US President Donald Trump has announced that he will “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries”, asserting that the move is necessary for the United States to “recover” and “heal”. His remarks were delivered in a Thanksgiving post, where he sharply criticised the Biden administration’s immigration policies and outlined sweeping measures aimed at restricting migration and removing non-citizens who, he says, do not contribute to the country.

Trump said he intends to reverse what he described as “illegal admissions”, end federal benefits for non-citizens, and strip citizenship from migrants who pose security concerns. He also reiterated plans to deport individuals he considers a “public charge” or “non-compatible with Western Civilization”.

The statement came shortly after two members of the National Guard were shot near the White House, an attack Trump called an “act of terror”.

One National Guard member dies after Washington shooting

Trump confirmed that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, one of the two West Virginia National Guard soldiers shot near Farragut West Metro station on Wednesday, died of her injuries. The ambush occurred while Trump was in Florida.

The alleged shooter was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021, according to enforcement officials.

‘Reverse migration’ needed, says Trump

In his post, Trump said his actions aim to significantly reduce “illegal and disruptive populations”, adding that only “reverse migration” can address the current situation. He accused the Biden administration of admitting migrants through an “unauthorized and illegal” approval process.

Concluding his message, he wished Americans a Happy Thanksgiving but added that those who “hate, steal, murder, and destroy” would “not be here for long”.

Attacks on foreign populations and Minnesota officials

Trump also targeted Somali refugees in Minnesota, alleging that gangs from the community are creating fear on the streets. He accused the Minnesota Governor of failing to address the situation due to “fear or incompetence”.

He further criticised Ilhan Omar, accusing her of complaining about the US despite her origins in a “crime ridden” nation.

Comments on America’s foreign-born population

Citing Census estimates, Trump claimed that the US foreign-born population stood at 53 million, alleging that “most are on welfare” or come from “failed nations” or criminal backgrounds. He said American citizens continue to support this population despite personal discomfort.

Three sisters of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan have alleged that they were manhandled by police outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail after they gathered to seek a meeting with the jailed leader. Their claim comes at a time when rumours about Khan’s death in prison have been circulating on social media, prompting renewed concerns over his health and the restrictions placed on his visitors.

Sisters claim denial of meeting, allege “brutal” assault

Khan’s sisters — Noreen Khan, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan — said they were not permitted to meet him for over three weeks, despite repeated attempts. According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), their supporters were also present outside the jail when police allegedly used force to disperse them.

In a letter to Punjab police chief Usman Anwar, Noreen Niazi said the group had gathered peacefully without blocking traffic or engaging in unlawful activity. She claimed that streetlights were switched off before police personnel moved in and assaulted those present.
She alleged she was dragged by her hair, thrown to the ground and injured, while other women were slapped and pulled away from the site. The sisters demanded immediate action against the officials involved.

PTI alleges isolation of the former PM in jail

Imran Khan, imprisoned since August 2023 in multiple cases, is currently held in isolation, the party claimed. PTI representatives said he is being denied access to books, essential items and even legal consultation. A lawyer from his legal team stated that meetings have been blocked for over a month, adding that even Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was denied permission despite several attempts.

Rumours of Khan’s death in custody, widely circulated online in recent days, have heightened concerns among supporters, prompting renewed demands for clarity on his well-being.

Firefighters in Hong Kong continued to battle a massive blaze on Thursday after a fire tore through multiple high-rise residential towers, claiming at least 44 lives and leaving hundreds unaccounted for. Police have arrested three men for allegedly allowing flammable materials to remain at the site, triggering what authorities described as a rapid, uncontrollable spread of the inferno.

Blaze engulfs high-rise complex, residents trapped

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon across several 31-storey buildings of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which was undergoing large-scale repair work. Bamboo scaffolding around the structures caught fire first, leading to intense flames, thick smoke and falling debris.
Residents described chaotic scenes as many elderly occupants were unable to move quickly, and some flats had windows sealed due to ongoing maintenance work.

Police make arrests as probe deepens

According to officials, investigators believe maintenance-related foam packaging left on-site acted as fuel. Police said the three arrested individuals “acted with gross negligence.”
Officers searched locations in another neighbourhood, seizing documents related to the case.

Firefighters struggle to reach trapped residents

Authorities reported that extreme heat inside parts of the complex made rescue operations difficult. Some floors remained inaccessible despite repeated attempts by firefighters.

Among the victims was a 37-year-old firefighter who lost contact during operations and was later found with severe burns. Authorities also confirmed that 56 injured people were hospitalised, including many in critical or serious condition.

Hundreds missing; shelters set up

Chief Executive John Lee said early on Thursday that 279 people were initially unaccounted for, though some have since been contacted. More than 900 residents took shelter in temporary facilities overnight.

Surrounding buildings were evacuated and sections of a nearby highway were closed as the fire continued to burn.

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to the victims, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty.