October 2026 Edition
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October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#17221
Which of the following is NOT a primary concern raised by the PPP during the pre-budget meetings in June 2026?
(a) The total exclusion of the Public Sector Development Programme from the budget
(b) The impact of fiscal measures on inflation-hit masses
(c) The need to expand the tax base rather than taxing the same classes
(d) The feasibility of provincial revenue targets set by the IMF
Explanation: The PPP discussed the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) as a priority for development spending, rather than calling for its exclusion. The other options accurately reflect the party's stated reservations regarding tax policy and IMF conditions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005897/ppp-shares-tax-related-reservations-in-pre-budget-meeting-with-dar-say-sources, 07 Jun 2026]
#17222
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in April 2026: 1. Pakistan is acting as a mediator to facilitate talks between Tehran and Washington. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister visited Pakistan twice within a span of two days. 3. The conflict involving Iran began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. 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 provided report. Pakistan is actively mediating, the minister made two visits in two days, and the conflict timeline is correctly identified. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#17223
At which location in Pakistan did the Iranian Foreign Minister arrive during his April 2026 visit?
(a) Allama Iqbal International Airport
(b) Jinnah International Airport
(c) Nur Khan Air Base
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived at the Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. The other options are major civilian airports in Pakistan, which were not the site of this specific diplomatic arrival. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1995258/irans-araghchi-visits-pakistan-for-2nd-time-in-two-days-envoy-says-trip-undertaken-to-discuss-regional-developments, 26 Apr 2026]
#17224
Which cities were part of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's regional tour starting April 24, 2026?
(a) Islamabad, Tehran, and Riyadh
(b) Islamabad, Kabul, and Ankara
(c) Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow
(d) Islamabad, Dubai, and Doha
Explanation: According to Iran's state media and Araghchi's own statement, his regional tour included Islamabad, Muscat, and Moscow. The other options list cities not mentioned as part of this specific tour. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994680/iranian-delegation-led-by-fm-araghchi-lands-in-islamabad-us-officials-to-also-arrive-in-pakistan, 24 Apr 2026]
#17225
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments on April 25, 2026: 1. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for regional stability. 2. The Iranian Foreign Minister described his visit to Pakistan as very fruitful. 3. The US President confirmed that the cancellation of the envoys' visit signifies an immediate resumption of war.
(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 reflections of the official statements made by the Prime Minister and the Iranian Foreign Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because President Trump explicitly stated that the cancellation did not mean he would resume the war. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994958/iranian-delegation-led-by-araghchi-leaves-after-meeting-pm-cdf-munir-trump-cancels-us-envoys-visit, 25 Apr 2026]
#17226
Which of the following statements regarding the joint statement of April 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The ministers recognized the special role of the historic Hashemite custodianship.
(b) The ministers condemned the accelerating illegal settlement activity.
(c) The ministers declared that Israel has full sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
(d) The ministers called for a political solution based on the two-state solution.
Explanation: The statement explicitly emphasizes that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, making the false statement. The other options accurately reflect the positions taken by the foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#17227
Consider the following statements about the SCO meeting held on July 17, 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). 2. The participants discussed and approved the plan for the 'Solidarity-2026' joint border operation. 3. The SCO currently comprises exactly eight member 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: Statement 1 is correct as RATS representatives attended. Statement 2 is correct as the plan for 'Solidarity-2026' was approved. Statement 3 is incorrect because the SCO currently comprises ten member states, not eight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016226/pakistan-chairs-12th-sco-meeting-of-heads-of-border-services-fo, 17 Jul 2026]
#17228
Which of the following statements regarding the July 17, 2026, AJK campaign address is INCORRECT?
(a) The PPP Chairman announced that the government had already accepted his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission.
(b) The PPP Chairman claimed that the government's current response is punishing all Kashmiris rather than specific individuals.
(c) The PPP Chairman urged protesters to halt demonstrations that disrupt the supply of essential goods.
(d) The PPP Chairman emphasized that the upcoming election is the most important in the history of AJK.
Explanation: The PPP Chairman explicitly stated that neither the government nor the protesters had responded to his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission. Therefore, the claim that it was accepted is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#17229
Consider the following statements about the energy sector performance in June 2026: 1. The price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) nearly doubled compared to the same month in the previous year. 2. Nuclear power generation was identified as a zero-fuel-cost energy source. 3. The fuel cost for imported coal was significantly higher than the fuel cost for local coal.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as RLNG prices rose sharply. Statement 3 is correct as imported coal cost Rs16.65 per unit versus Rs11.5 per unit for local coal. Statement 2 is incorrect because nuclear power has a reported fuel cost of Rs2.85 per unit, unlike hydropower which is a zero-fuel-cost source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
#17230
Consider the following statements about the events of March 14, 2026: 1. The drone attacks resulted in injuries to civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. 2. The Pakistan Airports Authority confirmed that Islamabad International Airport was permanently closed due to the security threat. 3. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks as an attempt to target civilian areas. 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 locations of the injuries. Statement 3 is correct as the President condemned the targeting of civilians. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Pakistan Airports Authority clarified that reports of the airport's closure were baseless. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981957/rudimentary-drones-launched-by-afghan-taliban-injure-4-failed-to-reach-targets-ispr, 14 Mar 2026]
#17231
Consider the following statements about the joint statement issued on April 23, 2026: 1. The ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag within the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 2. The statement cited the 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding illegal settlements. 3. The ministers called for the immediate annexation of the West Bank to ensure regional stability. 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 ministers condemned the raising of the Israeli flag. Statement 2 is correct as the statement referenced the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ministers categorically rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994444/pakistan-7-other-muslim-nations-reject-attempts-to-alter-historic-legal-status-quo-in-jerusalem-at-its-holy-sites, 23 Apr 2026]
#17232
The system losses at the distribution stage for Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) were reported at what percentage in March 2026?
(a) 7.47 percent
(b) 9.00 percent
(c) 10.60 percent
(d) 12.55 percent
Explanation: The report specifies that SSGCL's system losses at the distribution stage reached 12.55 percent. The other figures represent either previous levels or the losses associated with SNGPL. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#17233
According to the campaign address on July 17, 2026, which two regions were identified as being critical yet historically underdeveloped within the Pakistani context?
(a) Sindh and Balochistan
(b) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab
(c) Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir
(d) FATA and Islamabad Capital Territory
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari specifically highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as two regions that have been waiting for generations to be fully integrated and developed. These regions are central to his party's current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#17234
Consider the following statements about the political discourse regarding AJK on July 17, 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman argued that politicians have a duty to act as a bridge between the region and the Centre. 2. The proposed reforms include calling constitutional conventions to allow local input on governance. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that the AJK issue can only be resolved through military intervention. 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 Chairman's emphasis on political bridging and local input through conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect because he explicitly stated that there is no issue that cannot be resolved politically and peacefully. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
#17235
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 Gilgit-Baltistan elections is INCORRECT?
(a) The elections were delayed by four months due to harsh winter weather
(b) A total of 396 candidates contested the elections
(c) The total number of registered voters in the region was 963,034
(d) The Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) won a total of five seats
Explanation: The MWM won only one seat in the 2026 elections, not five. The other statements accurately reflect the election data provided in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2005670/unofficial-results-show-ppp-leading-the-gb-race-with-victory-on-10-seats, 07 Jun 2026]
#17236
Which of the following statements regarding the RLNG pricing notification for March 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The total number of cargoes imported in March 2026 was eight.
(b) The price increase for SSGCL at the transmission stage was 22 percent.
(c) The price increase for SNGPL at the transmission stage was 19.3 percent.
(d) The RLNG price increase was influenced by terminal charges.
Explanation: Only two cargoes were imported in March 2026, not eight. The other statements accurately reflect the data provided in the notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981311/ogra-notifies-massive-increase-in-rlng-price-for-march, 12 Mar 2026]
#17237
Who was the ring leader neutralized by security forces during the operations reported on May 21, 2026?
(a) Noor Wali Mehsud
(b) Hafiz Gul Bahadur
(c) Jan Meer alias Toor Saqib
(d) Fazlullah
Explanation: The ISPR identified the ring leader killed during the operation as Jan Meer, also known as Toor Saqib. He was a high-value target wanted for his involvement in attacks against security personnel and civilians. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002065/security-forces-kill-23-terrorists-in-multiple-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-ibos-ispr, 21 May 2026]
#17238
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 mobile phone valuation revision is INCORRECT?
(a) The new ruling abolished the existing framework regarding six-month activation and freight adjustment.
(b) The revision process included a consultation meeting with relevant stakeholders held on April 13, 2026.
(c) The new valuation applies to imports of old and used mobile phones in commercial quantities.
(d) The revision aims to align assessed values for duty and tax purposes with prevailing market rates.
Explanation: The 2026 ruling did not abolish the existing framework; rather, it preserved the earlier regulatory requirements concerning six-month activation, higher declared value, and freight adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#17239
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Zilhaj moon sighting: 1. The first day of Zilhaj 1447 AH was determined to be May 18, 2026. 2. Eidul Azha is scheduled to be celebrated on May 27, 2026. 3. The Ruet-i-Hilal Committee meeting was held in Islamabad for the central announcement. 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 2 are correct as per the official announcement. Statement 3 is incorrect because the central meeting was held in Karachi, not Islamabad, which hosted only a zonal committee. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000923/zilhaj-moon-sighted-eidul-azha-to-fall-on-may-27, 17 May 2026]
#17240
Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision was implemented to align assessed values with prevailing market rates. 2. The sharpest upward increases were recorded in older flagship and mid-range Samsung and Google Pixel devices. 3. Newer flagship models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, experienced the highest percentage increase in valuation compared to older models. 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 primary goal was market alignment. Statement 2 is correct as older Samsung and Pixel devices saw the steepest jumps. Statement 3 is incorrect because newer flagship models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max saw relatively moderate increases (9.78 percent) compared to the sharp spikes in older models. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]