Pakistan has lifted a four-day lockdown in Islamabad after intense protests demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan turned deadly, resulting in seven fatalities and numerous arrests as police dispersed the demonstrators led by Khan's wife.

In other international relations news, the United States faces global criticism for supplying land mines to Ukraine, receiving backlash at a conference in Cambodia, even as Ukrainian President Zelensky stressed their defensive necessity against Russia's aggression.

Meanwhile, in the economic sphere, Saudi Arabia experienced a substantial 178.6% surge in education spending amidst a general decline in consumer activities, marking it as the only sector to see an increase in the latest weekly financial report.

This development comes as Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Pakistan through an ambitious $2.8 billion strategic energy alliance, focusing on upgrading refineries and greenfield projects along with power grid connections, underscoring the growing partnership.

Turning to the oil market, prices have steadied amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with global eyes on the upcoming OPEC+ meeting, potentially delaying output increases due to a sharper-than-expected drop in US oil inventories.

Lastly, in a cultural collaboration, Saudi Arabia welcomes halal Kobe beef through Fam Foods' partnership with Japan's Kobe Beef Association, featuring a festive launch event and the announcement of a new premium restaurant in Riyadh, thereby bridging culinary connections between the two countries.