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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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Trudeau Announces GST Holiday and $250 Cheques to Ease Holiday Costs

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled a series of measures aimed at alleviating financial pressures for Canadians during the holiday season. The announcement includes a two-month GST holiday on select goods and services, as well as $250 cheques for many Canadians.

Starting December 14, 2024, and running through February 15, 2025, the GST holiday will apply to a variety of items, including prepared foods, restaurant meals, snacks, children’s clothing and footwear, toys, books, and Christmas trees. This initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to families and individuals facing high costs during the festive period.

In addition to the GST holiday, the federal government will issue $250 cheques to Canadians who earned up to $150,000 in 2023. These cheques, part of the “Working Canadians Rebate,” are expected to be distributed in early spring 2025.

Trudeau emphasized that these measures are intended to help Canadians manage their expenses during a time of year that can be particularly financially challenging. “For two months, Canadians are going to get a real break on everything they do,” he said at a media event in Newmarket, Ontario.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland added that the GST holiday and rebate are part of the government’s broader efforts to support Canadians as the country continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These initiatives are expected to save taxpayers an estimated $1.6 billion over the two-month period, providing significant relief to many households across the country.


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