US-Iran Hormuz Flashpoint: US forces struck a Panama-flagged container ship off Pakistan’s coast with Hellfire missiles after it ignored warnings, disabling steering gear and raising fresh shipping fears. PoK Rights Row: India again urged the world to hold Pakistan accountable over alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, as Kashmiri-origin diaspora protests continue abroad. Middle East Security: Qatar backed the Türkiye-Saudi-Pakistan Mecca Mutual Defence Agreement as a stabilising, non-targeted regional framework; analysts say it signals a shift in security dynamics. Diplomacy on Hormuz: Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iran’s leaders in Tehran to support US-Iran talks, while Pakistan said an arrangement is “close” despite attacks at sea. Politics & Courts: ATC adjourned PTI activist Falak Javed’s bail hearing; SC assured PTI of five hearings next week. Economy & Markets: PSX fell on oil jitters; FBR cut exporters’ tax rate to 1.25% and announced Rs361bn relief; ECC approved up to PKR1.85tn export finance. Energy & Daily Life: Petrol cut by Rs1.70 and diesel raised by Rs1.39; transporters’ wheel-jam strike continues. Education & Community: PISQ Qatar swept all 21 top spots in FBISE SSC results; Cambridge results reached 100k+ Pakistani students. Health & Governance: Contraceptive project flagged for planning gaps; Lahore police defended handling in two women’s custody deaths. Sports: Pakistan rifle team won 13 medals at the British Open; Pakistan’s car sales jumped 141% in July.