S&P Global Ratings forecasted the general government deficit at four percent of GDP for FY27, noting a significant improvement from the eight percent levels seen during the crisis years of 2022 and 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017530/sampp-global-ratings-upgrades-pakistans-sovereign-credit-rating-to-b, 22 Jul 2026]
432
Consider the following statements about the energy sector reforms discussed on 28 July 2026:
1. The government aims to increase strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply shocks.
2. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) is slated for performance-related reforms.
3. The federal budget for FY24-25 provided full, uninterrupted support for the 2023 refining policy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the PM's directives. Statement 3 is incorrect because the federal budget for FY24-25 actually nullified many incentives in the 2023 policy, causing refineries to pause their projects. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
433
Which of the following is NOT a stated objective of the amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023?
The policy aims to reduce, not increase, the production of furnace oil and low-quality petroleum products. The other three options are core objectives of the approved amendments. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018968/pm-orders-increase-in-countrys-strategic-petroleum-reserves-changes-to-oil-refining-policy-approved, 28 Jul 2026]
434
In 2023, which judicial body upheld the legality of fixing the minimum marriage age at 18 in Pakistan?
The Federal Shariat Court ruled in 2023 that the minimum marriage age of 18 is consistent with Islamic principles. While other courts handle constitutional matters, the Federal Shariat Court specifically addressed the alignment of this age limit with Islamic law. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018441/child-marriage, 26 Jul 2026]
435
Consider the following statements about the conflict in Gaza as of July 25, 2026:
1. The October ceasefire has successfully ended all Israeli military strikes in the enclave.
2. Hamas-led fighters initiated the conflict with an attack on southern Israel in 2023.
3. Mediators are currently promoting a plan that includes the disarmament of Hamas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is incorrect because the report explicitly states that the ceasefire has not ended near-daily Israeli strikes. Statements 2 and 3 are factually accurate according to the provided information. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018321/israel-kills-senior-police-official-in-gaza-medics-say, 25 Jul 2026]
436
Which strategic framework is defined by the objective of preventing the expansion of a rival power's geopolitical influence through the formation of collective security alliances?
Containment is a foundational international security doctrine designed to check the expansionist tendencies of a rival state through strategic encirclement and the establishment of mutual defense pacts.
Which geopolitical doctrine primarily advocates for regional allies to assume primary responsibility for their own conventional defense while maintaining a nuclear umbrella provided by a superpower?
The Nixon Doctrine, articulated in 1969, shifted the burden of regional security to allies, emphasizing that the United States would provide nuclear deterrence but expect regional partners to manage conventional defense requirements.
Consider the following statements about the EU-Pakistan GSP+ status:
1. It was initially granted to Pakistan in 2014.
2. It allows Pakistan to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on exports to the EU.
3. The European Parliament voted to extend the status until 2027 in October 2023.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate: the status was granted in 2014, it provides significant tariff concessions, and the extension until 2027 was confirmed by the European Parliament in October 2023. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2003965/eus-top-diplomat-kallas-to-visit-islamabad-on-june-1-for-strategic-dialogue, 30 May 2026]
439
Which mechanism is central to the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) role in global food security governance?
The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) serves as the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all.
The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) is a foundational component of which international governance framework?
The TRIPS Agreement is one of the multilateral agreements on trade in goods and services that constitutes the legal framework of the World Trade Organization established by the Marrakesh Agreement.
