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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#18521

Which of the following statements regarding the administrative actions in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) The Rawalpindi district administration suspended public and goods transport.
(b) The Cabinet Division advised federal government establishments in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements.
(c) The Islamabad district magistrate suspended entry into the Red Zone.
(d) The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that all public and private offices in the twin cities were ordered to close indefinitely.
Explanation: The statement in is incorrect because the Deputy Commissioner explicitly dismissed the notification claiming a total closure of all offices as fake. The other three statements accurately reflect the official administrative directives issued for that date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#18522

At which specific location in Islamabad did the Iranian President hold official meetings with the Prime Minister of Pakistan on June 23, 2026?

(a) Aiwan-e-Sadr
(b) Foreign Office
(c) Prime Minister House
(d) Parliament House
Explanation: The official meetings between the Iranian President and the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister House. Aiwan-e-Sadr is the President's official residence, which is a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#18523

The administrative measures taken in Islamabad on April 20, 2026, were primarily in anticipation of the arrival of:

(a) International sports teams
(b) Foreign delegations
(c) National assembly members
(d) None of these
Explanation: The security measures and traffic plans were implemented to facilitate the arrival of foreign delegations for diplomatic talks. The other options do not align with the stated purpose of the administrative security protocols. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#18524

Consider the following statements about the security incident in Lakki Marwat on March 8, 2026: 1. The attack involved a gun battle between the police and the assailants. 2. The incident resulted in the death of a police constable and injury to a civilian. 3. The attack occurred in the Serai Naurang town of the district. 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 a gun battle erupted following the initial firing. Statement 3 is correct regarding the location. Statement 2 is incorrect because the report specifies that a civilian was killed and a police constable was injured, reversing the roles stated in the option. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979866/civilian-killed-cop-injured-as-armed-men-open-fire-on-police-in-kps-lakki-marwat, 08 Mar 2026]
#18525

Which of the following is NOT a stated objective or component of the government's response to the 2026 fuel crisis?

(a) Providing relief to the masses once the situation stabilizes
(b) Ensuring the elite class sets an example of austerity
(c) Maintaining adequate reserves of petrol and diesel
(d) Immediate cessation of all international oil imports
Explanation: The government confirmed that the country has adequate reserves and is managing the crisis through conservation and price adjustments, not by ceasing all imports. The other options are explicitly mentioned as government policy goals. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#18526

Consider the following statements about the administrative directives issued for April 20, 2026: 1. The Cabinet Division mandated that all federal government establishments in the Red Zone must remain fully operational with physical attendance. 2. The Islamabad district magistrate issued a notification allowing offices in the Red Zone to adopt work-from-home arrangements. 3. Public and heavy transport in Islamabad were suspended until further orders. 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 Cabinet Division actually directed a work-from-home arrangement, not full physical attendance. Statements 2 and 3 are factually correct based on the administrative notifications issued to manage security. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993252/islamabad-dc-dismisses-notification-falsely-announcing-closure-of-all-offices-in-twin-cities-from-april-20, 19 Apr 2026]
#18527

In which judicial forum did Bushra Bibi file a petition on April 18, 2026, seeking the suspension of her sentence in the £190 million corruption case?

(a) Supreme Court of Pakistan
(b) Accountability Court of Rawalpindi
(c) Lahore High Court
(d) Islamabad High Court
Explanation: Bushra Bibi approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek relief regarding her incarceration. While accountability courts handle the initial trial, the IHC serves as the appellate authority for cases originating in the Islamabad jurisdiction. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1992994/bushra-bibi-moves-ihc-seeking-to-suspend-sentence-in-ps190m-corruption-case-on-medical-grounds, 18 Apr 2026]
#18528

Consider the following statements about the diplomatic developments in Islamabad in April 2026: 1. The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on April 24, 2026. 2. The US delegation was sent to Pakistan to engage in direct talks with Iranian representatives. 3. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the Iranian delegation to Islamabad. 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 factually correct. Statement 2 is incorrect because the talks were described as indirect, with Pakistan serving as the mediator, rather than direct talks between the two parties. [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]
#18529

Which of the following statements regarding the ODI match on March 11, 2026, is INCORRECT?

(a) Nahid Rana dismissed the top five Pakistani batters.
(b) Tanzid Hasan scored an unbeaten 67 runs.
(c) The match was held in Mirpur.
(d) Pakistan won the match by eight wickets.
Explanation: It was Bangladesh, not Pakistan, that won the match by eight wickets. The other three statements are factually accurate regarding the match proceedings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980951/nahid-rana-takes-5-wickets-as-bangladesh-crush-pakistan-in-odi-opener, 11 Mar 2026]
#18530

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

(a) Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Kabul administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries.
(b) Security forces utilized artillery and heavy weapons in response to the July 19 provocation.
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was launched following an incident on February 26.
(d) The Afghan Taliban successfully maintained their border posts after the Pakistani retaliatory response.
Explanation: The statement that the Afghan Taliban maintained their posts is false; security sources confirmed that the Taliban were forced to abandon multiple posts and flee following the Pakistani response. The other statements are factually accurate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#18531

Consider the following statements about the security response to the May 10, 2026, attack: 1. The Bannu police launched an operation led by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) immediately following the attack. 2. The federal government has pledged to provide assistance to the provincial government in the fight against terrorism. 3. Security was tightened across the city with the establishment of additional checkpoints. 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: All three statements are factually correct. The RPO led the operation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed federal support for the province, and local security was increased through new checkpoints. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999132/15-police-personnel-martyred-in-bannu-suicide-attack, 10 May 2026]
#18532

What is the name of the military operation launched by Pakistan on February 26, 2026, to target terrorist hideouts following cross-border firing?

(a) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
(b) Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
(c) Operation Ghazab lil-Haq
(d) None of these
Explanation: Operation Ghazab lil-Haq was initiated in February 2026 in response to persistent border provocations. The other options refer to historical military operations conducted in previous years. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016755/security-forces-counter-unprovoked-firing-by-afghan-taliban-targeting-kurram-border-posts, 19 Jul 2026]
#18533

On May 10, 2026, which Pakistani official was specifically commended by the Prime Minister for his dedication to the mediation efforts between the US and Iran?

(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Tahir Andrabi
(c) Asim Munir
(d) None of these
Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif explicitly congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir for his dedication to the mediation cause. While Ishaq Dar was also commended, the Prime Minister's specific mention of the Field Marshal's dedication highlights his central role in the military-diplomatic coordination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999181/tehran-sends-response-to-us-peace-proposal-via-pakistan, 10 May 2026]
#18534

Which provincial government department issued the directive for fuel conservation measures on March 7, 2026?

(a) Planning and Development Department
(b) Finance Department
(c) Local Government Department
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department issued the notification on March 7, 2026, to ensure the judicious use of petroleum products. Other departments like Planning or Local Government were not the primary issuers of this specific austerity directive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979478/kp-finance-dept-orders-adoption-of-fuel-conservation-measures-due-to-anticipated-disruptions, 07 Mar 2026]
#18535

Which of the following regions is specifically identified by the PMD as being at risk of flash floods from March 28 to March 30, 2026?

(a) Sindh coastal areas
(b) Central Kashmir valleys
(c) Punjab agricultural plains
(d) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local streams and nullahs
Explanation: The PMD advisory warns that flash floods are expected in the local streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specifically during the period of March 28 to March 30, 2026. Balochistan is identified as being at risk of flash floods earlier, from March 25 to 28. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984621/met-office-predicts-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-from-march-24-30, 23 Mar 2026]
#18536

Which Pakistani official received the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in Islamabad on June 23, 2026?

(a) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
(b) Ishaq Dar
(c) Khawaja Asif
(d) Ahsan Iqbal
Explanation: Ishaq Dar, serving as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, received his Iranian counterpart. The other individuals listed do not currently hold the Foreign Minister portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2010220/hands-of-friendship-iran-president-calls-for-new-regional-security-structure-among-muslim-nations, 23 Jun 2026]
#18537

Who is the current Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas in India as of May 2026?

(a) Nitin Gadkari
(b) Hardeep Singh Puri
(c) Piyush Goyal
(d) None of these
Explanation: Hardeep Singh Puri is identified as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas who commented on the financial losses faced by oil marketing companies. The other names are prominent ministers but do not hold this specific portfolio. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1999209/modi-urges-indians-to-reduce-petrol-diesel-consumption-amid-middle-east-war-disruption, 10 May 2026]
#18538

As of June 26, 2026, what is the fixed price per litre for petrol in Pakistan?

(a) Rs299.50
(b) Rs311.47
(c) Rs321.17
(d) Rs378.00
Explanation: The government maintained the petrol price at Rs299.50 per litre on June 26, 2026. The figure Rs311.47 represents the price of high-speed diesel, while the other options reflect historical price points. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#18539

Consider the following statements regarding fuel price management in Pakistan: 1. The government currently revises petroleum prices on a weekly basis every Friday night. 2. High-speed diesel is used exclusively for private passenger vehicles. 3. The government announced a reduction in fuel prices in the week preceding June 26, 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: Statement 1 is correct as the government adopted a weekly revision schedule. Statement 3 is correct because the Prime Minister announced a significant reduction in prices the week prior to the June 26 announcement. Statement 2 is incorrect because diesel is primarily used for heavy transport and power generation, not private passenger vehicles. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#18540

Consider the following statements regarding the economic concerns raised by business leaders in March 2026: 1. Business leaders argued that high interest rates discourage capital investment and modernization. 2. The SBP acknowledged a decline in exports alongside an increase in imports as a sign of slowing economic activity. 3. The business community unanimously agreed that the 10.5 percent interest rate was the optimal level for economic 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the concerns regarding investment and the SBP's own assessment of trade data. Statement 3 is incorrect because the business community expressed disappointment and advocated for a rate reduction, showing a lack of consensus on the optimality of the 10.5 percent rate. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980387/high-interest-rate-to-hit-economy-in-war-times-warn-businesses, 10 Mar 2026]