Practice MCQs

Explanation: Gilgit-Baltistan unveiled a Rs218.8 billion budget after a long delay, with the finance minister saying it placed special emphasis on education, health, basic infrastructure and welfare of the underprivileged. Gilgit-Baltistan's fiscal dependence on federal transfers and its unresolved constitutional status make its budget politically significant. CSS candidates should link this to the GB Order 2018, the region's exclusion from the National Finance Commission Award, and the constitutional debate over provisional provincial status linked to the Kashmir dispute.

Explanation: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq received the first "green mace award" in recognition of the National Assembly's green and environmental initiatives, while stressing that accountable institutions are essential for democratic resilience. The mace is the traditional symbol of parliamentary authority in Pakistan's legislature. For CSS aspirants, the item is useful both as a factual MCQ and as supporting material on parliamentary reform, climate governance and the greening of public institutions in Pakistan.

Explanation: Commentary on 18 September 2026 highlighted a jurisdictional collision between the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court, created by the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The Federal Constitutional Court was established to hear constitutional matters, but overlapping jurisdiction has produced institutional friction. The law minister insisted that the powers of the FCC and the Supreme Court are clearly defined in the Constitution and that no ambiguity should exist. This is a core CSS Constitutional Law topic for 2026 and 2027 examinations.

Explanation: The Islamabad High Court dismissed a petition challenging the appointments of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz, rejecting the plea seeking their removal from the bench. The ruling came amid continuing controversy over judicial appointments and transfers after the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments. CSS aspirants should study the role of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, the amended appointment procedure and the constitutional debate on judicial independence, which remains among the most examinable themes of 2026.

Explanation: The Islamabad Bar Association announced a boycott of Islamabad court proceedings after Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chattha were rearrested within hours of being granted bail in September 2026. The association said any attempt to circumvent or frustrate court orders was unacceptable, while HRCP and Amnesty International demanded their immediate and unconditional release. Former federal minister Shireen Mazari alleged efforts to keep the couple in jail. The case is significant for CSS answers on due process, enforced re-arrests and shrinking civic space.

Explanation: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated on 18 September 2026 that illegal migration to Europe had fallen by 64 per cent, describing it as a challenging task achieved despite limited resources, and said global organisations had praised Pakistan's measures against human smuggling. The claim follows years of pressure after fatal Mediterranean boat tragedies involving Pakistani nationals. For CSS International Relations and Current Affairs, this links to FIA anti-human-smuggling operations, EU-Pakistan readmission arrangements and the push and pull factors driving irregular migration.

Explanation: The government reintroduced austerity measures for fuel conservation, ordering markets to close at 9pm and eateries at 11pm, halving fuel allocation for government vehicles and allowing only a single dish at wedding-related events. The measures respond to the LNG and petroleum supply crunch caused by the Gulf conflict and the Hormuz closure. CSS aspirants should connect energy conservation policy to Pakistan's import bill, circular debt and the recurring use of administrative demand-management rather than structural energy reform.

Explanation: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that all motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqis registered after 1 January 2006 be made eligible under the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme, effectively bringing roughly 20-year-old vehicles into the subsidy net. The scheme provides targeted relief to low-income commuters amid record fuel prices. For CSS Current Affairs 2026, this connects to debates on targeted versus universal subsidies, fiscal space under IMF programme conditions, and the administrative difficulty of verifying beneficiaries through vehicle registration databases.

Explanation: Following the revision reported on 18 September 2026, petrol retailed at about Rs390.79 per litre while high-speed diesel cost around Rs424.92 per litre. Prices had swung sharply through the month, moving from Rs384.34 on 16 September to Rs391.22 on 17 September before easing. The volatility reflects the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of Gulf energy supplies during the 2026 Iran war. CSS aspirants should track these figures as indicators of imported inflation and balance-of-payments pressure.

Explanation: The federal government cut petrol by Rs1.65 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs0.88 per litre, with the new prices applicable from 19 to 21 September 2026. The revision followed an unusually volatile pricing cycle in which prices were being adjusted every few days because of the Gulf energy shock. For CSS Current Affairs and Economy questions, candidates should remember that petroleum prices in Pakistan are notified by OGRA and approved by the federal government, and that levy and duty structures heavily shape the final retail price.