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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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Bank of Canada Poised to Cut Interest Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty

                                                

The Bank of Canada is expected to cut interest rates next week as the looming threat of tariffs from the United States continues to cast a shadow over the Canadian economy. With newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada, the central bank is considering a 25-basis-point rate cut to mitigate potential economic damage.

Despite recent positive economic indicators, such as a 2% growth in the fourth quarter and the addition of 91,000 jobs in December, the uncertainty surrounding trade relations with the U.S. has prompted the Bank to take a cautious approach. The inflation rate, which slowed to 1.8% in December, is also a factor in the decision-making process, although core inflation measures remain high.

Economists are divided on the necessity of the rate cut, with some arguing that the central bank should hold off to maintain flexibility in the face of ongoing economic challenges. However, the prevailing sentiment is that the potential impact of tariffs outweighs other considerations, and a rate cut is the most prudent course of action.

The Bank of Canada's decision will be closely watched by markets and businesses alike, as it will have significant implications for borrowing costs and economic growth in the coming months.



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