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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...

Tariff Truce, but Trade Tensions Linger

 

A temporary pause in U.S. tariffs has provided a brief respite for Canada, yet uncertainty continues to cloud North American trade relations. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay the 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports for 30 days—pending further border security and anti-drug measures—has momentarily stalled a looming trade war. However, Canadian officials and business leaders remain wary that this delay may only be a short intermission in a longer-term conflict.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has moved quickly by announcing initiatives such as a $1.3 billion border security plan, the appointment of a “fentanyl czar,” and the deployment of additional border personnel. Despite these measures, major Canadian unions and provincial leaders warn that the threat of reimposed tariffs could still jeopardize jobs and disrupt economic stability. Industries dependent on cross-border supply chains—from energy to manufacturing—are bracing for potential price increases and operational disruptions, with investors watching market responses closely.

While financial markets showed only a modest selloff after the announcement, many remain cautious about what future negotiations might bring. The administration’s focus on curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking has, for now, diverted immediate tariff implementation, but the possibility of renewed tariff action—potentially even extending to goods from the European Union—keeps uncertainty alive on both sides of the border.


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