Pakistan is facing a difficult diplomatic balancing act as tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels put its relations with Riyadh and Tehran under fresh pressure. Islamabad has spent much of the year trying to maintain ties with both sides, including supporting backchannel diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran while simultaneously strengthening its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia.

The latest fighting has made that balancing strategy increasingly difficult. Pakistan has moved quickly to reassure Riyadh after comments from Islamabad appeared to suggest that its recent defence commitments with Saudi Arabia would not automatically require Pakistani forces to participate in military operations against the Houthis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the weekend and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for the Kingdom. According to Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office, Sharif strongly condemned the Houthi attacks and expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He also warned that continued attacks could threaten regional stability and create further disruptions to global energy supplies.

The conversation came amid questions over Pakistan's obligations under its growing defence relationship with Saudi Arabia. A recently signed security arrangement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey states that an armed attack against one member should be treated as an attack against all. The agreement has therefore raised questions about how Islamabad would respond if Saudi Arabia faced a sustained military threat from the Houthis.

Those questions became more prominent after Pakistan indicated that the agreement did not necessarily mean its military would be deployed against the Yemeni group. The position appeared to create uncertainty among the countries involved and prompted Islamabad to step up its diplomatic engagement with Riyadh.

The latest outreach also followed an attack that temporarily disrupted Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, a strategically important route of around 1,200 kilometres that allows Saudi crude to reach the Red Sea without relying on the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has already faced severe disruption because of the wider confrontation involving Iran and the United States.

Saudi authorities have also reported Houthi attacks involving missiles and drones. One projectile reportedly caused injuries and damaged several buildings, including a mosque. The repeated targeting of civilian and economic infrastructure has increased concerns about the potential impact of the conflict on Saudi Arabia's security as well as international energy markets.

The situation presents a particularly sensitive challenge. Islamabad has strong defence and economic interests in the Gulf, with cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia playing an increasingly important role in its efforts to attract investment and strengthen its fragile economy. At the same time, Pakistan shares a border with Iran and has an interest in maintaining stable relations with Tehran.

Pakistan also depends on energy supplies transported through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. A prolonged disruption along either route could create additional economic difficulties for Islamabad. Direct involvement in the conflict could also expose Pakistani personnel and infrastructure to greater security risks. Pakistani military personnel are already stationed close to the Saudi-Yemen border, making any escalation between Saudi forces and the Houthis particularly sensitive for Islamabad. A deeper military role could potentially draw Pakistan into a wider regional confrontation at a time when the country is already dealing with significant economic and security challenges.

Sharif's latest conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince appears to be part of an effort to prevent disagreements over the Houthi issue from damaging the broader Pakistan-Saudi relationship. The Pakistani prime minister also indicated that he, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar would continue diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and supporting peace in the region.

Islamabad now faces the difficult task of reassuring Riyadh about its security commitments without unnecessarily damaging its relationship with Tehran. For Pakistan, maintaining that delicate balance could become increasingly challenging if the conflict involving Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, Iran and the wider region continues to escalate.

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Pakistan’s press freedom environment is facing growing international scrutiny, with several prominent rights organisations accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government of allowing an increasingly difficult atmosphere for journalists. The groups have raised concerns over alleged intimidation, censorship, detentions, investigations and restrictions affecting independent media across the country.

In a joint letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and other rights organisations expressed concern over the alleged disappearance and detention of journalists, as well as restrictions on reporting and internet access. They urged the government to take immediate steps to protect journalists and ensure that media workers can operate without fear of harassment or retaliation.

The organisations specifically raised the cases of independent journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, who they said were allegedly taken away on August 1 and moved to an undisclosed location. According to the groups, Islamabad police have not officially acknowledged their detention, while their whereabouts remain unknown. The rights organisations called for authorities to clarify their status, provide them with access to their families and lawyers, and launch an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

The groups also demanded a transparent probe into the June 7 attack on journalist Mian Zahid Owaisi in Bahawalpur. Owaisi, who works for the Urdu-language newspaper Daily Khabarain, was reportedly assaulted by around 10 armed men after publishing a report about alleged drug trafficking in the area. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident, but several other alleged attackers reportedly remain at large. The organisations called for all those responsible to be held accountable.

Another major issue highlighted in the letter was Pakistan’s Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines, 2026. The rights groups described the regulations as overly restrictive, arguing that journalists working for foreign media organisations must obtain government authorisation for assignments outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. They also expressed concern about provisions allowing authorities to suspend accreditation on broad grounds such as national security, sovereignty and public order, warning that such powers could interfere with independent journalism.

The organisations further criticised the use of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and investigations conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against journalists. They cited the June arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat, who was reportedly detained over a YouTube report related to protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The groups argued that cybercrime laws should not be used to restrict legitimate reporting or silence journalists covering politically sensitive issues.

Internet restrictions have added to concerns over the media environment. The rights organisations said the suspension of internet services in PoJK seriously affected journalists’ ability to communicate with sources, verify information and send reports. They also criticised the reported blocking of Al Jazeera’s website, describing such restrictions as another obstacle to public access to independent news and information.

The organisations have urged Pakistan’s government to strengthen protections for journalists and ensure that media workers are not subjected to arbitrary detention, violence, censorship or excessive legal pressure. Their concerns have renewed debate over press freedom in Pakistan and the need to balance legitimate security measures with the public’s right to access independent information.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multi-tracking projects worth ₹20,804 crore across nine states, in a major infrastructure push aimed at reducing congestion and improving the movement of passengers and freight. The projects, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday, will add around 1,196 km of railway tracks across 31 districts. The government has targeted completion by the financial year 2029-30.

The projects will be implemented in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. Of the total investment, three projects worth around ₹10,783 crore will add approximately 656 km of tracks across five states. These include the fourth line between Kharagpur and Jharsuguda, the fourth line between Katni and Pendra Road, and a third line between Bilaspur (Uslapur) and Pendra Road.

Another five projects, estimated at about ₹10,021 crore, will add nearly 540 km of tracks across southern states. These include additional lines on the Arakkonam-Renigunta and Whitefield-Bangarapet routes, along with doubling works between Hosur-Omalur and Salem-Karur-Dindigul. Multi-tracking between Secunderabad (Ghatkesar) and Kazipet is also part of the approval.

According to the government, the projects are expected to increase railway capacity and support an additional 74 million tonnes of freight movement every year. Key commodities likely to benefit include coal, cement, iron and steel, petroleum products, fertilisers, automobiles and foodgrains.

The expanded network is also expected to improve connectivity for around 6,911 villages, covering a combined population of nearly 11 million people. Several of the routes pass through or connect important industrial, mining, tourism and religious centres. The projects are being developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which focuses on coordinated infrastructure development and improving multimodal connectivity. By adding capacity to busy routes, the government expects smoother train operations and more efficient logistics.

The latest approval comes as Indian Railways continues to expand capacity on heavily used corridors. With additional tracks, passenger and freight trains can potentially operate with fewer conflicts on congested sections, improving the reliability of rail transportation. The ₹20,804-crore investment therefore represents a significant expansion of railway capacity, with the projects expected to strengthen connectivity and support economic activity across nine states once completed.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from TOI.

India has intensified its rescue, relief and forensic assistance to Nepal as the neighbouring country continues to grapple with the devastating impact of flash floods and landslides. An Indian joint technical team is continuing dewatering and slush-removal operations at a tunnel in the Chilime area of flood-hit Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in its latest update. Rescue personnel are using specialised techniques to clear the affected tunnel, but difficult terrain and restricted access have made the operation challenging.

The slope inside the tunnel and limited entry points are preventing rescue teams from using heavy equipment effectively. To address the problem, construction of a temporary access route is underway. The pathway is being developed to allow heavy machinery to reach the tunnel and support the clearance operation. According to the MEA, the temporary route is expected to be completed within the next two to three days.

At the same time, India's forensic team in Kathmandu is making progress in the identification of victims. The experts are processing more than 1,400 DNA samples and have so far generated 378 DNA profiles. The forensic exercise is aimed at helping authorities identify victims and provide answers to families whose relatives remain missing following the disaster. India has also expanded its humanitarian assistance to Nepal. The MEA said 95 tonnes of emergency relief supplies have already been transported to Nepal aboard seven aircraft. Additional relief material is expected to be sent as required.

Speaking at a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had responded quickly to the disaster because of its close relationship with Nepal. He said New Delhi would continue supporting Nepal's rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts based on the country's requirements. Indian specialists, including forensic experts and tunnel rescue personnel, are currently working alongside Nepali authorities on the ground. The assistance is not limited to supplies, with specialised teams providing technical expertise during rescue and victim-identification operations.

The disaster has also left several Indian nationals unaccounted for. According to the MEA, 275 Indian citizens are currently reported missing. This figure includes 49 people who went missing on the Chinese side of the border. So far, 169 Indian nationals have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate those still missing. The scale of the disaster is reflected in figures released by Nepal Police. Data compiled up to 8 PM on Tuesday showed that 1,366 casualties had been recorded, while 4,077 people remained missing. The recovered victims included 533 men, 339 women and 502 partial human remains.

Of the bodies recovered, authorities have identified and handed over 102 to their families for final rites. Another 1,147 bodies have been buried according to forensic procedures designed to protect unidentified remains and preserve the possibility of future identification. The missing-person figures include both Nepalese citizens and foreign nationals. Nepal Police said 3,469 Nepalese citizens were still missing, including 2,907 men and 562 women. Another 598 foreign nationals were listed as missing, comprising 269 men and 329 women.

Rescue operations have meanwhile continued across affected areas. Nepal Police said 9,254 people had either been rescued or received assistance after being injured. The figure includes 6,380 men, 2,824 women and 50 unidentified cases. Around 3,030 displaced people are currently staying at designated holding and relief centres. DNA collection has become a key part of the ongoing identification effort. Authorities have collected 2,698 samples, including 1,286 samples from deceased victims and 1,412 samples from relatives searching for missing family members. Information, including photographs and profiles of 1,310 unidentified victims, has also been uploaded to an official website to help families identify their relatives.

The emergency response has involved thousands of personnel. Nepal Police has deployed 7,975 personnel across the affected areas, while 65 police personnel have themselves been affected by the disaster. Another 25 officers remain unaccounted for. Alongside rescue and relief work, police teams have conducted 158 public awareness and disaster preparedness programmes involving more than 43,900 people. These efforts are aimed at helping communities understand emergency procedures and respond more effectively to ongoing risks.

India has also urged families of Indian nationals who remain missing in China following the August 26 mudslide and flash floods to provide DNA samples. The samples are expected to assist forensic teams in comparing genetic profiles and establishing the identities of victims. With rescue teams facing difficult terrain, forensic experts working to identify victims and thousands of people still reported missing, the humanitarian situation remains serious. India's continued supply of emergency material and deployment of specialised technical teams are expected to support Nepal's efforts as it moves from immediate rescue operations towards relief and eventual reconstruction.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Singapore is set to increase the salaries of its political officeholders by as much as 9 per cent, marking the first adjustment to ministerial pay in 15 years. The move has renewed debate over how Singapore determines compensation for its political leaders, including whether salaries should continue to be linked to earnings among the country’s highest-paid private-sector professionals. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman explore the principles behind Singapore’s political pay framework and the broader question of how public service should be valued. They also discuss the issue with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU).

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

As floods continue to affect communities across Nepal and Tibet, the Red Cross is assessing the urgent humanitarian needs, efforts to locate missing people and the difficulties involved in delivering assistance to hard-hit areas. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman also examine how the Singapore Red Cross’s S$50,000 humanitarian contribution will aid relief operations, the circumstances that could lead to a deployment in Nepal and how members of the public in Singapore can support the response. They discuss these issues with Benjamin William, Secretary General and CEO of the Singapore Red Cross.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Singapore’s prison population is ageing, with one in six inmates now aged 60 or above, compared with one in 10 in 2019. Daniel Martin spoke with Quentin Lee, Assistant Director and Lead Psychologist at the Singapore Prison Service’s Psychological and Correctional Rehabilitation Division, who is part of a National Committee sub-group focused on preventing offending and re-offending among older adults. They explored the factors driving the rise in elderly inmates and examined the support needed to help older offenders and ex-offenders break the cycle of crime and reintegration into society.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Rescue teams in Japan have continued their search operations overnight as they race to find survivors following a powerful earthquake that struck Kyushu Island. Several people remain unaccounted for after the 7.1-magnitude quake caused buildings to collapse, with many feared trapped beneath the debris of a shopping centre. CNA Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida joins Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman to provide the latest updates on the rescue efforts and situation on the ground.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.