September 2026 Edition
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September 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#13601
Which fiscal tool did the Prime Minister utilize to reduce the petrol price to Rs378 per litre following the April 2026 price hike?
(a) General sales tax
(b) Petroleum levy
(c) Customs duty
(d) Excise duty
Explanation: The government slashed the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre to provide immediate relief to consumers. This is a common fiscal instrument used to adjust the final ex-depot price of fuel. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011069/govt-keeps-petrol-diesel-prices-unchanged-till-further-orders, 26 Jun 2026]
#13602
Which of the following Apple models remained stable with no change in valuation between the January ruling and the April 2026 ruling?
(a) iPhone 15 Pro Max
(b) iPhone XS Max
(c) iPhone SE 2
(d) iPhone 13
Explanation: The iPhone XS Max and the iPhone SE 3 were identified as the most stable models, showing no change in valuation between the two rulings. Other models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE 2 experienced varying degrees of upward adjustment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#13603
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 mobile phone customs valuation is INCORRECT?
(a) The new valuation applies to commercial quantities of used phones without accessories.
(b) The ruling preserves the framework for six-month activation and freight adjustment.
(c) The revision was aimed at lowering the tax burden for all imported mobile handsets.
(d) The Directorate held a stakeholder meeting on April 13, 2026, before finalizing the ruling.
Explanation: The revision was aimed at aligning assessed values with market rates, which resulted in higher duty and tax incidence per handset, not a reduction. Options A, B, and D are factually correct descriptions of the regulatory process. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#13604
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified an increase in the price of RLNG in April 2026 by what percentage range?
(a) 19-22 per cent
(b) 10-15 per cent
(c) 25-30 per cent
(d) 35-40 per cent
Explanation: Ogra notified a 19-22 per cent increase in RLNG prices due to higher terminal charges and lower import volumes. This adjustment reflects the rising costs of energy procurement in the current fiscal environment. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#13605
What was the reported increase in the price of petroleum products announced by the government on March 6, 2026?
(a) Rs 55 per litre
(b) Rs 45 per litre
(c) Rs 35 per litre
(d) Rs 65 per litre
Explanation: The government officially announced a price hike of Rs 55 per litre for petroleum products to manage the regional energy crisis. This figure is a specific data point provided in the official government communication. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#13606
On March 8, 2026, the Prime Minister's Office announced that the government would unveil an austerity plan in response to a crisis caused by which of the following?
(a) US/Israel-Iran war
(b) Global wheat shortage
(c) Regional monsoon flooding
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government cited the global fuel crisis resulting from the US/Israel-Iran war as the primary driver for the proposed austerity measures. Other options are unrelated to the specific energy-focused policy announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#13607
Which of the following statements regarding the LNG procurement process in May 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) PLL floated urgent tenders on a 36-hour notice.
(b) The tenders were issued to address power shortfalls.
(c) Qatar has maintained full supply capacity to Pakistan despite regional tensions.
(d) TotalEnergies submitted a bid priced at $16.98 per mmBtu.
Explanation: Qatar declared force majeure on its global LNG contracts, including those with Pakistan, due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, the statement that Qatar maintained full supply capacity is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#13608
The total value of mobile phone imports in Pakistan during the first nine months of the fiscal year 2026 reached:
(a) $1.129 billion
(b) $1.444 billion
(c) $1.650 billion
(d) None of these
Explanation: Mobile phone imports grew by 27.84 percent to $1.444 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year. The figure $1.129 billion represents the import value for the same period in the previous year. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#13609
The global fuel supply crunch mentioned in the context of the 2026 price hikes is attributed to the closure of which strategic maritime chokepoint?
(a) Suez Canal
(b) Malacca Strait
(c) Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which historically handles one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, is cited as a primary cause for the global fuel market volatility. The other straits listed are critical maritime routes but were not the focus of this specific supply disruption. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#13610
Consider the following statements about the 2026 customs valuation revision: 1. The revision specifically targets older and used mobile phone models. 2. Samsung devices recorded some of the steepest increases, particularly in the S10 and S21 series. 3. The valuation ruling was issued by the FBR on April 23, 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: All three statements are accurate. The ruling targets 62 older/used models, Samsung's older premium series saw significant jumps, and the ruling was officially issued on the specified date of April 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994373/customs-increases-import-valuation-for-62-old-and-used-mobile-phone-models, 23 Apr 2026]
#13611
What was the primary reason for the disruption of LNG supplies from Qatar to Pakistan in early 2026?
(a) Technical issues at the Qatari liquefaction plant
(b) Failure of the regasification terminals
(c) Default on payment by the government
(d) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint, prevented LNG-loaded vessels from reaching their destinations, forcing Qatar to declare force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]
#13612
Consider the following statements about the government's austerity measures announced in March 2026: 1. The Prime Minister decided to review the work-from-home and distance learning plan on a weekly basis. 2. The government reported that the country currently lacks adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. 3. The Prime Minister urged federal and provincial ministers to play an effective role in resource provision. 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 decided to review the contingency plan weekly. Statement 2 is incorrect because the government explicitly stated that the country had adequate reserves of petrol and diesel. Statement 3 is correct as the PM called for active participation from all ministers. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979860/pm-shehbaz-to-announce-austerity-plan-tomorrow-amid-global-fuel-crisis, 08 Mar 2026]
#13613
Who were the two federal ministers responsible for announcing the fuel price adjustments on April 2, 2026?
(a) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Muhammad Aurangzeb
(b) Bilal Yaseen and Shehbaz Sharif
(c) Muhammad Aurangzeb and Bilal Yaseen
(d) Ali Pervaiz Malik and Shehbaz Sharif
Explanation: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb jointly announced the fuel price revisions on April 2, 2026. Other combinations include the Prime Minister or other provincial ministers who were not the primary spokespersons for this specific announcement. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#13614
What is the primary geopolitical reason cited for the disruption of LNG supplies to Pakistan in 2026?
(a) Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
(b) Sanctions on the Suez Canal
(c) Blockade of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
(d) None of these
Explanation: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following regional military escalations has prevented LNG-loaded vessels from reaching their destinations, forcing suppliers like Qatar to declare force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#13615
Which of the following companies did NOT submit a successful bid for the spot LNG cargoes in the April 2026 tender?
(a) TotalEnergies
(b) Vitol Bahrain
(c) OQ Trading
(d) Trafigura
Explanation: TotalEnergies, Vitol Bahrain, and OQ Trading were the three companies that secured the lowest bids. Trafigura was not among the successful bidders mentioned in the tender results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994734/pakistan-secures-3-bids-for-spot-lng-cargoes, 24 Apr 2026]
#13616
Consider the following statements about the LNG supply situation in 2026: 1. The Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd of LNG to mitigate summer loadshedding. 2. PLL successfully imported eight cargoes in March 2026 to stabilize the market. 3. The basket RLNG price in March 2026 was based on only two cargoes. 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 Power Division requested 400 million mmcfd. Statement 3 is correct as the basket price was based on only two cargoes in March. Statement 2 is incorrect because imports were significantly lower than eight cargoes due to force majeure. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1998447/pakistan-turns-down-two-lowest-evaluated-lng-bids, 07 May 2026]
#13617
Consider the following statements about the pre-budget consultations held in June 2026: 1. The federal government aims to present the budget for FY2026-27 on June 10. 2. The PPP delegation expressed reservations regarding the proposed tax measures. 3. The President directed that growth rates should be harmonized with public welfare schemes. 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 accurate based on the official reports of the meeting. The government scheduled the budget presentation for June 10, the PPP raised tax concerns, and the President emphasized the need for welfare-oriented growth. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#13618
Which of the following statements regarding the fuel price adjustments in 2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) The government has been revising petroleum prices on a weekly basis on Friday nights.
(b) The price of petrol and high-speed diesel was increased by Rs26.77 on April 24, 2026.
(c) The government has maintained a consistent fuel price throughout the year without any reductions.
(d) High-speed diesel is used for heavy transport and large generators.
Explanation: The statement that prices remained consistent is false, as the government frequently adjusted prices, including significant reductions in early April 2026. The other options accurately reflect the operational and fiscal realities described. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1994758/govt-hikes-petrol-high-speed-diesel-prices-by-rs26, 24 Apr 2026]
#13619
Which minister briefed the President on his recent diplomatic visit to Iran during the June 2026 meeting?
(a) Foreign Minister
(b) Interior Minister
(c) Finance Minister
(d) Defense Minister
Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi provided the briefing regarding his recent visit to Iran and regional diplomatic engagements. While the Foreign Minister was present at the meeting, the specific briefing on the Iran visit was attributed to the Interior Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]
#13620
Who currently serves as the Finance Minister of Pakistan as of June 2026?
(a) Ishaq Dar
(b) Muhammad Aurangzeb
(c) Azam Nazeer Tarar
(d) None of these
Explanation: Muhammad Aurangzeb is the incumbent Finance Minister of Pakistan. Ishaq Dar serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, while Azam Nazeer Tarar is the Law Minister. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2006163/in-meeting-with-pm-president-stresses-provincial-rights-economic-stability-in-upcoming-budget, 08 Jun 2026]