#18281

What percentage increase in salaries and pensions was announced for government employees in the 2026-27 budget?

(a) 5 percent

(b) 11 percent

(c) 9 percent

(d) 7 percent

Explanation: The government announced a 7 percent increase in salaries and pensions for its employees. The other percentages are incorrect distractors that do not reflect the approved fiscal policy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008557/sindh-cm-murad-ali-shah-presents-rs356tr-budget-with-no-new-taxes-7pc-pay-raise, 17 Jun 2026]

#18282

Which of the following individuals was NOT reported as being detained by the Delhi Police on July 21, 2026?

(a) Rahul Gandhi

(b) Priyanka Gandhi

(c) Dharmendra Pradhan

(d) Akhilesh Yadav

Explanation: Dharmendra Pradhan is the Education Minister whose resignation is being demanded; he was not among those detained by the police. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Akhilesh Yadav were all reported as being detained during the protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017219/we-wont-stop-indias-cockroach-movement-vows-to-protest-until-education-minister-resigns, 21 Jul 2026]

#18283

All of the following statements regarding the Prime Minister's 2026 visit to Qatar are TRUE EXCEPT:

(a) He signed a formal military alliance treaty during the visit.

(b) He discussed the importance of de-escalation in the Gulf region.

(c) He arrived in Doha after visiting Saudi Arabia.

(d) He met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Explanation: While the Prime Minister did meet the Emir and discuss regional stability, there is no mention of signing a formal military alliance treaty. The visit focused on strengthening existing cooperation in security, defense, and energy. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]

#18284

What is the approximate total value of Canadian imports affected by the new US tariff measures announced in July 2026?

(a) 10 billion dollars

(b) 40 billion dollars

(c) 30 billion dollars

(d) 20 billion dollars

Explanation: The US Trade Representative's office confirmed that the new 50 percent tariffs apply to approximately 20 billion dollars worth of imports from Canada. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017209/us-imposes-new-50pc-tariffs-on-20bn-worth-of-canadian-products, 21 Jul 2026]

#18285

Which of the following statements regarding the diplomatic efforts in April 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The US and Iran were engaged in talks brokered by Pakistan.

(b) Pakistan's leadership has been actively seeking to bring the parties to the table.

(c) The ceasefire was implemented following US-Israeli strikes.

(d) President Trump confirmed he would personally participate in the negotiation sessions.

Explanation: President Trump explicitly stated that he would not participate in the actual negotiation sessions, even though he expressed a willingness to travel to Islamabad for the final signing of a deal. The other statements accurately reflect the diplomatic situation described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992383/trump-says-if-iran-deal-is-reached-and-signed-in-islamabad-i-might-go-there, 16 Apr 2026]

#18286

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026-07-21 visit of the Iranian Interior Minister is INCORRECT?

(a) The minister met with the Chief of Army Staff at the Prime Minister's House.

(b) The minister visited the Pakistan Monument in Islamabad.

(c) The minister held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.

(d) The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior government officials.

Explanation: The meeting with the Chief of Army Staff took place at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, not the Prime Minister's House in Islamabad. The other statements accurately reflect the events of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]

#18287

Who led the Iranian delegation during the 2026 peace talks in Islamabad?

(a) Ali Larijani

(b) Abbas Araqchi

(c) Esmail Khatib

(d) Gholamreza Soleimani

Explanation: The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The other individuals listed are either deceased or held different roles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992620/pakistan-escorted-iranian-negotiators-home-from-peace-talks-amid-concerns-of-israeli-attack-sources-say, 17 Apr 2026]

#18288

Who was the Iranian Ambassador to India summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs on April 18, 2026?

(a) Hossein Amir-Abdollahian

(b) Ali Bagheri Kani

(c) Dr. Mohammad Fathali

(d) Mohammad Javad Zarif

Explanation: Dr. Mohammad Fathali is the Iranian Ambassador to India who was summoned by the Indian foreign secretary to discuss the safety of merchant shipping. The other individuals listed are prominent Iranian political figures but do not hold the position of Ambassador to India. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992990/new-delhi-summons-iranian-envoy-after-indian-flagged-tankers-shot-at-near-strait-of-hormuz, 18 Apr 2026]

#18289

What was the primary geopolitical factor influencing global oil price volatility on July 21, 2026?

(a) US-Iran diplomatic mediation efforts

(b) OPEC production quota adjustments

(c) Global supply chain disruptions in Asia

(d) Changes in US Federal Reserve interest rates

Explanation: Market volatility was driven by reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran, contrasted against ongoing hostilities and threats of naval blockades in the Gulf. While other factors can influence oil, the specific context of this session was the US-Iran diplomatic situation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]

#18290

Consider the following statements regarding the economic outlook as of June 2026: 1. The primary balance surplus for FY26 was estimated at 2.5 percent of GDP. 2. The MPC is targeting a primary balance surplus of 2 percent of GDP for FY27. 3. Headline inflation remained in single digits throughout April and May 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 correct as they reflect the fiscal consolidation targets and estimates provided by the MPC. Statement 3 is incorrect because headline inflation rose to double digits in April and May 2026, not single digits. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008043/central-bank-keeps-policy-rate-unchanged-at-115pc, 15 Jun 2026]

#18291

What was the average daily borrowing by the government from banks during the fiscal year 2026?

(a) Rs5.9 trillion

(b) Rs500 billion

(c) Rs16.4 billion

(d) Rs8 trillion

Explanation: The government's daily borrowing through banks averaged Rs16.4 billion in FY26. The Rs500 billion figure represents the average monthly borrowing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]

#18292

Which of the following statements regarding the Supreme Court hearing on July 21, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The court adjourned the hearing because the IHC had already scheduled the case for July 24, 2026.

(b) The court granted an immediate suspension of the sentences for both petitioners.

(c) The bench observed that it cannot regulate the proceedings of the high court.

(d) The court ruled that lawyers could file a petition for an early hearing if an emergency arises.

Explanation: The Supreme Court did not grant a suspension of the sentences; instead, it adjourned the hearing to avoid interfering with the high court's scheduled proceedings. Options A, B, and D are accurate reflections of the court's observations and rulings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017251/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-imaan-hadis-plea-against-ihc-decision-on-sentence-suspension, 21 Jul 2026]

#18293

Which brokerage house provided analysis regarding the profit-taking observed during the July 21, 2026, trading session?

(a) AKD Securities

(b) Arif Habib Limited

(c) JS Global Capital

(d) Topline Securities Ltd

Explanation: Topline Securities Ltd provided the market commentary noting that the early rally was short-lived due to broad-based profit-taking. While AKD Securities also provided research, the specific observation regarding profit-taking at elevated levels was attributed to Topline. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/kse-100-makes-marginal-gains-as-global-energy-uncertainty-weighs-on-early-rally, 21 Jul 2026]

#18294

Who presented the Punjab provincial budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the provincial assembly?

(a) Maryam Nawaz Sharif

(b) Mian Mujtabaur Rehman

(c) Ishaq Dar

(d) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

Explanation: Mian Mujtabaur Rehman is the Finance Minister of Punjab who presented the budget. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is the Chief Minister who presided over the cabinet meeting that approved the budget. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2008300/punjab-finance-minister-presents-people-friendly-budget-in-assembly, 16 Jun 2026]

#18295

Who among the following accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister in 2026?

(a) Ishaq Dar

(b) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

(c) Khawaja Asif

(d) None of these

Explanation: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was present during the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The other options are incorrect as they were not mentioned as part of this specific delegation. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992240/pm-shehbaz-arrives-in-turkiye-on-third-leg-of-tri-nation-tour-holds-meeting-with-fm-fidan, 16 Apr 2026]

#18296

Which sector faced specific selling pressure on July 21, 2026, due to speculation regarding policy delays?

(a) Textile sector

(b) Cement sector

(c) Refinery sector

(d) Banking sector

Explanation: Topline Securities reported that refinery stocks experienced selling pressure due to market speculation that the long-awaited refinery policy might face further delays. Other sectors like cement and textiles were noted for their potential to post strong earnings rather than facing policy-related selling pressure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]

#18297

Which of the following statements regarding the fiscal situation in 2026 is INCORRECT?

(a) The government borrowed more in FY26 than it did in FY25.

(b) Debt servicing is projected to consume 50 percent of the total budget outlay in FY27.

(c) The government's borrowing from banks averaged Rs500 billion per month in FY26.

(d) The government allocated more funds to the PSDP than to debt servicing for FY27.

Explanation: The statement that the government allocated more to the PSDP than to debt servicing is incorrect, as debt servicing (Rs8 trillion) significantly exceeds the PSDP allocation (Rs1 trillion). [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017153/govt-borrows-rs59tr-from-banks-in-fy26, 21 Jul 2026]

#18298

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic visit on 2026-07-21: 1. The Iranian Interior Minister expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in regional mediation. 2. The discussions focused exclusively on trade and economic cooperation. 3. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to regional peace and stability in the Gulf region. 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 2 is incorrect because the discussions were primarily focused on regional security, border management, and diplomatic mediation, rather than exclusively on trade. Statements 1 and 3 are factually accurate based on the official reports of the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017273/iranian-interior-minister-meets-pm-shehbaz-in-islamabad, 21 Jul 2026]

#18299

What was the closing value of the KSE-100 index on July 21, 2026?

(a) 176,133.56 points

(b) 178,370.45 points

(c) 177,000.00 points

(d) None of these

Explanation: The KSE-100 index closed at 176,133.56 points on July 21, 2026. The value 178,370.45 represents the intraday high reached earlier in the same session. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-2000-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]

#18300

Brent crude futures rose by 1.8 percent to reach which price per barrel on July 21, 2026?

(a) 90.84 dollars

(b) 83.96 dollars

(c) 84.60 dollars

(d) 92.84 dollars

Explanation: Brent crude futures rose by $1.62, or 1.8 percent, to reach $90.84 per barrel. The other figures represent different oil contract prices mentioned in the market data. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017214/psx-gains-1200-points-during-intraday-trade-as-oil-eases-amid-us-iran-mediation-efforts, 21 Jul 2026]

October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions