Saudi authorities closed the East-West oil pipeline in the Riyadh and Medina regions following multiple attacks that injured several people. Officials stated the shutdown was a precautionary measure taken after drones originating from Iraq targeted the infrastructure. Satellite imagery confirmed smoke near Madina along the route used to transport oil to the Red Sea coast.
Iran's foreign ministry announced talks scheduled for Monday in Oman involving Iraq and other Persian Gulf nations to address the future of the strategic waterway. The meetings aim to promote regional understanding and security while discussing the management of a channel that previously facilitated significant global oil transit. During the conflict, Iran has required vessel permission and is considering service fees, leading to strikes against non-compliant ships and periodic US coastal bombings.
Yemeni Houthi forces have taken control of Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, along with the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the Bab el-Mandab Strait. Government officials from the Saudi-backed Yemeni administration confirmed that their forces previously held territory on the western coast has fallen to the group. The Houthis stated that freedom of navigation remains safe for international trade while excluding Saudi vessels.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to coordinate efforts between federal and provincial governments for increasing farm productivity and promoting exports. He directed authorities to seek new global markets and instructed commercial officers abroad to support these initiatives. The briefing noted that agricultural exports reached $5.18 billion in the last financial year.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently traveled to London for her daughter's graduation ceremony and returned to Lahore. Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the chief minister paid all expenses for the journey from her own pocket. Opposition groups have questioned the use of the provincial government aircraft for this private visit.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority issued an alert across Punjab for the ninth and final monsoon spell expected from September 12 to 17. Authorities warned of potential urban flooding in major cities and flash flooding risks in rainwater drains. A westerly wave is anticipated to enter upper regions, with specific districts facing rainfall between September 14 and 17.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General challenged a petition filed against PTI's planned September 27 protest, arguing that the party was not properly impleaded as a respondent. The Islamabad High Court is currently hearing the case with a larger bench led by Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar. Legal arguments focus on whether an appropriate remedy exists before the chief commissioner under Article 199 of the Constitution.
The Senate Rules of Procedure and Privileges Committee directed Pakistan International Airlines to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a cabin crew member accused of misbehaving with a senator. The panel also recommended an inquiry into an Airport Security Force officer regarding similar allegations involving parliamentarians. Officials stated that such conduct damages the credibility of government institutions and tarnishes the airline's reputation.
The Lahore High Court issued an order preventing medical colleges in Punjab from expelling Afghan students or cancelling their examination papers. Justice Khalid Ishaq questioned the validity of sending students back after they had completed several years of education and noted that a hearing should occur before any action is taken. The court adjourned proceedings to allow for further arguments regarding the matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced that Ali Asad Gilani will succeed Khalil Hashmi as Pakistan's ambassador to China. Hashmi is scheduled to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next week after completing his tenure. Dar expressed confidence that Gilani will advance the bilateral partnership during his assignment.
