The recent violent protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) highlight the growing economic disparities and exploitation of the local population. Despite attempts by Pakistan and Western media to downplay the severity of the protests, the unrest in Samahmi, Sehansa, Mirpur, Dadyal, Rawalkot, Khuiratta, Tattapani, and Hattian Bala indicates a rising tide of discontent.
Nearly half of households in the Inland Empire, encompassing Riverside and San Bernardino counties, are struggling to meet their basic expenses, according to a Census Bureau survey. The area has the highest proportion of respondents facing financial stress among the 15 largest US metro areas. One-third of households reported difficulties paying energy bills in the past year, and one in seven experienced food insecurity in the previous week. Despite a booming warehousing industry during the pandemic, the metro area has seen a recent slowdown and higher-than-average unemployment and inflation rates.
