WorldTajikistan will release more than 11,300 prisoners and reduce the sentences of 6,733 others ahead of its 35th independence anniversary. The amnesty was announced in the official newspaper of parliament after President Emomali Rakhmon signed it into law.
WorldSri Lanka’s anti-graft commission has arrested Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a corruption case linked to his naval career. Authorities say the case involves his recruitment and state-funded training in Britain.
WorldGovernment employees in parts of Afghanistan have started switching off smartphones after a reported ban attributed to the supreme leader. The order, circulated in a letter under the Supreme Court emblem, applies to civilian and military staff.
PoliticsPML-N has completed about 90pc of its AJK ticket distribution, with around 38 candidates approved, according to a party leader. One major change was made in Kotli City, while six seats remain pending.
NATIONALPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the public will receive the benefits of government economic policies once regional peace is fully restored. He made the remarks in a meeting with PML-N women lawmakers during the budget session.
PoliticsThe National Dialogue Committee has demanded the resignations of the president and prime minister and called for a National Unity Government until fresh elections. Its leaders say the current administration has failed in governance, the economy, security and public welfare.
NATIONALPakistan and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to expand bilateral cooperation during a meeting between Chaudhry Salik Hussain and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. Skilled manpower was among the key areas discussed.
BusinessNEPRA will hold a hearing on June 30 on a CPPA request to increase electricity tariffs by Rs0.82 per unit under the monthly fuel cost adjustment. The proposed move could add around Rs12 billion to consumer bills nationwide.
NATIONALThe Supreme Court will hear a contempt appeal over alleged non-implementation of earlier orders on access to PTI founder Imran Khan. A separate application filed by his sister Uzma Khan is also fixed before a three-member bench.
WorldIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said trade talks with the US made significant progress after meeting President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in France. Trump said the two sides were very close to a deal.
Punjab has proposed fresh allocations for major Rawalpindi hospitals, medical institutions and specialised centres in the 2026-27 budget. However, three key public hospitals are still carrying around Rs2.20 billion in unpaid dues from the current fiscal year.
BusinessThe Senate Standing Committee on Finance has completed its review of the Finance Bill 2026-27 and approved recommendations for the upper house. The panel examined tax laws and broader reform proposals over five sittings.
