October 2026 Edition
Start October Quiz
October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#16721
Consider the following statements about the TTAP meeting held on March 11, 2026: 1. The meeting demanded that the government take the opposition into confidence regarding defence pacts. 2. The participants condemned the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 3. The resolution explicitly supported the use of Pakistani territory for regional military operations against neighbouring states. 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 core demands and condemnations of the resolution. Statement 3 is incorrect because the resolution specifically urged Muslim countries NOT to allow the use of their territories or resources against any other country. [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]
#16722
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's external debt management in April 2026: 1. The UAE loan being repaid was originally extended in 2019. 2. Pakistan has requested significant changes to its $7 billion IMF lending programme due to the Middle East conflict. 3. The central bank's foreign exchange reserves were reported at $20.52 billion as of April 10, 2026. 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 UAE loan dates back to 2019. Statement 3 is correct regarding the reserve figures reported by the SBP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Finance Minister stated that while the IMF programme is an option, the government has not yet requested changes to it. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993003/sbp-says-govt-has-paid-2bn-to-uae, 18 Apr 2026]
#16723
Consider the following statements about the recent judicial transfers in April 2026: 1. The Islamabad Bar Council expressed concerns regarding the lack of transparency and uniform criteria in the transfer process. 2. The transferred judges were among those who previously reported alleged intelligence interference in judicial affairs. 3. Refusal to accept a transfer under the current constitutional framework may lead to proceedings under Article 209. 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 events of April 2026. The IBC criticized the process, the judges had a history of reporting interference, and the law now stipulates potential Article 209 proceedings for non-compliance. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1996098/law-ministry-notifies-transfer-of-3-ihc-judges-to-other-high-courts, 29 Apr 2026]
#16724
Who was identified by the US leadership as the head of the American delegation expected to travel to Pakistan on April 20, 2026?
(a) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
(b) Esmaeil Baqaei
(c) JD Vance
(d) Donald Trump
Explanation: US leadership confirmed that Vice President JD Vance was expected to lead the delegation to Pakistan. The other individuals listed are Iranian officials. [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]
#16725
What is the interest rate offered on the Eurobond issued by Pakistan in April 2026?
(a) 5.975 percent
(b) 8.975 percent
(c) 7.975 percent
(d) 6.975 percent
Explanation: The sovereign yield for the 2026 Eurobond issuance was set at 6.975 percent. This rate reflects the market's assessment of the risk and the government's re-entry into global capital markets. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993495/pakistan-increases-eurobond-from-500m-to-750m, 20 Apr 2026]
#16726
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]
#16727
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]
#16728
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]
#16729
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]
#16730
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]
#16731
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]
#16732
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]
#16733
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]
#16734
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]
#16735
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]
#16736
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]
#16737
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]
#16738
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]
#16739
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]
#16740
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]