to the Chief Minister of KP, what is the approximate trade deficit of the country as of 2026?
(a) $16 billion
(b) $26 billion
(c) $46 billion
(d) $36 billion
Explanation: The Chief Minister cited a trade deficit of approximately $36 billion while criticizing national economic performance. The other figures are incorrect estimates of the trade deficit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#16667
Who is the current Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) as of March 2026?
(a) Sheikh Umer Rehan
(b) Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
(c) Atif Ikram Sheikh
(d) None of these
Explanation: Sheikh Umer Rehan serves as the Chairman of the PVMA and issued the official statement regarding the stability of edible oil supplies. The other names listed are prominent business figures but do not hold this specific position. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#16668
Consider the following statements about the security situation addressed on March 10, 2026: 1. Pakistan claims that terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a sanctuary. 2. India has been accused of stoking terrorism inside Pakistan from Afghan soil. 3. The Pakistani representative stated that the spillover effects of terrorism will remain confined to the border regions. 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 Pakistani position. Statement 3 is incorrect because the representative explicitly warned that the spillover effects would not remain confined to Pakistan, but would impact the broader region. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40410948/pakistans-ct-operations-focused-on-neutralising-cross-border-threats-from-afghan-soil, 10 Mar 2026]
#16669
What is the total budget amount approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) Rs2.17 trillion
(b) Rs1.17 trillion
(c) Rs3.17 trillion
(d) Rs4.17 trillion
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a budget of Rs2.17 trillion for the fiscal year 2026-27. Other figures provided are incorrect distractors representing different potential fiscal scales. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010593/cm-afridi-vows-peace-in-fy27-as-kp-assembly-passes-rs217tr-budget, 24 Jun 2026]
#16670
Consider the following statements about the 2026-07-21 flooding event: 1. The floods occurred in a region that shares a border with Pakistan. 2. The disaster agency warned residents to stay away from riverbanks due to the risk of further storms. 3. Search and rescue operations were fully equipped with advanced heavy machinery provided by international donors. 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: Nuristan does border Pakistan, and ANDMA did issue warnings regarding further rain. However, reports explicitly stated that residents were searching the area without equipment, contradicting the claim that they were fully equipped with advanced machinery. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017161/20-afghans-killed100-missing-after-floods, 21 Jul 2026]
#16671
Consider the following statements about the first phase of the 2026 AJK elections: 1. The polling was held across three districts: Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. 2. The total number of registered voters across these constituencies exceeded 1.4 million. 3. The polling process concluded at 5:00pm after the original timing was extended. 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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the polling concluded at 6:00pm, not 5:00pm, following the one-hour extension. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431988/polling-underway-in-first-phase-of-ajk-elections-across-mirpur-division, 27 Jul 2026]
#16672
During his visit on June 23, 2026, the Iranian President identified which region as requiring a new security structure through intra-regional cooperation?
(a) Central Asia and the Caspian Sea
(b) East Asia and the South China Sea
(c) South Asia and the Indian Ocean
(d) West Asia and the Persian Gulf
Explanation: President Pezeshkian specifically highlighted West Asia and the Persian Gulf as the strategic regions where sustainable security must be ensured through regional cooperation. Other regions listed are geographically distinct from the focus of his diplomatic proposal. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#16673
According to the announcement made on April 19, 2026, which individual was reported to lead the American delegation for the negotiations in Islamabad?
(a) Jared Kushner
(b) Steve Kushner
(c) JD Vance
(d) None of these
Explanation: US media outlets reported that Vice President JD Vance was designated to lead the American delegation. While Jared and Steve Kushner were mentioned as part of the team, Vance was the lead official cited. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]
#16674
Who led the Iranian delegation during the first round of direct US-Iran talks held in Islamabad in April 2026?
(a) Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Abbas Araghchi
(c) Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian delegation to the Islamabad talks was led by Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Option D is incorrect because the leader is explicitly identified in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993250/in-45-minute-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-shehbaz-reaffirms-pakistans-commitment-to-advancing-regional-peace, 19 Apr 2026]
#16675
Consider the following statements about the visit of Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V to Pakistan in May 2026: 1. The Prince held delegation-level talks at the Presidency with President Asif Ali Zardari. 2. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is involved in climate resilience and heritage conservation in Pakistan. 3. The visit included a formal guard of honour at the Prime Minister's House. 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 accurate regarding the diplomatic proceedings and the scope of AKDN's work. Statement 3 is incorrect because the guard of honour was presented at Aiwan-i-Sadr (President House), not the Prime Minister's House. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2001810/aga-khan-affirms-commitment-to-supporting-development-during-meeting-with-president-zardari, 20 May 2026]
#16676
Which geopolitical conflict was cited as a potential cause for supply chain disruptions affecting edible oil imports in March 2026?
(a) Russia-Ukraine conflict
(b) Israel-Palestine conflict
(c) US-Iran conflict
(d) China-Taiwan tensions
Explanation: The PVMA identified the US-Iran conflict as the primary source of regional geopolitical tension impacting maritime supply routes. While other conflicts exist, this specific event was the focus of the industry's supply chain assessment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980381/no-shortage-of-edible-oil-pvma, 10 Mar 2026]
#16677
Which of the following statements regarding the Lahore High Court judgment issued on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The court accepted the Punjab government's appeal to enhance the life imprisonment sentences.
(b) The court confirmed the death sentences awarded to the convicts.
(c) The court ruled that the prosecution established charges beyond reasonable doubt.
(d) The court rejected the criminal appeals filed by the convicts.
Explanation: The court rejected the Punjab government's appeal seeking the enhancement of the life imprisonment sentences, making statement B the incorrect one. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017293/lhc-confirms-death-sentences-of-convicts-in-motorway-gang-rape-case, 21 Jul 2026]
#16678
On July 21, 2026, the Lahore High Court issued a detailed judgment confirming the death sentences for convicts in which high-profile case?
(a) Sahiwal encounter case
(b) Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang-rape case
(c) Model Town incident case
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Lahore High Court confirmed the death sentences for Abid Ali and Shafqat Ali regarding the 2020 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway gang-rape incident. The other options refer to different high-profile legal cases in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017293/lhc-confirms-death-sentences-of-convicts-in-motorway-gang-rape-case, 21 Jul 2026]
#16679
What is the total amount the government spent on fuel subsidies over the month preceding the April 11, 2026, announcement?
(a) Rs129 billion
(b) Rs107 billion
(c) Rs81 billion
(d) Rs385 billion
Explanation: The Prime Minister noted that the government had spent Rs129 billion on fuel subsidies over the past month. The other figures refer to tax components or the final price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1990666/diesel-price-cut-by-rs135-petrol-sees-drop-of-rs12, 11 Apr 2026]
#16680
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic situation as of April 19, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The first round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a formal agreement.
(b) The United States has officially confirmed that Iran has accepted the new deal proposed by President Trump.
(c) Iran has demanded the lifting of the US blockade on its ports as a precondition for talks.
(d) The Strait of Hormuz has been a focal point of the maritime standoff between the two nations.
Explanation: The United States has not confirmed Iran's acceptance; in fact, reports indicate that Iran's participation remains uncertain and that Tehran has expressed skepticism. Options A, B, and D are all factually supported by the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993224/trump-says-us-representatives-heading-to-islamabad-will-be-there-tomorrow-evening-for-negotiations-with-iran, 19 Apr 2026]