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Actor Hassan Ahmed opens up about his kidnapping ordeal

Actor Hassan Ahmed

KARACHI: Pakistani actor and model Hassan Ahmed recently shared the harrowing details of his kidnapping during an appearance on a private TV show. The host inquired about his career, personal life, and the shocking incident.

Hassan revealed, “One night after finishing a shoot, I was heading home and stopped at an ATM. Suddenly, 5 to 6 men forcibly put me in my own car and took me to an empty plot in Defence. They parked my car, transferred me and my belongings to their vehicle, made me lie on the car floor, covered me with a cloth, and sat on me.”

He added that the kidnappers later bound him with chains, only loosening them briefly for meals or bathroom breaks. “I was held captive for 35 days until a ransom was negotiated. When the CPLC got involved, a raid was conducted on the night of ransom collection, but I wasn’t present. During the operation, some money fell from the kidnappers’ hands, and one accomplice was arrested while the main kidnapper escaped,” he said.

Hassan continued, “The next morning, a man without a mask came to me, claiming he was not involved in the kidnapping but only lent his car, and then he released me. After 35 days, I finally saw daylight.”

Reflecting on the aftermath, he shared, “My mental state was so fragile that when I returned home, I broke down in tears, apologizing even to household staff. To this day, I don’t know if the kidnappers were caught.”

China unveils AI capsule for quick and easy gastrointestinal diagnostics

China unveils

China has developed an innovative AI-powered capsule that can diagnose stomach and intestinal diseases in just 8 minutes, eliminating the need for traditional endoscopies and tests.

The capsule, priced at $280, has already been successfully tested on thousands of patients, delivering highly accurate results.

In a related technological breakthrough, 14-year-old Indian prodigy Sidharth Nandiyala from Dallas, Texas, has created an AI-powered smartphone app called Circadian AI. The app can detect cardiovascular issues in just seven seconds using sound-based analysis, potentially saving countless lives.

Reports indicate that Sidharth is the world’s youngest AI professional, holding certifications from Oracle and ARM. Circadian AI uses advanced algorithms to analyze heart sounds and provide instant diagnosis. The app has been tested on over 15,000 patients in the U.S. and 700 patients in India, demonstrating 96% accuracy.

Following a meeting with Sidharth, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised his exceptional talent and dedication to leveraging technology for humanity, encouraging him to continue advancing healthcare innovations.

Sidharth, who completed his school education at Lalar Middle School in Texas and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Texas, Dallas, stated that his goal is to bring diagnostic tools to communities with limited medical access, where rapid detection can save lives.

These advancements—from China’s AI diagnostic capsule to Sidharth’s Circadian AI app—signal a new era in non-invasive, rapid, and accurate medical diagnostics.

New oral drug shows promising results in reducing LDL cholesterol

New oral drug

A recent medical study has demonstrated remarkable results for an oral medication that effectively reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by nearly 60% in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and highlighted by MedicalXpress, evaluated the experimental drug Enlicitide, developed by the U.S.-based company Merck.

Enlicitide is part of the advanced class of PCSK9 inhibitors, which traditionally are administered via injections. For the first time, the treatment has been formulated as a pill, offering a more convenient alternative to injections.

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in a single gene, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people.

This mutation impairs the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, leading to its accumulation in arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Although statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications exist, many patients—especially those with hereditary forms of the disease—struggle to achieve target LDL levels.

Enlicitide works by binding to PCSK9 proteins in the blood, preventing them from breaking down liver receptors responsible for clearing LDL cholesterol.

By protecting these receptors, the drug enhances their activity, allowing the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and significantly lowering overall levels.

This oral formulation could mark a major advancement in the treatment of hereditary high cholesterol, offering patients an effective, needle-free alternative.

England all out for 172 in first Ashes Test amid Starc onslaught

England

PERTH: In the first Ashes Test, Mitchell Starc’s devastating bowling dismantled England, restricting them to 172 runs and sending the entire team back to the pavilion.

England captain Ben Stokes’ surprising decision to bat first left experts stunned as his side struggled from the outset. The visitors lost their first wicket in the very first over, with Zak Crawley dismissed for zero by Starc.

Starc continued his dominance, claiming Ben Duckett for 21 in the seventh over and Joe Root for a duck in the ninth. Although Ollie Pope and Harry Brook offered some resistance, Pope fell for 46 runs before lunch at 94/4.

By the interval, England stood at 105/4, but subsequent wickets tumbled quickly, and the team was bowled out for 172 runs. Starc finished with an outstanding haul of seven wickets, while Brendon Doggett took two and Cameron Green claimed one.

Australia’s playing XI included captain Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Jack Wildermuth, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendon Doggett, and Scott Boland.

Illegal migrants in UK to wait 30 years for permanent residency

Illegal migrants

LONDON: The United Kingdom(UK) has announced major changes to its immigration rules following a revision of its asylum policy, significantly extending the timeline for obtaining permanent residency.

Under the new proposals, immigrants who arrive legally in the UK may have to wait up to 20 years for permanent residency, while those entering illegally could face a wait of up to 30 years.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing Parliament, said that applicants seeking permanent residency must meet strict requirements: they must have no criminal record, demonstrate A-Level standard English proficiency, and must not owe any debt within the country. The revised rules will also apply to individuals already living in the UK.

According to the proposed framework, the settlement period will vary based on category. Mahmood stated that the minimum residence requirement before applying for settlement will increase from five years to ten years for most categories.

However, doctors and nurses serving within the NHS will remain eligible to apply after five years, while highly skilled individuals may qualify through a fast-track route, and high-income professionals or entrepreneurs may apply after three years.

Shabana Mahmood said her aim is to replace the UK’s “broken immigration system” with one that is fair and focused on integration, adding that her own parents migrated to Britain in search of a better life before becoming citizens.

Paris unveils Princess Diana’s wax figure in ‘Revenge Dress’

Paris unveils

PARIS: : Nearly 28 years after her tragic death, Princess Diana has become part of the Paris cultural landscape as the Grévin Museum unveiled her wax figure.

The museum presented the late Princess in her iconic “revenge dress,” recreating one of her most memorable public appearances.

According to museum officials, a meeting had originally been scheduled with Princess Diana in 1996 to design her wax statue, but the plan was shelved following her fatal car crash in Paris in 1997.

Princess Diana married Britain’s Prince Charles in July 1981 in what was widely described as the “wedding of the century.” However, the couple formally divorced in August 1996.

Fatal boiler explosion in Faisalabad raises death toll to 15

boiler explosion

FAISALABAD: At least 13 people, including minors and women, were killed when a boiler exploded at a chemical factory in Faisalabad’s Malikpur area, triggering widespread sorrow and alarm.

A devastating incident occurred in the Malakpur area where a boiler explosion in a chemical factory claimed 13 lives and left several others injured.

The powerful blast triggered a massive fire, causing the factory to collapse entirely, while roofs of nearby houses also caved in due to the impact.

Rescue officials said that emergency operations are underway. So far, 11 bodies have been recovered, while two injured person succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Several others were pulled out with injuries and shifted to medical facilities for treatment.

According to rescue teams, debris removal is in progress, and there are fears that more people may still be trapped under the rubble of the factory and nearby homes.

Deputy Commissioner(DC) Faisalabad, Nadeem Nasir, is supervising the rescue and relief efforts.

PSL announces auction date for two new franchises

PSL announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to enter a new phase of expansion, with the auction for two additional teams scheduled for January 6, 2026.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has crossed a major milestone in the league’s growth, announcing a shortlist of six potential cities for the new franchises. The shortlisted cities include Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

According to the PCB, only technically qualified bidders will be eligible to participate in the auction for the two new teams.

Commenting on the development, PSL Chief Executive Salman Naseer said the Pakistan Super League continues to evolve as a global T20 brand, with expansion marking an important step in its journey.

Aleema Khan appears in court following 11 non-bailable warrants

Aleema Khan

RAWALPINDI: Aleema Khan, sister of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, appeared in an anti-terrorism court(ATC) in Rawalpindi after 11 non-bailable arrest warrants were issued against her.

The hearing, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, concerned a case registered at Sadiqabad Police Station over the November 26 protest. Aleema Khan and other accused face charges including inciting violent protests, arson, and obstructing government officials.

In previous hearings, the court froze 37 of Aleema Khan’s bank accounts due to her repeated absences and cancelled her bail bonds. NADRA officials informed the court that her passport and national ID had been blocked, while the Punjab Revenue Board presented details of her properties.

The case continues as authorities investigate the role of Alima Khan and other participants in the November 26 protests.

Australia announces playing XI for first Ashes Test against England

Australia announces

PERTH: Australia has confirmed its playing XI for the first Ashes Test, with Steve Smith set to captain the side.

The lineup features seasoned players including Smith, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc. Test debutants Brandon Doggett and Jack Wagerald will also make their first appearances. Nathan Lyon, Brandon Doggett, and Scott Boland complete the squad.

England’s squad for the Ashes opener

England has also announced a 12-man squad for the first Test, which begins at 02:20 GMT on Friday. Captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum may confirm the final XI at the toss.Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood

England’s selection strategy under Stokes and McCullum often involves finalizing the XI close to the toss, so fans can expect last-minute confirmations.

Meanwhile, former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has stepped down from the Ashes commentary panel ahead of the series.

The first Ashes Test between Australia and England is scheduled to begin tomorrow in Perth.