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Olympian turned Fugitive: Ryan Wedding joins FBI’s most wanted list

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Olympian turned Fugitive

Ryan James Wedding, a Canadian national currently living in Mexico, is a former Olympic snowboarder who represented Canada in the giant slalom event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following his athletic career, Wedding became involved in transnational drug trafficking.

He is alleged to lead a sophisticated international criminal organization responsible for sourcing and transporting cocaine from South America to both the United States and Canada.

After an extensive investigation spanning North America, Wedding was charged in June 2024 in California’s Central District with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to possess, distribute, and export cocaine.

Ryan Wedding, wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly leading a multinational drug trafficking network, is now facing additional charges related to the murder of a federal witness, U.S. Attorney-General Pam Bondi announced.

Ten other individuals have been arrested in connection with the federal indictment unsealed in California, which accuses Wedding of orchestrating the January killing of a witness in Colombia to avoid extradition to the United States.

The FBI has placed Wedding on its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list and is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. Authorities believe he is currently hiding in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa cartel, collaborating to traffic large quantities of drugs into Canada and the U.S.

“Whether you are a street-level drug dealer or an international drug kingpin, we are coming for you,” Bondi said. “We will find you, and you will be held accountable for your crimes.”

Wedding, also known by aliases including El Jefe, Public Enemy, and James Conrad King, was charged in 2024 with running a drug operation responsible for moving approximately 60 tons of cocaine annually. The drugs were allegedly transported using long-haul trucks between Colombia, Mexico, southern California, and Canada.

Authorities claim Wedding and his alleged co-conspirators used a Canadian website called “The Dirty News” to post a photograph of the witness, allowing him to be identified and ultimately killed. The victim was shot in the head at a restaurant in Medellín, Colombia, in January.

“Wedding placed a bounty on the victim’s head under the false belief that killing him would result in the dismissal of criminal charges and prevent his extradition to the United States,” said Bill Essayli, lead federal prosecutor for California’s Central District. “He was wrong.”

The U.S. government is also offering rewards of up to $2 million for information leading to the capture of others involved in the witness killing.

Emotional reunion of veteran actors Uzma Gillani and Sohail Ahmed wins hearts

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Emotional reunion

LAHORE: Senior and renowned Pakistani television actress Uzma Gillani shared an emotional reunion with veteran actor Sohail Ahmed, captivating fans across social media.

Uzma Gillani, who has been residing in Australia for several decades, is currently visiting Pakistan and has been reconnecting with old colleagues and friends.

 During her visit, she met Sohail Ahmed at Radio Pakistan Lahore, where both artists were visibly moved, embracing each other with tears in their eyes.

Recalling a fond memory, Uzma Gillani shared that during an earlier event, Sohail Ahmed had approached her, held her hand, and insisted she join him upstairs instead of remaining seated among the guests.

Fans have expressed immense admiration for the heartfelt encounter on social media. One user commented, “Uzma Gillani is a symbol of grace and beauty,” while another wrote, “She should visit Pakistan every year—the respect she receives here is remarkable.” Many hailed her as a true star of the Pakistani entertainment industry.

IMF report highlights institutional corruption challenges in Pakistan

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IMF

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a governance and corruption report on Pakistan, flagging ongoing concerns over systemic corruption and inefficiency across key public institutions.

The report calls for the immediate implementation of a 15-point reform agenda, which the IMF says could boost Pakistan’s economy by 5 to 6.5 percent.

The report recommends eliminating special privileges in government contracts, enhancing transparency in State Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) decisions, and strengthening parliamentary oversight of the government’s financial powers.

 It also emphasizes the need for reforms in anti-corruption agencies, greater accountability in policy-making, and more transparency in implementation to achieve significant economic benefits.

According to the IMF, Pakistan’s tax system suffers from complexity, weak administration, and poor oversight, contributing to corruption. Judicial delays and procedural inefficiencies further hinder economic activity. The IMF has urged the SIFC to publish annual reports promptly and recommended that all government procurement be integrated into an e-governance system within 12 months.

The report highlights gaps in fiscal transparency, including reduced tax-to-GDP ratios, large budgetary variances, and preferential allocation of development funds influenced by bureaucracy. It notes that from January 2023 to December 2024, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recovered PKR 5.3 trillion, representing only a fraction of the economic losses caused by corruption.

The IMF also criticized discretionary policy decisions, such as the PTI government’s 2019 approval of sugar exports, for benefiting elite interests at the expense of broader economic growth.

The IMF further stated that citizens frequently make additional payments to access public services, while political and economic elites capture state policies, obstructing development. Weak continuity and perceived bias in anti-corruption policies have eroded public trust, while deficiencies in budget management and procurement systems exacerbate corruption risks.

Government enterprises suffer losses due to corruption, and excessive regulations constrain the performance of tax and customs officials. Regulatory bottlenecks and reliance on court decisions delay economic progress.

The report underscores that anti-corruption efforts in Pakistan have so far been insufficient and highlights challenges in institutional capacity, technical expertise in ministries, and fragmented governance structures.

The IMF also noted progress in meeting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) objectives but highlighted slow implementation of sanctions and inadequate prosecution of money laundering cases. Attempts to curb public spending and strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms have seen limited success, with many government functions performed on temporary or ad-hoc arrangements.

Overall, the IMF report stresses that comprehensive reforms in governance, transparency, taxation, judicial efficiency, and anti-corruption institutions are crucial for Pakistan to achieve sustainable economic growth.

Dubai Intl Airport welcomes 3.2m Pakistani passengers in 9 months

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Dubai Intl Airport

DUBAI: Dubai International Airport (DXB) has announced passenger statistics for the current year, revealing that it welcomed 3.2 million Pakistani travelers during the first nine months of 2025.

Officials stated that Pakistan ranked fourth among the top nationalities using the airport. Pakistani passengers primarily travel to Dubai for tourism, business, family visits, employment opportunities, and as a transit point to Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Dubai Airport serves as a key hub for travel between Pakistan and the UAE.

From July to September, DXB handled 24.2 million passengers, marking a 1.9% increase compared to the same period last year, reaching the highest quarterly traffic in its 65-year history. From January to September, total passenger traffic reached 70.1 million, up 2.1% year-on-year. Over the past 12 months, Dubai Airport recorded a new annual high of 93.8 million passengers.

In comparison, India led with 8.8 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia with 5.5 million, and the United Kingdom with 4.6 million.

The airport maintained high efficiency, with 99.6% of departing passengers completing immigration in under 10 minutes, while 99.8% of arriving passengers were processed within 15 minutes.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, especially from South Asia, expansions at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are underway to enhance capacity and improve services.

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim sores century in 100th Test match

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Mushfiqur Rahim

DHAKA: Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring a century in his 100th Test match.

Rahim is the first Bangladeshi cricketer to reach 100 Test appearances and was playing his landmark match against Ireland in Mirpur, Dhaka.

He completed his century on the second day of the second Test, marking the 13th century of his illustrious career.

With this feat, Mushfiqur Rahim became the 11th cricketer in the world to score a century in his 100th Test match, cementing his place among cricketing greats.

Security forces eliminate 23 India-backed terrorists in Kurram

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Security forces eliminated 23 members of the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij outfit in various operations across Kurram district.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), on 19 November 2025, twenty three khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna Al Khwarij were killed in two separate engagements in Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

On reported presence of Khwarij, a targeted operation was conducted by the security forces. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, twelve khwarij were sent to hell.

Capitalising on intelligence with respect to presence of another group of khwarij, in same general area, in another intelligence based operation, own troops successfully neutralized eleven more khwarij.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Arshad Nadeem wins gold at Islamic Solidarity Games

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Arshad Nadeem

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem clinched the gold medal while compatriot Yasir Sultan secured the silver in the javelin throw competition at the Islamic Solidarity Games held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Both Pakistani athletes delivered impressive performances. Arshad Nadeem recorded throws of 75.44m in his first attempt, 83.05m in his second, 82.48m in the third, and 77.06m in his fourth attempt.

Arshad sealed the gold with his 83.05m throw, while Yasir Sultan earned the silver medal with a throw of 76.04m. Nigeria’s Samuel Adams claimed the bronze with a throw of 76.01m.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated Arshad Nadeem on his gold-medal victory, stating that the star athlete had once again made Pakistan proud on the international stage.

Arshad Nadeem has previously won gold medals at the Olympics and Asian Championships, further solidifying his status as one of Pakistan’s top athletes.

Where in Pakistan are Pine Nuts selling for just Rs 3,000 per Kg?

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Pine Nuts

KARACHI: With the arrival of winter, dry fruit prices typically rise, yet one of the most expensive nuts—pine nuts—has surprisingly dropped to just Rs 3,000 per kilogram.

Dry fruits are among nature’s finest gifts, consumed throughout the year but especially popular during winter due to their nutritional value. Among the favourites are peanuts, dried apricots, dates, figs, raisins and several others.

However, the most sought-after and traditionally expensive dry fruit has always been pine nuts, often considered out of reach for many middle-income households.

In recent years, pine nuts have largely disappeared from roadside stalls due to their skyrocketing prices. This flavourful delicacy has been sold for as high as Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,000 per kilogram.

But there is good news this season. Pine nuts are being sold for just Rs 3,000 per kilogram—bringing them within the purchasing power of the middle class once again.

However, this reduced price is not widespread. The cheaper pine nuts are currently available only in the Wana Bazaar area of South Waziristan (Lower).

Local shopkeepers say the same pine nuts were sold for Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per kilogram last year in their region. This year, a larger crop yield has led to a significant drop in prices.

UK car theft hits 119,000 as thieves exploit keyless systems

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UK car

LONDON: More than 119,000 cars were reported stolen in the United Kingdom in 2024, averaging nearly 320 vehicles per day, according to international news agencies.

Authorities attribute the surge largely to modern keyless car technology, which allows thieves to intercept electronic signals and steal vehicles within minutes using specialized devices.

In response, the UK government has introduced stricter laws. Possessing or sharing such electronic devices is now considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.

The rise in vehicle theft has sparked concerns among car owners, prompting calls for enhanced security measures and public awareness campaigns regarding keyless entry vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile,  UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that 257,000 British citizens left the country in 2024.

Media reports indicate that the UK’s net migration last year was 20% lower than expected, with December 2024 figures dropping to 34,500.

Previously, net migration estimates were based on international passenger surveys, but the ONS now uses revised calculations derived from Department for Work and Pensions data.

The report also highlighted an increase in citizens returning to the UK, with the number of returnees reaching 143,000.

Experts say the trends reflect changing migration patterns and could influence future policymaking regarding workforce, social services, and residency planning.

Shah Rukh Khan shares childlike approach to life and longevity

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Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan says he still makes wishes with the innocence of a child and often jokes that he will live for 200 to 250 years.

Indian media shared a video trending on Reddit and other social platforms in which filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan tells Shah Rukh that an old interview clip of his has resurfaced online.

 In that interview, the host had asked him whether his stardom would eventually fade, to which SRK confidently replied that he would remain a star for the next 100 years.

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A post shared by Shah Rukh Khan Universe (@srkuniversefc)

Commenting on the viral clip, Farah said Shah Rukh had spoken those words with such certainty that “it felt like whatever he says manifests into reality.”

Responding with a smile, Shah Rukh referenced the manifestation idea from his 2007 film Om Shanti Om. He said, “I make any wish like a child. Even though I know I am 60 years old, I still express my desires with innocence and believe they will come true.”

Explaining further, he joked, “If someone asks me how long I will live, I say I’ll live till 200 or 250.”