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Pakistan's Crackdown on Afghan Refugees: A Controversial Move

In recent weeks, Pakistan has intensified its efforts to arrest Afghan citizens residing in the country without proper documentation. This move has sparked significant controversy, with the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad accusing Pakistan of attempting to expel all Afghan refugees from its territory. The Afghan Embassy issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the short timeframe given by Pakistani authorities and the unilateral nature of their decision. The embassy claimed that Afghan nationals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been subjected to arrests, searches, and orders to leave the cities and relocate to other parts of Pakistan. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has dismissed these allegations, stating that the authorities are merely facilitating conditions for the swift return of Afghans to their home country. The ministry emphasized that Pakistan has long threatened to deport Afghans living in the country illegally. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently approved a March 31 dea...

Ecuador’s Trade Pivot: Noboa Imposes 27% Tariff on Mexican Imports

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has announced a 27% tariff on Mexican goods, a move aimed at ensuring fair treatment for domestic companies amid ongoing trade imbalances. Speaking on the social platform X, Noboa reiterated his openness to expanding trade and even signing a free trade agreement with Mexico—provided that current abuses are addressed. Until such an agreement is reached, the tariff will remain in effect.

The decision follows heightened diplomatic tensions that arose last year after relations between Ecuador and Mexico soured over a controversial raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest a former Ecuadorean vice president. The strained relationship has left Mexico’s economy ministry yet to comment on the new measure.

Notably, this announcement comes just days before Ecuador’s first-round general election, in which Noboa is seeking re-election. The tariff is seen as both a protective economic measure and a politically strategic move to appeal to local industries that have long argued for fairer trade practices.


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