Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, presided over the signing ceremony. He emphasized the government's commitment to the electric mobility transition. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017426/mou-signed-with-chinese-firm-for-ev-charging-stations, 22 Jul 2026]
2262
What is the primary reason cited by traders for the reluctance to sell Iranian tomatoes in the Pakistani market?
Traders report that Iranian tomatoes lose their structural integrity and hardness much faster than Pakistani varieties. This quality issue, combined with a perceived difference in taste, makes them less desirable for retailers despite the supply shortage. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017429/iranian-tomatoes-fail-to-ease-prices, 22 Jul 2026]
2263
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data for FY26, what was the total volume of vegetable exports?
The PBS data indicates a sharp decline in vegetable exports during FY26, falling to 594,104 tonnes from the previous year's 1.448 million tonnes. This decline is attributed to logistical constraints and border closures. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017429/iranian-tomatoes-fail-to-ease-prices, 22 Jul 2026]
2264
Who is the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority who participated in the synchronized social media messaging on July 22, 2026?
Abdulla bin Mohammed Alhamed serves as the chairman of the UAE National Media Authority and coordinated the messaging with his Saudi counterpart. Anwar Gargash is a diplomatic adviser, and Sheikh Mansour is the Vice President of the UAE. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017482/saudi-uae-ministers-use-social-media-to-signal-unity-after-months-of-tension, 22 Jul 2026]
2265
Consider the following statements about the 2026 ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting:
1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio blamed Iran for the lack of progress in Middle East peace talks.
2. China accused the Philippines of engaging in deliberate provocations in the South China Sea.
3. The meeting was attended exclusively by ASEAN member states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the diplomatic discourse at the meeting. Statement 3 is incorrect because the meeting was also attended by non-ASEAN nations such as Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Russia, and South Korea. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017513/rubio-holds-talks-with-chinas-wang-yi-as-regional-powers-join-asean-meeting, 22 Jul 2026]
2266
Which constitutional body is primarily responsible for the periodic distribution of financial resources between the Federation and the Provinces?
The National Finance Commission (NFC) is the constitutional body established under Article 160, tasked with recommending the distribution of revenues between the federal and provincial governments.
Consider the following statements about the current maritime security situation:
1. The Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia.
2. Pakistan has declared that it will remain neutral and avoid any involvement in the conflict.
3. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical waterway for global trade and energy exports.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as the Houthis announced an embargo. Statement 3 is correct as the strait is a vital global trade route. Statement 2 is incorrect because Pakistan has explicitly stated it reserves the right to use force to protect its interests, which is the opposite of neutrality. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/islamabad-condemns-houthis-threats-to-riyadh-warns-against-targeting-pakistani-maritime-interests, 22 Jul 2026]
2268
The current monsoon rain spell in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which commenced on July 19, 2026, is expected to persist until which date?
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon spell that began on July 19 was forecasted to continue until July 23, 2026. This period marks the window of heightened alert for flash flooding. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017494/rain-related-fatalities-during-ongoing-monsoon-spell-rise-to-18-in-kp, 22 Jul 2026]
2269
On July 22, 2026, which strategic waterway did the Houthi rebels threaten to block, impacting commercial shipping to Saudi Arabia?
The Houthi rebels specifically threatened the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which serves as a critical gateway to the Red Sea. While the Strait of Hormuz is also a vital maritime chokepoint, the current threat cited in the report pertains to the Red Sea access. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017517/pakistan-condemns-houthis-threats-to-saudi-arabia-commercial-shipping-in-red-sea, 22 Jul 2026]
2270
The government of Pakistan is promoting the local manufacturing of which specific component to support the electric vehicle ecosystem?
The government is prioritizing the local manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries as a core component of its industrial policy for electric mobility. This is intended to reduce import dependency and foster a sustainable industrial ecosystem. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017426/mou-signed-with-chinese-firm-for-ev-charging-stations, 22 Jul 2026]
