October 2026 Edition

October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions

Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.

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#17361

Who represented Pakistan at the 33rd Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(c) Ishaq Dar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar led the Pakistani delegation at the ARF meeting in Manila. The other individuals listed did not hold this specific office during the July 2026 event. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#17362

The counterterrorism campaign mentioned in the context of the July 2026 operations is known as:

(a) Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Khyber
(d) Azm-e-Istehkam
Explanation: The ISPR stated that the ongoing counterterrorism efforts are being conducted under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision. Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad were previous military operations. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#17363

Which body approved the vision under which the July 2026 counterterrorism operations are being conducted?

(a) Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan
(b) National Security Council
(c) Parliamentary Committee on Defence
(d) Provincial Apex Committee of Balochistan
Explanation: The military confirmed that the Azm-e-Istehkam vision was approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. This committee serves as the primary executive authority for national counterterrorism policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#17364

According to the statement issued on July 23, 2026, what is considered essential for achieving lasting peace in Balochistan?

(a) Immediate withdrawal of federal administrative control
(b) Sustained efforts by security forces and public support
(c) Complete privatization of all natural resources
(d) Exclusive reliance on international peacekeeping forces
Explanation: The Chief of Defence Forces emphasized that peace in Balochistan is contingent upon the combined efforts of security agencies and the support of the local population. Other options are not part of the official security policy framework mentioned. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#17365

Consider the following statements about the security operations in Balochistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Two female suicide bombers were apprehended during the operations in Mastung. 2. The operations were limited to the arrest of facilitators only. 3. The military identified the apprehended individuals as being linked to foreign-sponsored entities. 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 two female suicide bombers were captured in Mastung. Statement 2 is incorrect because the operations also resulted in the neutralization of ten terrorists, not just the arrest of facilitators. Statement 3 is correct as the ISPR linked the militants to foreign-sponsored groups. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431351/balochistan-ibos-10-terrorists-killed-two-female-suicide-bombers-held, 23 Jul 2026]
#17366

Which official met with the Chinese delegation to discuss investment opportunities in Balochistan on March 11, 2026?

(a) Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan
(b) Finance Minister of Balochistan
(c) Chairman of the Board of Investment
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senate Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan held the meeting with the Chinese delegation to discuss the $2.6 billion investment plan. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately identify the official who hosted the delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#17367

Which of the following is NOT a policy goal mentioned by the PPP Chairman for the people of AJK in 2026?

(a) Securing rights of governance
(b) Privatization of all public utilities
(c) Ensuring rights of ownership
(d) Securing rights of employment
Explanation: The PPP Chairman's manifesto focuses on governance, ownership, and employment rights. Privatization of public utilities was not mentioned as a policy goal in his address. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#17368

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic efforts mentioned in the 2026 ASEAN Regional Forum address: 1. Pakistan facilitated talks between the United States and Iran after 47 years. 2. The ASEAN region has a combined GDP of approximately $3.8 trillion. 3. The Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a Palestinian state based on post-1967 borders. 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 factually correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Deputy Prime Minister advocated for a state based on pre-1967 borders, not post-1967 borders. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017794/kashmir-iwt-among-key-global-challenges-threatening-peaceful-coexistence-dar-tells-asean-moot, 23 Jul 2026]
#17369

According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, investors expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates steady at their meeting on which date in 2026?

(a) April 12
(b) March 25
(c) April 05
(d) March 18
Explanation: Market participants anticipate the Federal Reserve will maintain current interest rates during their two-day meeting concluding on March 18, 2026. This expectation is based on data from the CME Group’s FedWatch tool. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980850/gold-edges-higher-on-safe-haven-demand-ahead-of-us-cpi-data, 11 Mar 2026]
#17370

Which political leader emphasized the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in the National Finance Commission (NFC) during an election rally in 2026?

(a) Nawaz Sharif
(b) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
(c) Imran Khan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as the Chairman of the PPP, advocated for the inclusion of Kashmiri representatives in national policy forums like the NFC and the Council of Common Interests. Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan were not the speakers at this specific AJK election rally. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#17371

Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the security strategy for Balochistan as per the July 23, 2026, address?

(a) Immediate cessation of all development initiatives
(b) Dismantling terrorist infrastructure
(c) Eliminating terrorist facilitators
(d) Achieving lasting peace through sustained efforts
Explanation: The government is actively pursuing development initiatives to improve socio-economic conditions, making the cessation of such projects an incorrect statement. The other options are core components of the stated security policy. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#17372

What was the total amount of remittances received by Pakistan in February 2026?

(a) 2.5 billion dollars
(b) 3.3 billion dollars
(c) 4.0 billion dollars
(d) None of these
Explanation: The State Bank of Pakistan reported that remittances remained steady in February 2026, totaling 3.3 billion dollars. This figure highlights the resilience of inflows despite the onset of regional conflict. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#17373

Consider the following statements about the political discourse in AJK as of July 2026: 1. The PPP Chairman advocated for a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of AJK people if a two-thirds majority is achieved. 2. Restrictions on internet services in AJK were criticized as being harmful to the local population. 3. The PPP Chairman suggested that decisions regarding the future of Kashmir should be made by authorities in Sindh or Punjab. 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 Chairman's stated goals and criticisms. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Chairman explicitly stated that decisions should be made by Kashmiris, not by people from Sindh or Punjab. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431352/bilawal-says-ajk-election-crucial-for-kashmirs-future, 23 Jul 2026]
#17374

Consider the following statements about Pakistan's economic situation as of March 2026: 1. The total remittance inflow for the first eight months of FY26 was 26.5 billion dollars. 2. Saudi Aramco has reportedly reduced its oil production to about half capacity due to the Strait of Hormuz blockage. 3. The government expects to receive 50 billion dollars in total remittances during the full fiscal year 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: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the expected total for FY26 is 40 billion dollars, not 50 billion. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980726/remittances-steady-but-war-risks-loom, 11 Mar 2026]
#17375

The meeting between the Pakistan Airports Authority and IATA in 2026 primarily focused on which of the following areas?

(a) Aviation fuel subsidy negotiations
(b) Cross-border air traffic control disputes
(c) Privatization of national flag carriers
(d) Capacity building and aviation infrastructure roadmap
Explanation: The PAA and IATA discussions were centered on institutional capacity building, consultancy services, and establishing a sustainable roadmap for the aviation sector. Other options represent unrelated or broader policy issues not specified in the meeting agenda. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431349/paa-iata-discuss-future-aviation-roadmap, 23 Jul 2026]
#17376

Consider the following statements about the security situation in Balochistan as of July 23, 2026: 1. The Chief of Defence Forces pledged to continue operations until terrorism is eliminated. 2. The security strategy relies solely on military force without public involvement. 3. The federal and provincial governments are pursuing development initiatives in the province. 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 CDF vowed to continue operations. Statement 3 is correct as the government is pursuing development. Statement 2 is incorrect because the strategy explicitly emphasizes the necessity of public support. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431473/field-marshal-munir-vows-to-continue-operations-against-terrorists-in-balochistan, 23 Jul 2026]
#17377

Arrange the following events in the order of their contextual development within the July 2026 week: I. Notification of the new tax regime for small shopkeepers. II. Launch of the 45km Green Railway Corridor project in Punjab. III. Onset of the new monsoon spell leading to a roof collapse in Lahore. IV. Announcement of mandatory screening legislation for HIV/Hepatitis.

(a) I, II, IV, III
(b) II, I, III, IV
(c) III, IV, II, I
(d) IV, III, I, II
Explanation: The order is established based on the implementation of economic policy (I), the inauguration of infrastructure projects (II), the introduction of legislative policy (IV), and the environmental impact of the weather shift (III) as reported on July 29. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019158/fbr-notifies-new-tax-regime-for-small-shopkeepers]
#17378

Which of the following statements regarding the IATA delegation visit in 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The meeting took place at the PAA headquarters.
(b) The delegation included the Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.
(c) The delegation announced the immediate suspension of all cargo flights.
(d) The PAA briefed the delegation on its infrastructure projects.
Explanation: There is no evidence that the delegation announced a suspension of cargo flights; the meeting focused on cooperation and capacity building. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the event. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431349/paa-iata-discuss-future-aviation-roadmap, 23 Jul 2026]
#17379

Who chaired the Senate Standing Committee meeting held on 2026-07-23 regarding the payment of dues to former Pak PWD employees?

(a) Senator Nasir Mehmood
(b) Senator Ishaq Dar
(c) Senator Mushahid Hussain
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Nasir Mehmood chaired the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works during the session held on 2026-07-23. The committee focused on the administrative delays affecting the financial entitlements of former Pak PWD staff. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431367/salaries-payment-dues-of-ex-pak-pwd-employees-senate-body-concerned-over-delays, 23 Jul 2026]
#17380

Consider the following statements about the 2026 aviation developments in Pakistan: 1. The IATA delegation included the Regional Manager for South Asia. 2. The K2 Airways flight was en route from Sharjah to Karachi when it crashed. 3. The crash site is located at a depth of approximately 1,000 meters. 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 Azhar Azahari attended as Regional Manager for South Asia. Statement 2 is correct as the flight was traveling from Sharjah to Karachi. Statement 3 is incorrect because the crash site is reported to be 3,000 meters deep, not 1,000 meters. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431349/paa-iata-discuss-future-aviation-roadmap, 23 Jul 2026]