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Evacuation in the Snow: Fears of Conflict Drive Mass Exodus from Pakistan’s Tirah Valley

Residents from Tirah valley, who fled a remote mountainous region bordering Afghanistan, gather to get themself registered, in Bara, Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan A wave of displacement is sweeping through northwest Pakistan as thousands of families flee the Tirah Valley after mosque loudspeakers warned residents of possible upcoming military action. The sudden announcements triggered a rapid and chaotic departure, with many families leaving in the middle of harsh winter conditions. Residents describe a tense atmosphere in the valley, where fears of renewed conflict between security forces and militant groups have been simmering for months. Entire communities have packed their belongings onto trucks, donkeys, and makeshift carts, heading toward safer towns such as Bara and Peshawar. Government officials insist that no military operation has been ordered and attribute the movement of people to seasonal migration patterns. Locals strongly dispute this, sayi...

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Shoppers Kept Spending This Holiday Season

 

  • Holiday Spending: U.S. retail sales increased by 3.1% from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, with a notable rise in last-minute shopping before Christmas.
  • Sales Breakdown: Online sales grew by 6.3%, while in-store sales saw a 2.2% increase. However, electronics and jewelry sales declined.
  • Economic Impact: Strong consumer spending, particularly on travel and dining, supported the U.S. economy in 2023 despite high interest rates.
  • Retailer Outlook: Retailers reported mixed results for the holiday season, with some experiencing steady sales and others noting a pullback in consumer spending.

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