The Islamic Republic of Iran was formally admitted as a full member state of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2023, aligning with the organization's regional security and geopolitical framework.
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]
153
Consider the following statements about the repatriation of Afghan nationals:
1. The government reported that over 1.1 million Afghan nationals were deported in 2025.
2. The current repatriation drive was first launched in 2023.
3. The directive requires daily reporting to the Ministry of Interior starting from July 10, 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as 1,155,221 individuals were deported in 2025. Statement 2 is correct as the drive began in 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the daily reporting requirement commences on July 11, 2026, not July 10. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2011435/interior-ministry-issues-directive-to-arrest-afghan-nationals-without-valid-visas-from-july-10, 28 Jun 2026]
154
Which Israeli official is noted for having stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound approximately 14 times since 2023?
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the Israeli National Security Minister, is identified as having repeatedly entered the compound. The other individuals listed are prominent Israeli political figures but are not cited in the report as having performed these specific actions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1993856/reprehensible-pakistan-condemns-storming-of-al-aqsa-mosque-compound-raising-of-israeli-flag-in-its-courtyard, 21 Apr 2026]
155
The PTI founder was initially imprisoned in August 2023 for concealing details regarding which of the following?
The initial imprisonment in August 2023 was related to the concealment of details concerning Toshakhana gifts. While the Al-Qadir Trust case is also mentioned, the specific charge for the August 2023 arrest was the Toshakhana case. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2000491/barbs-fly-in-senate-over-pti-founders-health-access-to-political-prisoners, 15 May 2026]
156
What is the projected general government deficit as a percentage of GDP for Pakistan in FY27, as forecasted by S&P Global Ratings?
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]
157
Consider the following statements about the ICC warrant debate in New York City:
1. The New York City Mayor claimed that the federal government has the authority to join the ICC and execute warrants.
2. The United States President vowed that the Israeli Prime Minister would not face arrest during the UN General Assembly summit.
3. The ICC warrant is based on allegations related to the offensive in Gaza following the October 2023 attack.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
All three statements are factually correct based on the events of July 2026. The Mayor acknowledged federal primacy, the President publicly stated the Prime Minister would not be arrested, and the ICC's warrant is linked to the post-October 2023 Gaza offensive. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017473/he-is-a-war-criminal-mamdani-says-nyc-cannot-arrest-netanyahu-on-icc-warrant-urges-us-federal-officials-to-step-in, 22 Jul 2026]
158
Consider the following statements about the recent developments in Pakistan's petroleum sector:
1. The government has formed a committee to address concerns regarding freight charges and quota allocations for oil tankers.
2. Freight charges for oil tankers have remained unchanged since 2023.
3. The committee formed to address OTCA concerns is required to submit its report within one month.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as the government formed a committee to address these specific issues and freight charges have indeed been stagnant since 2023. Statement 3 is incorrect because the committee was mandated to submit its recommendations within one week, not one month. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2018766/petroleum-minister-hints-at-fuel-price-relief-after-pakistans-oil-cargoes-clear-bab-al-mandeb, 27 Jul 2026]
159
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]
160
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]
