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.
#17421
Who has been appointed as the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team for the series against the West Indies in 2026?
(a) Babar Azam
(b) Shan Masood
(c) Azan Awais
(d) Mohammad Ali
Explanation: Babar Azam returned as the captain of the Pakistan Test team, replacing Shan Masood following a series loss in Bangladesh. Shan Masood was the previous captain, making him a plausible distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17422
Which stadium in Trinidad is hosting its maiden Test match in July 2026?
(a) Queen's Park Oval
(b) Brian Lara Stadium
(c) Sabina Park
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Brian Lara Stadium, located in the south of Trinidad, was designated as the venue for the first Test of the series. Queen's Park Oval is the other Test venue in Trinidad but is not the site of this maiden Test. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17423
Who is the current Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to whom the ECP addressed its concerns regarding the 2026 amendment?
(a) Shahab Ali Shah
(b) Nadeem Qasim
(c) Sardar Sikander Shaheen
(d) None of these
Explanation: Shahab Ali Shah is the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who received the official correspondence from the ECP. Nadeem Qasim is the Additional Director General of the ECP who authored the letter, not the recipient. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#17424
How does the Government of Pakistan define an attack on its commercial ships by Houthi rebels according to the July 24, 2026, policy statement?
(a) A violation of international trade law
(b) A breach of the Islamabad Memorandum
(c) An attack against Pakistan
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Foreign Office spokesperson stated that any strike against Pakistani-flagged vessels would be treated as an attack against Pakistan itself, justifying a response in self-defense. This elevates the status of commercial assets to national security interests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#17425
Saadia Zahidi was appointed as the Director General of which international organization on July 24, 2026?
(a) World Economic Forum
(b) International Air Transport Association
(c) International Civil Aviation Organization
(d) World Trade Organization
Explanation: Saadia Zahidi was appointed to lead the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While she previously worked at the World Economic Forum, that is not the organization she was appointed to lead as Director General. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017986/pakistan-origin-saadia-zahidi-to-lead-international-air-transport-association, 24 Jul 2026]
#17426
Consider the following statements about the ECP's objection to the KP Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2026: 1. The ECP claims the amendment contradicts its constitutional authority to delimit constituencies. 2. The amendment requires the ECP to consult with the provincial government when waiving population conditions. 3. The ECP argues that the amendment is a necessary step to expedite the local government election process. 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 ECP's legal stance and the specific provision of the amendment they oppose. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECP views the amendment as a 'delaying tactic' rather than a measure to expedite the election process. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431520/ecp-opposes-key-amendment-to-kps-lg-law, 24 Jul 2026]
#17427
Consider the following statements about the security incident in Mastung on 2026-07-24: 1. The attack resulted in the death of a Sessions Judge and his gunman. 2. The provincial government described the attack as an assault on the state itself. 3. The incident occurred during a planned protest march on the National Highway. 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 correct based on the report. Statement 3 is incorrect because the officials were traveling to perform official duties, not participating in a protest march. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#17428
Which of the following is NOT a category of information that civil servants are required to disclose under the 2026 rules?
(a) Foreign residence permits
(b) Foreign passports
(c) Foreign bank account balances
(d) Foreign travel documents
Explanation: The 2026 rules focus on nationality, passports, residence permits, and travel documents. Financial disclosures like bank account balances are not covered under this specific set of rules. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431565/civil-servants-foreign-nationality-declaration-made-mandatory, 24 Jul 2026]
#17429
How much capital is specifically allocated for the mineral sector of Balochistan in the investment plan announced on March 11, 2026?
(a) $10 million
(b) $12 million
(c) $14 million
(d) $16 million
Explanation: The investment proposal includes $14 million dedicated to the mineral sector of Balochistan. This is distinct from the much larger $2.6 billion allocated for manufacturing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980763/chinese-firms-plan-to-invest-26bn-in-balochistan, 11 Mar 2026]
#17430
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-24 Mastung attack is INCORRECT?
(a) The attack occurred while the officials were traveling from Mastung to Quetta.
(b) The Sessions Judge and his gunman were killed on the spot.
(c) The attack targeted judicial officers traveling towards the Sessions Court.
(d) Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari sustained injuries in the attack.
Explanation: The judicial officers were traveling from Quetta to the Sessions Court in Mastung, not the other way around. The other statements accurately reflect the details of the incident. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#17431
Consider the following statements about the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting held in 2026: 1. The meeting was attended by representatives from all SCO member states including India and Iran. 2. The primary focus of the CFM is limited exclusively to economic trade agreements. 3. The Pakistani delegation was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as both India and Iran are SCO members. Statement 2 is incorrect because the CFM focuses on international relations and security policies, not just trade. Statement 3 is correct as Ishaq Dar led the delegation. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431529/dar-to-attend-sco-cfms-meeting-today, 24 Jul 2026]
#17432
Which regional leader did Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif consult regarding the security of oil tankers and freedom of navigation on July 24, 2026?
(a) The Emir of Qatar
(b) The Prime Minister of Yemen
(c) The President of Oman
(d) The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman to condemn Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers. This conversation reinforced the mutual defense alignment between the two nations. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#17433
The targeted attack on 2026-07-24 occurred near which specific landmark in Mastung?
(a) Khojak Pass
(b) Boland Pass
(c) Lak Pass
(d) Wali Khan railway crossing
Explanation: The ambush took place near the Wali Khan railway crossing on the National Highway. The other options are well-known geographical landmarks in Balochistan but were not the site of this attack. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431528/sessions-judge-among-two-killed-in-mastung-nha-attack, 24 Jul 2026]
#17434
Who represented Pakistan at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in July 2026?
(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Mohammad Ishaq Dar
(c) Shah Mahmood Qureshi
(d) None of these
Explanation: Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, represented Pakistan at the meeting. The other individuals listed are former foreign ministers. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431646/pakistan-iran-fms-reaffirm-commitment-to-regional-peace-at-sco-meeting, 24 Jul 2026]
#17435
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's regional security stance as of July 24, 2026: 1. Pakistan has pledged to support the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The government has abandoned all diplomatic efforts to mediate between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. 3. Pakistan's defense pact with Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one is considered aggression against both. 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 PM reaffirmed support for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Foreign Office explicitly stated that Pakistan has not abandoned hope for diplomatic negotiations. Statement 3 is correct as it references the ratified mutual defense agreement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017926/pakistan-warns-houthi-rebels-to-steer-clear-of-its-ships, 24 Jul 2026]
#17436
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 West Indies vs Pakistan Test series is INCORRECT?
(a) The series consists of two Test matches.
(b) The second Test is scheduled to be played at Queen's Park Oval.
(c) Pakistan enters the series having won their last seven consecutive away Test matches.
(d) The Brian Lara Stadium has previously hosted T20 internationals.
Explanation: Pakistan is actually attempting to end a streak of seven consecutive away Test losses, not wins. The other statements accurately reflect the series structure and venue history. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018018/brian-lara-stadium-hosts-maiden-test-as-west-indies-face-pakistan, 24 Jul 2026]
#17437
Analyze the following statements regarding Pakistan's governance and economic policy frameworks as of July 31, 2026: 1. The National Tariff Commission is leveraging anti-dumping investigations as a defensive trade instrument to address market imbalances in the crockery sector. 2. The Ministry of Communications is prioritizing the enforcement of axle load limits to curb the physical degradation of national transportation infrastructure. 3. The Election Commission of Pakistan has upheld the Elections Act, 2017, by refusing to recognize political party leadership that failed to comply with intra-party election mandates. Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: All three statements accurately reflect the governance challenges and regulatory actions occurring on July 31, 2026. The NTC is investigating crockery imports, the Ministry of Communications is enforcing load limits for infrastructure protection, and the ECP is applying the Elections Act, 2017 to regulate political parties. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40432643/crockery-products-imported-from-china-ntc-initiates-anti-dumping-investigation]
#17438
Which of the following sequences represents the correct order of official policy focus or incidence occurrence reported on July 31, 2026?
(a) Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom -> Defense cooperation agreement -> Electric bus expansion
(b) Defense cooperation agreement -> Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom
(c) Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Police martyrdom -> Defense cooperation agreement
(d) Police martyrdom -> Electric bus expansion -> Mine explosion -> Defense cooperation agreement
Explanation: While all events occurred on the same calendar day, the logical progression of administrative and security events, as recorded in the news cycle, identifies the mining disaster and security threats followed by external strategic policy and internal environmental initiatives. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2019693/at-least-32-killed-after-coal-mine-explosion-near-quetta-search-under-way-for-2-miners]
#17439
Which of the following is NOT a category of business exempted from the 9pm closing time in Sindh as per the May 2026 notification?
(a) Wedding halls
(b) Shopping malls
(c) Food outlets
(d) Public sector offices
Explanation: The notification specifically exempted commercial entities like wedding halls, shopping malls, and food outlets from the 9pm closing time. Public sector offices were not included in this commercial market timing exemption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000676/sindh-lifts-curbs-on-market-timings-minister-says-step-taken-to-facilitate-businesses-citizens, 16 May 2026]
#17440
Which of the following statements regarding the automotive sector performance in February 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) Truck and bus sales surged by 37 percent year-on-year.
(b) Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales increased by 57 percent month-on-month.
(c) Hyundai Nishat Motors recorded a year-on-year decline in sales.
(d) Pak Suzuki Motor Company recorded a 53 percent year-on-year increase.
Explanation: Honda Atlas Cars Ltd sales actually fell by 42 percent month-on-month in February 2026, not increased. The other three statements are factually accurate according to the reported data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980724/auto-sales-rise-43pc-in-july-february, 11 Mar 2026]