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.
#18861
Who is the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy scheduled to visit Islamabad on June 1, 2026?
(a) Josep Borrell
(b) Charles Michel
(c) Ursula von der Leyen
(d) Kaja Kallas
Explanation: Kaja Kallas serves as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and is the official designated to lead the 8th EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Josep Borrell is a former holder of this office, making him a common distractor. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003965/eus-top-diplomat-kallas-to-visit-islamabad-on-june-1-for-strategic-dialogue, 30 May 2026]
#18862
Which Iranian city was reported to have suffered damage to its train station during the U.S. military strikes on July 17, 2026?
(a) Bandar Abbas
(b) Bandar Khamir
(c) Iranshahr
(d) Chabahar
Explanation: Reports indicated that the train station in the coastal city of Bandar Khamir was hit during the U.S. strikes. Bandar Abbas was targeted for its navy and Revolutionary Guards facilities, but the train station damage was specific to Bandar Khamir. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#18863
Which regulatory body issued the notification regarding the reduction in the price of kerosene on May 29, 2026?
(a) State Bank of Pakistan
(b) Federal Board of Revenue
(c) Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is the designated body responsible for issuing notifications regarding petroleum product price changes in Pakistan. The State Bank and FBR do not manage retail fuel price notifications. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#18864
On July 17, 2026, the United States military conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities located on which of the following islands?
(a) Kharg Island
(b) Qeshm Island
(c) Larak Island
(d) None of these
Explanation: The U.S. Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian military capabilities, specifically identifying Qeshm Island as a target. While Kharg Island is mentioned as a potential future target for ground forces, it was not the site of the reported airstrikes on this date. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016140/iran-launches-fresh-attacks-on-american-facilities-in-gulf-after-sixth-consecutive-day-of-us-strikes, 17 Jul 2026]
#18865
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan diplomatic engagement in 2026: 1. The 8th round of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired by Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas. 2. The Prime Minister invited the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to visit Pakistan. 3. The EU High Representative described Pakistan as a minor regional power with limited strategic influence. 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 official proceedings and invitations extended by the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is incorrect because Kaja Kallas explicitly referred to Pakistan as a 'major regional power' and an 'important partner'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004340/pm-reaffirms-eu-ties-thanks-kallas-for-support-for-gulf-peace-efforts, 01 Jun 2026]
#18866
During the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held on July 17, 2026, the signed agreements were valued at approximately:
(a) $440 million
(b) $340 million
(c) $240 million
(d) $540 million
Explanation: The conference in Islamabad resulted in agreements between Pakistani and Chinese firms in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors valued at nearly $440 million. This investment is viewed as a significant step toward advancing CPEC 2.0. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016208/security-of-chinese-in-pakistan-paramount-for-us-says-pm-shehbaz, 17 Jul 2026]
#18867
Consider the following statements about the incident involving the CNN crew on 2026-03-28: 1. The crew was reporting on the establishment of an illegal outpost near Tayasir. 2. The military spokesperson, Nadav Shoshani, publicly apologized for the soldiers' conduct. 3. The Foreign Press Association claimed the assault was a misunderstanding rather than a direct attack on press freedom.
(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. Statement 3 is incorrect because the FPA explicitly stated that the incident was 'not a misunderstanding' and characterized it as a 'direct attack on press freedom'. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986328/foreign-media-association-slams-israeli-forces-assault-on-cnn-crew-in-occupied-west-bank, 28 Mar 2026]
#18868
Consider the following statements about the fuel pricing policy in Pakistan as of July 2026: 1. The government has transitioned from weekly to daily fuel price revisions. 2. High-speed diesel is primarily utilized in the heavy transport sector and power plants. 3. The All Pakistan Dealers Association has fully supported the new daily pricing mechanism. 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 government's policy shift and the usage profile of diesel. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dealers Association rejected the daily pricing decision and threatened protests. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016247/govt-increases-petrol-price-by-rs544-diesel-by-rs3105-per-litre-for-next-three-days, 17 Jul 2026]
#18869
Which of the following is NOT a primary focus area mentioned in the March 2026 high-level meetings regarding national strategy?
(a) Institutional harmony
(b) Constitutional amendment drafting
(c) Energy supply pressures
(d) Regional security environment
Explanation: The meetings focused on national security, economic challenges, energy costs, and regional stability. Constitutional amendment drafting was not a stated agenda item for these specific consultative meetings. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#18870
Which of the following statements regarding the May 2026 fuel price reduction is INCORRECT?
(a) The price of petrol was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(b) The price of kerosene remained unchanged at its previous level.
(c) The price of high-speed diesel was reduced by Rs22 per litre.
(d) The Prime Minister's Office announced the relief measures.
Explanation: The statement that kerosene prices remained unchanged is incorrect, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority explicitly reduced the price of kerosene from Rs313.44 to Rs272. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003697/govt-cuts-petrol-diesel-prices-by-rs22, 29 May 2026]
#18871
Which of the following statements regarding the jurisdictional dispute heard on July 16, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The Supreme Court bench was composed of three judges.
(b) The federal government argued that bail applications in pending NAB cases should be heard by the FCC.
(c) Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned how the Supreme Court could remain the appellate authority in bail matters.
(d) The Supreme Court has already issued a final verdict transferring all pending bail applications to the FCC.
Explanation: The Supreme Court had only reserved its ruling on the matter as of July 16, 2026, and had not yet issued a final verdict. The other statements accurately reflect the proceedings of the hearing. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015925/2sc-32a-bail-fcc, 16 Jul 2026]
#18872
The government aims to generate how many new jobs in the fiscal year 2026-27?
(a) 1.1 million
(b) 2.0 million
(c) 1.5 million
(d) 2.5 million
Explanation: The macroeconomic framework targets the creation of two million new jobs in FY2026-27. This is expected to be achieved through increased public and private investment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#18873
Consider the following statements about the PMD weather advisory issued on July 17, 2026: 1. Monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to strengthen over the weekend. 2. The forecast for widespread rain and thundershowers extends until July 25, 2026. 3. The PMD has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during the forecast period. 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 based on the PMD advisory. The monsoon currents are strengthening, the forecast period concludes on July 25, and the department explicitly advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016176/pmd-forecasts-widespread-rain-thunderstorms-across-country-until-july-25, 17 Jul 2026]
#18874
Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic status of the conflict as of March 25, 2026: 1. Iran has officially accepted the 15-point US peace plan. 2. The White House claims that negotiations with Iran are currently productive. 3. Iran maintains that no negotiations will occur until its five conditions are met. 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 Iran rejected the US proposal. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they reflect the conflicting official positions of the White House and the Iranian government respectively. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1985253/iran-rejects-us-proposal-lays-out-5-conditions-for-ending-war, 25 Mar 2026]
#18875
Consider the following statements about the March 2026 high-level meetings: 1. The leadership emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony. 2. The Prime Minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices to provide relief to the public. 3. The meeting was briefed on the upcoming diplomatic visit of the Foreign Minister to Washington. 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 government's stated policy of austerity and price management. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Foreign Minister's upcoming visit mentioned in the report was to Beijing, not Washington. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#18876
Which of the following sectors was specifically highlighted for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and China during the July 2026 meeting?
(a) Textile manufacturing
(b) Artificial intelligence
(c) Agricultural exports
(d) None of these
Explanation: The joint statement emphasized advancing high-quality development under CPEC 2.0, specifically mentioning collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016159/china-and-pakistan-call-on-us-iran-to-resume-talks-cease-hostilities, 17 Jul 2026]
#18877
Who presided over the three-judge Supreme Court bench that heard the jurisdictional dispute regarding NAB bail applications on July 16, 2026?
(a) Justice Musarrat Hilali
(b) Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar
(c) Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan
(d) None of these
Explanation: Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar headed the three-judge bench, which also included Justice Musarrat Hilali and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. The other two judges were members of the bench, not the presiding head. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2015925/2sc-32a-bail-fcc, 16 Jul 2026]
#18878
Which of the following is NOT a sector-specific growth target mentioned for FY2026-27?
(a) Information and communication growth of 9.5%
(b) Large-scale manufacturing growth of 4.5%
(c) Services sector growth of 4.2%
(d) Agriculture sector growth of 3.8%
Explanation: The target for the information and communication sector is 7.7%, not 9.5%. The other options correctly reflect the targets for agriculture, manufacturing, and services. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2004391/4pc-growth-target-set-for-fy2026-27-as-macroeconomic-framework-sent-to-economic-council-for-approval, 01 Jun 2026]
#18879
Who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) as per the March 2026 reports?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Asim Munir
(c) Mohsin Naqvi
(d) Asim Malik
Explanation: Asim Malik is identified as the Director General of the ISI in the official reports of the meeting. Asim Munir is the Chief of Army Staff, while Mohsin Naqvi and Ishaq Dar hold ministerial portfolios. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1986837/president-zardari-pm-shehbaz-review-regional-situation-implications-for-pakistan, 30 Mar 2026]
#18880
The ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as referenced in the March 2026 reports, escalated significantly following military strikes that began on:
(a) January 28, 2026
(b) February 28, 2026
(c) March 15, 2026
(d) February 15, 2026
Explanation: The conflict intensified following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the current phase of hostilities mentioned in the report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1984912/pakistan-stands-ready-honoured-to-host-us-iran-talks-says-pm-shehbaz, 24 Mar 2026]