The BISP budget was increased by 17 percent to reach Rs838 billion, aiming to expand coverage to 12 million families. Rs71 billion is the allocation for the Apna Ghar housing scheme. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007283/govt-unveils-rs188tr-budget-for-fy2026-27-gdp-growth-targeted-at-4pc, 12 Jun 2026]
64232
According to the Adviser to the Finance Minister, fuel prices in Pakistan are primarily determined using which benchmark?
The government clarified that fuel pricing is based on the average Platts benchmark prices during the pricing period combined with exchange rate adjustments. Brent and WTI are global oil benchmarks but are not the specific mechanism cited for domestic retail price determination. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1979462/pm-tells-ministers-to-prepare-strategy-for-conserving-petroleum-products-ensuring-uninterrupted-supply, 07 Mar 2026]
64233
Consider the following statements about the fuel price situation in 2026:
1. The government reduced petrol prices for two consecutive weeks in May 2026.
2. The global fuel crunch was exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran.
3. The Petroleum Minister announced an increase in fuel prices on April 2, 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually accurate based on the provided information regarding the 2026 fuel price trends and the geopolitical context of the energy crisis. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2002321/govt-reduces-petrol-by-rs6-per-litre-high-speed-diesel-by-rs68, 22 May 2026]
64234
Which of the following statements regarding the petroleum pricing notification of June 12, 2026, is INCORRECT?
The notification specifically announced reductions for petrol and high-speed diesel; it did not announce a Rs10 reduction for kerosene. The other three statements accurately reflect the details provided in the official notification. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2007376/govt-slashes-petrol-price-by-rs4-diesel-by-rs2, 12 Jun 2026]
64235
Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 5G spectrum auction is INCORRECT?
The government did not offer 1000 MHz; the total spectrum sold was 480 MHz, and the initial offering was significantly lower than 1000 MHz. The other statements are factually accurate based on the auction results. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
64236
Consider the following statements about the 5G spectrum auction held in 2026:
1. The auction was conducted in three rounds of bidding.
2. All participating telecom companies were required to acquire at least 100 MHz of spectrum.
3. The 700 MHz band was acquired by Zong to expand services in rural areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because it was Jazz, not Zong, that acquired the 700 MHz spectrum to expand services in rural and sparsely populated areas. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
64237
The 2600 MHz frequency band, which saw heavy competition during the 2026 auction, was subject to a price increase of what percentage over its base price?
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) decided to increase the bid price of the 2600 MHz band by five per cent of its base price to manage the high demand. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980473/faster-cheaper-better-480mhz-sold-for-507m-as-5g-spectrum-auction-concludes, 10 Mar 2026]
64238
Who presided over the Economic Coordination Committee meeting held on July 27, 2026, where the export subsidy package was approved?
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting that approved the export-boosting schemes. The committee is a key executive body responsible for economic decision-making in Pakistan. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018926/ecc-okays-rs255bn-for-export-boosting-schemes, 28 Jul 2026]
64239
What is the approximate monthly demand for kerosene in Pakistan compared to petrol and HSD?
Kerosene demand is significantly lower than that of petrol and HSD, standing at approximately 10,000 tonnes per month. Petrol and HSD combined account for monthly sales of 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017065/govt-decreases-petrol-price-by-rs035-increases-diesel-by-rs571-per-litre, 20 Jul 2026]
64240
Which of the following institutional mechanisms is primarily utilized by the International Monetary Fund to address balance of payments crises in member states?
The Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) is the primary instrument designed to provide short-term financial assistance to countries experiencing actual or potential balance of payments problems, serving as a core tool for economic stabilization.
