Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia is forming a 14-state maritime coalition to protect shipping after Houthi threats and attacks, even as analysts warn Riyadh’s defensive alliances are not yet stopping strikes. Saudi-Iran Tensions: Pakistan says it is pushing for US-Iran talks as the Hormuz standoff drags on, while reports say a US-Iran ceasefire extension is being discussed. Yemen Shipping Losses: The Houthis claimed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb, including a strike that killed four crew members (including an Indonesian) on an Egyptian-owned ship. Oil Outlook: OPEC cut its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast again, while OPEC+ output rose in July under voluntary curbs—signals of a still-fragile energy market. Afghanistan Rights Crisis: UN agencies say Taliban rules have barred about 2.4 million Afghan girls from secondary education and that half of women leave home only once or twice a month. Pakistan Domestic Politics & Economy: PM Shehbaz said Pakistan is far from a welfare state; the KSE-100 index rebounded above 180,000; gold prices jumped sharply. Legal Win for Pakistan: Australia’s Federal Court rejected India’s bid to secure exclusive “Basmati” trademark rights, backing Pakistani traders’ legitimate use. Sports & Regional Culture: Arshad Nadeem will skip the Lausanne Diamond League to focus on the Asian Games; Oman wrapped a sports programme for women’s associations in Muscat.