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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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Marble Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp boiling water


Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Divide the batter into two bowls. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth, then add to one of the bowls of batter and mix until well combined.

6. Spoon the batters alternately into the prepared loaf pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.

7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.


Enjoy your homemade marble cake! 

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