New Delhi: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered widespread controversy after defending the country’s crackdown on protesters in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the demonstrators as “enemies like India.” His remarks came as fresh violence in the Rawalakot region reportedly left at least 32 protesters dead over the past two days.
Speaking amid the ongoing unrest, Asif said he considers the protesters in what Pakistan refers to as Azad Kashmir to be in the same category as India, drawing sharp attention to Islamabad’s stance on the demonstrations.
The latest violence is part of a broader wave of unrest that has gripped PoK since June 5, with reports claiming that more than 90 people have lost their lives. Videos circulating on social media appear to show Pakistani security personnel firing at civilians in Mirpur and later loading bodies into official vehicles. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.
Many of those killed were reportedly associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an organisation that has been banned by Pakistani authorities. Among the victims was Usman Nazir, the younger brother of JAAC founding member Umar Nazir.
Additional videos shared online showed bodies lying on roads, damaged motorcycles, and residents fleeing amid gunfire. According to protesters, large crowds had gathered to demonstrate against alleged human rights violations and demand greater accountability from the authorities.
The Joint Awami Action Committee accused Pakistani forces of carrying out shelling and firing on peaceful protesters in Rawalakot and Mirpur. The group also criticised Pakistani media coverage of the unrest, rejecting reports that its members had attempted to forcibly enter Rawalakot. It maintained that the demonstrations were taking place in their own region and accused security forces of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.
The situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir remains highly tense, with protests continuing and concerns mounting over civilian safety and the use of force by security personnel.
