The PPP manifesto for the AJK elections includes the right to self-ownership, the right to self-government, and the right to employment. These pillars are intended to empower the local population. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
642
Which political figure resigned from the position of Prime Minister in June 2026, leading to the leadership contest?
Keir Starmer resigned as Prime Minister in June 2026 following months of political turmoil. Andy Burnham was subsequently elected to replace him as the leader of the Labour Party. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016211/andy-burnham-elected-new-labour-leader-now-set-to-be-uk-pm, 17 Jul 2026]
643
Consider the following statements about the political discourse regarding AJK on July 17, 2026:
1. The PPP Chairman argued that politicians have a duty to act as a bridge between the region and the Centre.
2. The proposed reforms include calling constitutional conventions to allow local input on governance.
3. The PPP Chairman suggested that the AJK issue can only be resolved through military intervention.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the Chairman's emphasis on political bridging and local input through conventions. Statement 3 is incorrect because he explicitly stated that there is no issue that cannot be resolved politically and peacefully. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
644
According to the campaign address on July 17, 2026, which two regions were identified as being critical yet historically underdeveloped within the Pakistani context?
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari specifically highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir as two regions that have been waiting for generations to be fully integrated and developed. These regions are central to his party's current political discourse. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
645
Consider the following statements about the energy sector performance in June 2026:
1. The price of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) nearly doubled compared to the same month in the previous year.
2. Nuclear power generation was identified as a zero-fuel-cost energy source.
3. The fuel cost for imported coal was significantly higher than the fuel cost for local coal.
Statement 1 is correct as RLNG prices rose sharply. Statement 3 is correct as imported coal cost Rs16.65 per unit versus Rs11.5 per unit for local coal. Statement 2 is incorrect because nuclear power has a reported fuel cost of Rs2.85 per unit, unlike hydropower which is a zero-fuel-cost source. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016204/power-companies-seek-rs120-per-unit-fuel-cost-adjustment-for-august, 17 Jul 2026]
646
Which of the following statements regarding the July 17, 2026, AJK campaign address is INCORRECT?
The PPP Chairman explicitly stated that neither the government nor the protesters had responded to his proposal for a truth and reconciliation commission. Therefore, the claim that it was accepted is false. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
647
What specific mechanism did Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari propose to resolve the ongoing issues between the AJK government and protesters?
The PPP Chairman proposed the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to address the grievances of both the government and the protesters. This was intended to provide a peaceful alternative to the ongoing disruptions. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016221/bilawal-kicks-off-ajk-election-campaign-pledges-to-be-voice-of-people-in-centre, 17 Jul 2026]
648
Consider the following statements about the SCO meeting held on July 17, 2026:
1. The meeting was attended by representatives from the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
2. The participants discussed and approved the plan for the 'Solidarity-2026' joint border operation.
3. The SCO currently comprises exactly eight member states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct as RATS representatives attended. Statement 2 is correct as the plan for 'Solidarity-2026' was approved. Statement 3 is incorrect because the SCO currently comprises ten member states, not eight. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2016226/pakistan-chairs-12th-sco-meeting-of-heads-of-border-services-fo, 17 Jul 2026]
649
Consider the following statements regarding the austerity measures reviewed on March 14, 2026:
1. The government has imposed a complete ban on foreign visits for ministers and special assistants.
2. Savings generated from austerity measures are designated exclusively for public relief.
3. The government decided to increase the fuel allotment for official vehicles to ensure mobility during the crisis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 and 2 are correct as they reflect the official policy of banning foreign travel and using savings for public welfare. Statement 3 is incorrect because the government actually mandated a 50% cut in fuel allotment for official vehicles, not an increase. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
650
Which of the following is NOT a component of the austerity measures announced by the government in March 2026?
The government is implementing salary cuts, not increases, to manage fiscal deficits. The other options are all verified components of the austerity package. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1982016/employees-of-soes-other-govt-supervised-bodies-to-face-5-30pc-salary-cut-as-part-of-austerity-measures-pmo, 14 Mar 2026]
