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The US State Department has notified Congress of plans to close diplomatic missions in Grenada, Japan, Indonesia, Cameroon and Canada. Critics, including Democrats, warn the cuts risk undermining American leadership and could leave a vacuum for China, while the administration cites cost-effectiveness.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the incumbent government will complete its constitutional term, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif staying in office for five years. His remarks come a week after declaring the country’s governance system “collapsed” and calling for new administrative units, a suggestion later echoed by the military spokesman. The statement has stirred both endorsement and visible disquiet within the ruling coalition.
Pakistani authorities have introduced new guidelines requiring anyone working for foreign media to seek permission to report from anywhere except Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The move has drawn criticism from journalist organisations and raised concerns about press freedom in a country already ranked 153rd on the World Press Freedom Index.
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to expand bilateral trade by keeping border crossings open 24/7, improving logistics, and harmonizing customs procedures. The move aims to reach a $10 billion trade target and comes amid regional economic strains from the US-Iran conflict.
Foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim states meeting in Amman have agreed to establish a permanent mechanism, including a media platform, to document and expose Israeli violations against holy sites and worshippers in occupied East Jerusalem, rejecting unilateral changes to the city's legal status.
Jordan convened an emergency meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Amman to rally support for its custodianship of Jerusalem's holy sites, with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of a potential religious conflict. The meeting followed tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, including a mass visit by religious right Israelis in July.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to attract international investors for the privatisation of power distribution companies, while prioritising consumers' interests. The programme encompasses 27 state-owned enterprises, with recent progress including completed financial closures for PIA and First Women Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel did not agree to the US-backed plan for Gaza, despite assurances that Israeli forces would only withdraw after Hamas disarms. The comments come as far-right ministers within his coalition push for a new vote on the plan, and as tensions rise over the ceasefire's implementation.
Pakistan's ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, says any new escalation between the US and Iran would have global consequences, citing oil and fertilizer markets. He emphasized Pakistan's role as a mediator and its belief in diplomacy.
Yemen's Houthi rebels said they hit a Saudi oil tanker with ballistic missiles in the Red Sea, the latest in a series of attacks on Saudi shipping. The group also reported that eight tankers have been forced to reroute and dozens more have altered course since a naval blockade was imposed. Saudi Arabia and several allies have formed a naval coalition to protect shipping routes.
Pakistan's spinners, led by Sajid Khan's four second-innings wickets, put their team on the brink of a series-levelling victory over West Indies, who stumbled to 103-6 on day three. Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 anchored Pakistan's first-innings 387, but a late collapse, triggered by Babar Azam's error, left the match delicately poised.
The United States and Pakistan held their fourth counterterrorism dialogue in Washington, reaffirming joint commitment to fight terrorist groups including ISIS-K, Al Qaeda, TTP, and BLA. The talks also covered border security and trade negotiations, with a virtual meeting between finance officials and the US Trade Representative.
Iran says talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding 'positively,' while US officials report progress and hint at a potential agreement soon. Qatar and Pakistan are also involved in regional mediation efforts.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says progress has been made in talks between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting an agreement could be reached as early as “today or tomorrow.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson described the Omani-mediated discussions as “positive” and continuing, though differences remain over operational details.
Qatar has confirmed that Washington and Tehran are exchanging draft peace agreements through Qatari, Omani, and Pakistani mediators. The Emir of Qatar and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts to ease US-Iran tensions in a phone call, with Trump stating he canceled a planned strike on Iran to facilitate a deal.
Qatar says mediators are making progress toward a diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, though no agreement has been reached and no direct talks are planned. Tehran denies US claims of ongoing negotiations, while Washington officials express optimism about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar traveled to Jordan for a ministerial meeting on the situation in occupied Jerusalem, where he met with Jordanian officials and other counterparts. The meeting aimed to unify positions on the deteriorating situation in the region, and Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Palestinian cause.
Pakistan has invited Iran's foreign minister and parliament speaker for consultations, stepping up its role as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. The outreach comes after US President Donald Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran, with reports crediting Saudi Arabia's crown prince for persuading him. Iran and Oman continue talks over the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with military action, only to walk back at the last moment, a pattern that has left Iranians exhausted and markets volatile. A June ceasefire and memorandum of understanding raised hopes, but the conflict resumed in July. Trump continues to say a deal is near, while Tehran denies direct talks.
The Pakistan Peoples Party renewed allegations of rigging as voting concluded in two Muzaffarabad constituencies in the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. The party accused the PML-N of electoral malpractices, while the PML-N rejected the claims. Polling had been postponed in these constituencies due to landslides and bad weather.