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.
#17321
Consider the following statements about the 2026 UN Arria-Formula meeting on Syria: 1. Pakistan argued that transitional justice is vital for promoting reconciliation and restoring trust. 2. The meeting focused exclusively on military strategies for ending the Syrian conflict. 3. Pakistan emphasized that international mechanisms should respect Syria's national ownership. 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 3 are correct as they reflect Pakistan's focus on reconciliation and sovereignty. Statement 2 is incorrect because the meeting focused on transitional justice and missing persons, not military strategy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#17322
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the bilateral cooperation discussed between Pakistan and Iran on July 23, 2026?
(a) Establishing a joint military base in the Persian Gulf
(b) Strengthening unity among the Muslim Ummah
(c) Expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors
(d) Promoting regional peace and security
Explanation: The diplomatic meeting focused on peace, security, and unity; there was no mention of establishing a joint military base. The other three options are explicitly mentioned as core goals of the bilateral relationship. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#17323
Which of the following is NOT a directive issued by the Chief Minister regarding the 2026-07-23 rain-related emergency?
(a) Continuous monitoring of rivers and flood channels
(b) Immediate suspension of all provincial public transport
(c) Prevention of children from bathing in floodwaters
(d) Supervision of relief operations by field officers
Explanation: The Chief Minister directed authorities to maintain smooth traffic flow, which contradicts the suspension of public transport. The other options are verified directives issued to ensure public safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431317/cm-voices-her-grief-over-rain-related-deaths, 23 Jul 2026]
#17324
Following the price adjustment on July 22, 2026, what is the new price of high-speed diesel (HSD) per litre?
(a) Rs327.12
(b) Rs375.04
(c) Rs458.41
(d) Rs520.35
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, set the new price of high-speed diesel at Rs375.04 per litre. Rs327.12 is the corresponding price for petrol, while the other figures represent historical peak prices. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#17325
Which international mediation effort by Pakistan was specifically recalled by the Iranian President during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Negotiations between Iran and Saudi Arabia
(b) Dialogue between Iran and the United States
(c) Talks between Iran and the European Union
(d) Mediation between Iran and Israel
Explanation: President Pezeshkian explicitly acknowledged Pakistan's efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. While Pakistan has been involved in other regional mediations, this specific instance was highlighted in the diplomatic exchange. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017654/iranian-president-pezeshkian-calls-for-strengthening-pak-iran-relations, 23 Jul 2026]
#17326
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 AJK electoral process is INCORRECT?
(a) Nawaz Sharif is a confirmed candidate for the migrant seats in the AJK assembly.
(b) PML-N ministers argued that holding elections on time was a constitutional requirement.
(c) The PPP initially advocated for postponing elections due to law and order concerns.
(d) The PPP has expressed optimism about securing a majority in the AJK assembly.
Explanation: The PPP leadership explicitly stated that Nawaz Sharif is not a candidate for the migrant seats in the AJK assembly. The other three statements accurately reflect the political positions and events described in the report. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431326/ajk-polls-ppp-leader-says-optimistic-about-electoral-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#17327
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of Pakistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. 2. The meetings were conducted on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. 3. Pakistan and Russia agreed to reduce their engagement at multilateral forums. 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 Dar met with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman in Manila during the ARF. Statement 3 is incorrect because the countries actually agreed to enhance, not reduce, coordination at multilateral forums. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#17328
Consider the following statements about the IMF mission to Pakistan in 2026: 1. The mission successfully reached a staff-level agreement on March 11, 2026. 2. Discussions were influenced by the impact of regional conflict on Pakistan's balance of payments. 3. The mission reviewed both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. 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 incorrect because the mission failed to reach a staff-level agreement by the conclusion date. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately reflect the scope of the review and the external factors influencing the economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#17329
Which Pakistani cricketer was signed by the Sunrisers Leeds franchise for the 2026 edition of The Hundred?
(a) Abrar Ahmed
(b) Haris Rauf
(c) Shaheen Shah Afridi
(d) Usman Tariq
Explanation: Abrar Ahmed was signed by Sunrisers Leeds for £190,000 during the 2026 auction. While Usman Tariq was also signed by a franchise, he was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix, not Sunrisers Leeds. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981366/ipl-linked-sunrisers-leeds-sign-abrar-ahmed-for-the-hundred, 12 Mar 2026]
#17330
In the context of the 2026 political discourse, which party did the PPP leadership claim to have supported to ensure the continuity of the democratic system?
(a) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(b) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz
(c) Muttahida Qaumi Movement
(d) Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
Explanation: The PPP leadership stated that their support for the PML-N government was instrumental in maintaining the parliamentary system. The other parties listed are major political entities but were not the beneficiaries of this specific support arrangement. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431326/ajk-polls-ppp-leader-says-optimistic-about-electoral-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#17331
Who represented Pakistan in the meeting with the Russian Foreign Minister on July 23, 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mehmood Qureshi
(c) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(d) Jalil Abbas Jilani
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan in the discussions with Sergey Lavrov. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers of Pakistan. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#17332
The meeting between Pakistan and Russia on July 23, 2026, took place ahead of which specific event?
(a) 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting
(b) Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit
(c) United Nations General Assembly Session
(d) None of these
Explanation: The bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers occurred in the context of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting. This forum provides a platform for regional security and diplomatic dialogue. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#17333
Which of the following is NOT a stated focus area of the National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035?
(a) Vocational training
(b) Healthcare services
(c) Youth development
(d) Space exploration
Explanation: The National Stabilization Plan focuses on human-centric development sectors including healthcare, education, youth development, and vocational training. Space exploration is not part of this demographic welfare framework. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]
#17334
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing situation in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. Petrol prices are primarily influenced by the needs of private transport and small vehicles. 2. The government previously utilized a weekly revision cycle for fuel prices before moving to daily adjustments. 3. Monthly sales of kerosene are significantly higher than those of petrol and high-speed diesel. 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 they reflect the usage patterns and the shift in policy. Statement 3 is incorrect because kerosene demand is only 10,000 tonnes monthly, whereas petrol and diesel sales reach 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017573/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs639-diesel-by-rs783-per-litre, 22 Jul 2026]
#17335
What was the primary objective of the curfew imposed in Khud Kocha on July 22, 2026?
(a) To facilitate a census operation
(b) To manage a natural disaster emergency
(c) To conduct a polio vaccination drive
(d) To maintain peace and public safety
Explanation: The Balochistan Home Department imposed the curfew specifically to address the deteriorating security situation following a bus attack and bridge explosion. The measure was intended to restrict movement and ensure public safety during ongoing security operations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017589/curfew-imposed-in-mastungs-khud-kocha-after-bus-attack-bridge-blast, 22 Jul 2026]
#17336
Consider the following statements about the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as of 2026: 1. The PPP leadership has officially declared that they will boycott the upcoming elections. 2. The PML-N government in Punjab has been accused by the PPP of administrative incompetence. 3. The decision regarding the next Prime Minister of Kashmir rests with the people of Kashmir according to the PPP's stated position. 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 false because the PPP explicitly stated they would contest the elections despite their concerns. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate based on the provided political commentary. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431326/ajk-polls-ppp-leader-says-optimistic-about-electoral-prospects, 23 Jul 2026]
#17337
Who is the current Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations who addressed the Arria-Formula meeting on Syria in 2026?
(a) Munir Akram
(b) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad
(c) Maleeha Lodhi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad represented Pakistan at the UN Arria-Formula meeting regarding Syria. Munir Akram and Maleeha Lodhi are former representatives, making them incorrect. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017641/pakistan-opposes-externally-imposed-solutions-for-syria, 23 Jul 2026]
#17338
The National Stabilization Plan 2026–2035 aims to integrate population welfare compliance with which of the following?
(a) National defense budget allocations
(b) Provincial tax collection systems
(c) Federal social protection initiatives
(d) Foreign direct investment policies
Explanation: The government has initiated efforts to link federal social protection programs directly to population welfare compliance to incentivize sustainable growth. This is a key component of the broader demographic strategy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431434/pm-shehbaz-told-pakistan-aims-to-halve-population-growth-rate-by-2035, 23 Jul 2026]
#17339
Which franchise signed Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq during the 2026 auction for The Hundred?
(a) London Spirit
(b) Welsh Fire
(c) Birmingham Phoenix
(d) Southern Brave
Explanation: Usman Tariq was acquired by Birmingham Phoenix for £140,000. The other listed franchises were active in the auction but did not sign Tariq. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981366/ipl-linked-sunrisers-leeds-sign-abrar-ahmed-for-the-hundred, 12 Mar 2026]
#17340
Which technology is being utilized by the Punjab government to monitor rivers, dams, and barrages during the 2026 monsoon season?
(a) Safe City cameras
(b) Satellite imagery
(c) Drone surveillance
(d) Seismic sensors
Explanation: The Punjab Chief Minister directed that critical water infrastructure be monitored round the clock using Safe City cameras. This measure aims to enhance flood response and safety. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431316/17-people-killed-in-rain-related-incidents-in-punjab, 23 Jul 2026]