International Relations MCQs

Correct Answer: two weeks

Following critical diplomatic discussions with Pakistani leadership on April 7, 2026, US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran.

Correct Answer: Libya's

In a historic US-mediated agreement, Libya's long-divided rival legislative factions finally agreed to unify the nation's public spending on April 11, 2026.

Correct Answer: Turkey

On April 6, 2026, Pakistan and Turkey entered into a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at sharing legal frameworks and strengthening judicial cooperation.

Correct Answer: Urumqi

With Beijing acting as the key mediator, delegates from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in the Chinese city of Urumqi to initiate border peace talks.

Correct Answer: Serena

Islamabad stepped up as a neutral geopolitical mediator when US and Iranian delegations arrived at the Serena Hotel on April 11 for critical peace negotiations.

Correct Answer: Mauritius

Under geopolitical pressure, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paused the legislative process that would have returned sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Correct Answer: Kuomintang

The chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party arrived in China on April 7 in a highly scrutinized diplomatic effort to lower cross-strait tensions.

Correct Answer: European union

The European Union unanimously voted to enact a new wave of stringent economic and diplomatic sanctions against the Russian Federation.

Correct Answer: Asim Munir

According to the Financial Times, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, engaged in heavy back-channel diplomacy to rescue failing US-Iran talks.

Correct Answer: Abbas Araghchi

Veteran Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi serves as the country's Foreign Minister, playing a leading role in regional and nuclear negotiations.

Correct Answer: Bagher Ghalibaf

Iranian parliament speaker Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Pakistan to lead the Iranian delegation during the crucial peace talks held in Islamabad.

Correct Answer: JD Vance

Representing the US administration, JD Vance was designated as the chief envoy leading the American delegation at the Islamabad talks.

Correct Answer: JD Vance

Following a breakdown in negotiations, lead US negotiator JD Vance was the first official to publicly declare the collapse of the Islamabad peace talks.

Correct Answer: Strait of Hormuz

Following hostile actions, the US Navy established a strict naval blockade at the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz to constrain Iranian shipping.

Correct Answer: 15

Asserting its territorial control during the crisis, Iran declared a strict maritime quota allowing only 15 commercial ships to pass the Strait of Hormuz daily.

Correct Answer: 8 April 2026

Setting the stage for the pivotal Islamabad negotiations, US envoy JD Vance arrived in Pakistan on April 8, 2026.

Correct Answer: USA and Iran

Pakistan leveraged its geopolitical neutrality to host high-stakes, direct peace negotiations between the USA and Iran in Islamabad.

Correct Answer: UAE

The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made an official state visit to Pakistan in late 2025 to strengthen bilateral relations.

Correct Answer: Pehl Gam Incident

The Pahalgam (Pehl Gam) incident was referenced as a geopolitical flashpoint escalating regional tensions between the two nations.

Correct Answer: Japan

Japan made a historic shift in its post-WWII pacifist policy by supporting NATO missions related to Ukraine.

Correct Answer: Business first-Pragmatic engagement

Diplomatic engagements between US and Chinese leadership typically prioritize pragmatic economic frameworks and trade resolutions.

Correct Answer: Saad Edhi

The release and return of Saad Edhi marked a significant diplomatic and humanitarian event for Pakistan.

Correct Answer: Operation Project Freedom

Securing international maritime trade corridors against piracy and regional blockades is a primary naval objective for the US.

Correct Answer: Serbia

Serbia's military engagement with NATO marks a significant geopolitical shift in the traditionally neutral Balkan state.

Correct Answer: Pakistan

Pakistan maintains a steadfast diplomatic stance at the UN, consistently advocating against the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

Correct Answer: Bangladesh

Regional cooperation frameworks are crucial for disrupting transnational narcotics smuggling operations across South Asia.

Correct Answer: Israel accepted it

Somaliland has been in the news due to its diplomatic engagements and efforts toward international recognition, including reports regarding Israel's stance.

Correct Answer: Hungary

Hungary became the first nation to formally announce its withdrawal from the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. This unprecedented move raised significant concerns about the stability of international legal frameworks.

Correct Answer: 45 Days

The 45-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza was aimed at significantly facilitating urgent humanitarian assistance and critical diplomatic negotiations. International mediators strongly pushed for this timeframe as a realistic window for sustained de-escalation.

Correct Answer: USA

The United States seized Venezuelan oil tankers as part of the enforcement of its ongoing sanctions regime against the Venezuelan government. This move was aimed at cutting off revenue streams to Nicolas Maduro's administration.

Correct Answer: Transnational repression and civil liberties erosion

US lawmakers formally raised concerns over alleged transnational repression and the erosion of civil liberties within Pakistan. This sparked diplomatic discussions regarding human rights standards.

Correct Answer: President of Indonesia

The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, conducted a maiden state visit to Pakistan in December 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade and defense cooperation.

Correct Answer: India

Amid stalled SAARC proceedings, Pakistan floated the idea of a new regional economic and cooperation bloc that would exclude India, aiming to boost trade with other neighboring and Central Asian states.

Correct Answer: Yemen port strike incident

Following a targeted strike incident near a port by Houthi rebels in Yemen, Pakistan swiftly condemned the attack and reaffirmed its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.

Correct Answer: UAE

The President of the United Arab Emirates conducted an official state visit to Pakistan to bolster economic investments and strategic defense cooperation.

Correct Answer: Nigeria

Pakistan and Nigeria established a bilateral framework to share intelligence, legal expertise, and best practices to combat state-level corruption.

Correct Answer: Nishan-e-Pakistan

Nishan-e-Pakistan is the highest civil honor awarded to foreign dignitaries for their exceptional services in promoting strong bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Correct Answer: Indonesia President

President Prabowo Subianto made his first official visit to Pakistan [cite: 672] to sign multiple trade and defense MOUs between Jakarta and Islamabad[cite: 671].

Correct Answer: India

India was notably excluded from the guest list of the G7 Summit hosted by Canada in 2025. This sparked discussions regarding shifting geopolitical alliances.

Correct Answer: Spain

Spain halted a $327 million defense contract with an Israeli arms manufacturer. The cancellation was part of broader political pushback over geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

Correct Answer: London

High-level trade negotiations between the US and China were scheduled to take place in London. The UK served as neutral ground for these critical economic discussions.

Correct Answer: UAE

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif scheduled an official visit to the UAE on June 14, 2025. The discussions focused on bilateral investments and regional geopolitical stability.

Correct Answer: 103

Pakistan's passport was ranked 103rd in the Henley Passport Index for 2025. It remains one of the weakest passports globally regarding visa-free travel access.

Correct Answer: South Korea

In a historic diplomatic shift, Cuba officially opened an embassy in Seoul, South Korea. This formalizes relations between the two nations after decades of estrangement.

Correct Answer: 2026

The United Nations General Assembly officially declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This highlights the crucial role women play in global food security.

Correct Answer: Russia

Russia signed an agreement to construct eight new nuclear power reactors in Iran. This deepens the strategic and energy ties between Moscow and Tehran despite Western sanctions.

Correct Answer: Mi6

Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, appointed a female chief, breaking a 116-year male-dominated tradition. Her appointment was viewed as a modernization of the spy agency.

Correct Answer: Vietnam

Vietnam officially joined the BRICS economic bloc as its 10th partner country in 2025. This move aligns with Vietnam's strategy to diversify its global trade partnerships.

Correct Answer: Hague, Netherland

The 76th NATO Summit took place in The Hague, Netherlands. Key discussions revolved around the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and European defense budgets.

Correct Answer: Yemen

US and Israeli forces conducted coordinated military strikes targeting specific positions in Yemen. These strikes were part of broader geopolitical tensions involving the Red Sea region.

Correct Answer: Azerbaijan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completed a three-day official visit to Azerbaijan. The tour aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, trade, and cooperation in the energy sector.

Correct Answer: Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended block work visa quotas affecting several nationalities, including Pakistanis. This policy shift was related to local labor market regulations and demographic adjustments.

Correct Answer: France

The President of France issued stern warnings and threatened Israel regarding the escalating humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza. France advocated for immediate and unhindered access for relief convoys.

Correct Answer: Istanbul

Diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine were hosted in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey has frequently acted as a mediator aiming to broker peace or facilitate specific agreements like grain exports.

Correct Answer: Russia and Serbia

Russia and Serbia mutually agreed to initiate a probe concerning the alleged indirect supply of arms to Ukraine. This touches upon Serbia's complex diplomatic balancing act in Eastern Europe.

Correct Answer: All sectors

The Pak-EU Strategic Dialogue involved comprehensive reviews under the Strategic Engagement Plan 2019. It covered broad aspects including trade, infrastructure, and human rights.

Correct Answer: 20th

Saudi Arabia officially received the status of Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA), granting the kingdom access to enhanced defense cooperation and military equipment from Washington.

Correct Answer: Jiang Zaidong

Pakistan's Interior Minister held crucial talks with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to guarantee the security of Chinese nationals and CPEC infrastructure within Pakistan.

Correct Answer: Abraham Accords

A key agenda item during the US-Saudi talks was Trump's ambition to have Saudi Arabia officially join the Abraham Accords, normalizing ties with Israel.

Correct Answer: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon hosted the crucial EU-MENA security conference, bringing together European and Middle Eastern leaders to address counter-terrorism and cross-border security challenges.

Correct Answer: Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan at the SCO summit in Moscow, emphasizing trade, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.

Correct Answer: Senkaku

Tensions flared in the East China Sea as Chinese vessels continuously patrolled near the Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands.

Correct Answer: Russia

Diplomatic sources indicated that Russia might choose to abstain rather than outright veto the UN resolution authorizing an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in post-ceasefire Gaza.

Correct Answer: Zero-tolerance

During their meeting in Islamabad, both leaders explicitly affirmed a 'zero-tolerance' policy for any Israeli attempts to force the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

Correct Answer: Abdullah II

King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein of Jordan arrived in Islamabad, where he was received by top civilian leadership to discuss bilateral trade and the situation in the Middle East.

Correct Answer: 14 November

On November 14, Pakistan, alongside Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, formally backed the US-drafted UN Security Council resolution for maintaining peace in Gaza.

Correct Answer: United Nations (UN)

The United Nations issued a dire warning regarding Sudan, citing the ongoing civil war that has internally and externally displaced millions of civilians.

Correct Answer: Turkey

Turkiye strongly denied claims circulated by certain Indian media outlets that alleged Ankara had links to a deadly car explosion in New Delhi.

Correct Answer: King Felipe

King Felipe VI of Spain visited Beijing, marking the first visit by a Spanish monarch in nearly two decades as Madrid sought to strengthen its economic ties in the Asia-Pacific.

Correct Answer: 12 November 2025

On November 12, 2025, during King Felipe's state visit, China and Spain formalized agreements to deepen cooperation in trade, green energy, and technology.

Correct Answer: 11-12 November

Pakistan hosted parliamentary leaders from over 40 countries for a two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference on November 11 and 12.

Correct Answer: Islamic State group

In a major geopolitical shift, the Syrian leadership engaged with Washington and agreed to actively participate in the US-led global coalition against remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS).

Correct Answer: General Zia-ur-Rehman

Ziaur Rahman, the former President of Bangladesh, is credited with proposing the formation of a regional cooperation block that became SAARC.

Correct Answer: Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been a key proponent of expanding trade agreements between China and ASEAN.

Correct Answer: Palestine

As per recent geopolitical developments in early 2025, aid packages have been designated to support humanitarian efforts in Palestine.

Correct Answer: Resolution 2774

Resolution 2774 is the specific Security Council resolution associated with the events mentioned in the 2025 context.

Correct Answer: 1970s

Ping Pong Diplomacy refers to the exchange of table tennis players between the US and China in the early 1970s, which paved the way for diplomatic relations.

Correct Answer: Pakistan

Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.

Correct Answer: WHO

In 2020, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) amid disagreements regarding their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Correct Answer: Saudi Arabia and Qatar

In April 2025, Saudi Arabia and Qatar reached an agreement to cover Syria's outstanding debt obligations to the World Bank.

Correct Answer: European countries

In response to sanctions imposed due to the conflict in Ukraine, Russia mandated that 'unfriendly' nations, primarily in Europe, pay for natural gas in Rubles.

Correct Answer: 2026-2028

Pakistan was elected to serve a term on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 period.

Correct Answer: Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability

The G20 presidency of South Africa in 2025 emphasizes themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability for global development.

Correct Answer: International Association of Genocide Scholars

The International Association of Genocide Scholars formally assessed the situation in Gaza under international law conventions.

Correct Answer: New IAEA cooperation agreement

Iran agreed to new oversight terms with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to manage its nuclear enrichment program.

Correct Answer: In response to an Israeli airstrike on Hamas leadership in Qatar

The summit was convened urgently after targeted Israeli military operations occurred within Qatari territory.

Correct Answer: Sanaa

Sanaa, controlled by Houthi forces, was targeted in retaliatory airstrikes following regional escalations.

Correct Answer: Sanctions reimposed and a deal with Russia to build a nuclear plant

Western powers tightened sanctions on Iran while Tehran strengthened its nuclear collaboration with Moscow.

Correct Answer: Indian aircraft

Due to ongoing bilateral tensions, Pakistani airspace remained restricted for Indian commercial and military flights.

Correct Answer: Bashar al-Assad

Reports circulated regarding an assassination attempt via poisoning targeting the long-standing Syrian leader.

Correct Answer: New York

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions are consistently hosted at the UN Headquarters located in New York City.

Correct Answer: Greta Thunberg

Climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the international humanitarian flotilla advocating for the end of the Gaza blockade.

Correct Answer: Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF)

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying international aid and activists, faced interception by Israeli naval forces.

Correct Answer: International forces

The proposed peace plan emphasized a transitional period overseen by an international peacekeeping coalition.

Correct Answer: USA

Turkey and the United States formulated an agreement regarding nuclear energy development and oversight parameters.

Correct Answer: Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom updated several judicial frameworks heavily rooted in conservative Islamic legal traditions.

Correct Answer: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

The junta-led Sahel nations solidified their departure from traditional global and regional alliances.

Correct Answer: Spain, Ireland, and Norway

In a coordinated diplomatic move, Spain, Ireland, and Norway formally recognized Palestine as an independent state.

Correct Answer: 18 September 2025

The comprehensive defense and security pact was finalized mid-September to deepen military ties between Islamabad and Riyadh.

Correct Answer: 60

The extraordinary joint summit saw representation from roughly 60 member states across the Arab League and the OIC.