Mecca Defence Pact: US President Donald Trump hailed the Saudi Arabia–Turkey–Pakistan “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” as a “big, bold, important first step,” saying an attack on any signatory would be treated as an attack on all, with wider political and military coordination. Security in Balochistan: President Asif Ali Zardari praised an intelligence-based operation in Kharan that reportedly destroyed Fitna al-Khawarij hideouts and recovered weapons. Parliament & finance: The NA commerce panel decided to summon the Finance Secretary and SBP governor over Rs342.947bn TCP dues, including Rs265.719bn markup. Fuel protests & transport: JI staged a sit-in in Karachi against petrol prices and an “excessive petroleum levy,” while goods transporters postponed a nationwide strike for 40 days after talks with federal and Sindh authorities. Climate readiness: Pakistan will install 286 early warning systems in GB and KP under a $37m GLOF-II project to prepare for glacial flood risks. Independence Day & cricket: Pakistan marked Independence Day amid celebrations, and the Test squad arrived in Leeds for the England series starting Aug 19. Gaza diplomacy: Pakistan and seven Muslim countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the Gaza roadmap tied to Trump’s peace plan. Sports note: Pakistan’s hockey campaign opened with a 4-1 loss to England at the FIH World Cup.