November 2026 Edition
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November 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#8181
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8182
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#8183
Which official holds the dual portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the current administration as of March 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(b) Mohsin Naqvi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Ishaq Dar is identified as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is the PPP Chairperson, and Mohsin Naqvi is the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8184
In March 2026, the federal government held an expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr that included representatives from which of the following?
(a) The Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) The Election Commission of Pakistan
(c) Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) None of these
Explanation: The expanded consultative meeting at Aiwan-i-Sadr included the leadership of all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The judiciary and the Election Commission were not listed as participants in this executive-led consultative forum. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#8185
Which of the following events occurred at the onset of the conflict in February 2026?
(a) The formal dissolution of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(b) The signing of a permanent ceasefire agreement
(c) The assassination of the Iranian supreme leader
(d) The total withdrawal of US forces from the region
Explanation: The conflict was marked by the assassination of the then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial strikes. The other options describe events that did not occur at the start of this specific conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#8186
Which of the following is NOT a key area of cooperation mentioned in the 2026 EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue?
(a) Climate change
(b) Connectivity
(c) Sustainable development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The dialogue focused on trade, investment, climate change, security, migration, sustainable development, and connectivity. Space exploration was not identified as a primary pillar of the strategic engagement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#8187
Consider the following statements about the recent developments in the US-Iran conflict: 1. Renewed fighting in the Gulf region began on July 8, 2026. 2. The Islamabad MoU was intended to end the war after a 60-day negotiation period. 3. China and Pakistan have expressed satisfaction with the current stability in the Strait of Hormuz. 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 3 is incorrect because the countries expressed 'concern over the deterioration of the current situation' rather than satisfaction with stability. Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the provided text. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#8188
Who is the current Iranian Foreign Minister mentioned in the context of the 2026 diplomatic efforts?
(a) Abbas Araghchi
(b) Esmail Baghaei
(c) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian
(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif
Explanation: Abbas Araghchi is identified as the Iranian Foreign Minister involved in the diplomatic exchanges. Esmail Baghaei is the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, while the others are not the current incumbents in this context. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]
#8189
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with the Iranian President to discuss peace talks.
(b) Islamabad hosted foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt for regional discussions.
(c) The mediation process is being conducted exclusively by Pakistan without any external regional support.
(d) The United States President shared Deputy Prime Minister Dar's statement on the Truth Social platform.
Explanation: The statement is incorrect because Pakistan is explicitly working in collaboration with Ankara and Cairo to mediate the conflict. The other three options accurately reflect the diplomatic events described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#8190
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz transit developments in 2026: 1. The transit agreement allows for two Pakistani-flagged ships to cross the Strait daily. 2. The fuel crisis is attributed to the disruption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. 3. The mediation efforts involve high-level communication between Pakistani leadership and the Iranian President. 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 diplomatic and logistical developments reported in March 2026. The agreement facilitates daily transits, the global fuel crunch is linked to the Strait's disruption, and the mediation involves direct engagement with the Iranian presidency. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986336/dpm-dar-says-iran-has-allowed-20-more-ships-under-pakistan-flag-to-cross-strait-of-hormuz, 28 Mar 2026]
#8191
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan in March 2026: 1. Pakistan is actively attempting to bring the United States and Iran to the negotiating table. 2. The quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad focused exclusively on bilateral trade agreements. 3. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for unity among Islamic countries to address the regional crisis. 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 Pakistan is mediating between the US and Iran. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on the Middle East crisis and regional stability, not bilateral trade. Statement 3 is correct as the Prime Minister stressed the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986574/pm-shehbaz-commends-kingdoms-remarkable-restraint-in-meeting-with-saudi-fm-assures-him-of-pakistans-full-support, 29 Mar 2026]
#8192
According to the Power Minister's statement on May 31, 2026, what is the estimated prevalence of corruption within the DISCOs?
(a) 10-15 percent
(b) 25-30 percent
(c) 40-50 percent
(d) 80-90 percent
Explanation: The Power Minister acknowledged that corruption exists within DISCOs but stated that the prevalence is likely between 10 and 15 percent. This contrasts with public perception, which often views the issue as more systemic. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#8193
Who is the current Federal Minister for Power who addressed the corruption allegations against LESCO employees on May 31, 2026?
(a) Khawaja Asif
(b) Awais Leghari
(c) Khaleeq Kiani
(d) None of these
Explanation: Awais Leghari is the Federal Minister for Power who held the press conference to address the corruption claims. Khawaja Asif is the Defence Minister who raised the initial complaint. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004146/strict-action-taken-says-power-minister-after-khawaja-asifs-claim-of-lesco-employees-corruption, 31 May 2026]
#8194
Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic outreach by Pakistan in March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
(b) The Prime Minister officially declared war on the United States.
(c) The Prime Minister offered condolences for the loss of lives.
(d) The Prime Minister advocated for a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Explanation: Pakistan maintained a stance of facilitating peace and de-escalation, not declaring war. The other three statements accurately reflect the content of the Prime Minister's official communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#8195
On March 23, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with which Iranian leader to discuss regional de-escalation?
(a) Ebrahim Raisi
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ali Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 23, 2026, to address the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East. Ebrahim Raisi is a former president, and Ali Khamenei was the supreme leader who passed away during the conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984609/in-phone-call-with-pezeshkian-pm-stresses-urgent-need-for-collective-efforts-for-de-escalation-in-mideast, 23 Mar 2026]
#8196
What is the total value of financial irregularities identified by the Auditor General of Pakistan in the Ministry of National Health Services as of June 2026?
(a) Rs1.48 billion
(b) Rs2.84 billion
(c) Rs3.41 billion
(d) Rs4.12 billion
Explanation: The audit report explicitly identifies irregularities amounting to Rs3.41 billion within the health sector. Other figures, such as Rs1.48 billion, refer to specific sub-categories like bank account management irregularities. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010834/audit-report-identifies-rs341bn-worth-of-irregularities-in-health-sector, 25 Jun 2026]
#8197
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or outcome of the June 2026 Burgenstock talks?
(a) Establishment of a high-level committee for political oversight
(b) Immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions on Iran
(c) Creation of a communication line to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz
(d) Formation of working groups focused on nuclear and sanctions issues
Explanation: While the talks addressed sanctions and nuclear issues through working groups, there was no agreement for the immediate and permanent lifting of all global sanctions. The other options are explicitly mentioned as outcomes of the summit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2009504/pm-shehbaz-cdf-asim-munir-depart-for-switzerland-to-attend-iran-us-talks, 20 Jun 2026]
#8198
On July 10, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation regarding regional stability with which Iranian leader?
(a) Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
(b) Masoud Pezeshkian
(c) Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with President Masoud Pezeshkian to express concern over the escalation of hostilities. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the late supreme leader, while Mojtaba Khamenei is the current supreme leader, making them incorrect in the context of the presidential call. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014422/pm-shehbaz-calls-on-iran-other-parties-not-to-jeopardise-hard-earned-peace-gains, 10 Jul 2026]
#8199
Which of the following statements regarding the security situation in Balochistan in July 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The military spokesperson identified India as a source of support for the terrorists.
(b) The security operations in Balochistan are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police.
(c) The Provincial Apex Committee meeting was attended by the Chief of the Army Staff.
(d) A terrorist attack in the Zedi area of Khuzdar district was foiled on July 10, 2026.
Explanation: The statement that operations are conducted solely by the Balochistan Police is incorrect because the operations are joint efforts involving the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and the Balochistan Police. The other statements are factually accurate based on the reports. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014419/75-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-since-july-5-says-cm-bugti, 10 Jul 2026]
#8200
Who led the PPP Sindh chapter rally in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026?
(a) Tariq Shah Jamot
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Nisar Ahmed Khuhro
(d) Ajiz Dhamra
Explanation: Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, the PPP Sindh chapter president, led the rally from Shahbaz Building Chowk to the local press club in Hyderabad on July 12, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2014901/we-will-not-give-up-indus-ppp-holds-sindh-wide-rallies-condemning-indias-threats-to-pakistans-water-share, 12 Jul 2026]