Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered a fresh political storm after equating protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with India, defending the security forces’ action against demonstrators amid a violent crackdown that has intensified unrest in the region.
Speaking to a local television channel, Asif ruled out any possibility of negotiations with protesters and justified the government’s response, describing those demonstrating against Islamabad as enemies of the state.
“I put the protesters in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India,” Asif said, adding that those participating in the agitation should be treated as “enemies of Pakistan.”
His remarks came days after security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators during a protest march, an incident that has drawn widespread attention and further escalated tensions in the region.
Deadly Crackdown During Protest March
The violence erupted after thousands of supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) marched from Rawalkot towards Muzaffarabad, demanding the abolition of 12 reserved legislative assembly seats allocated for Kashmiri refugees.
The organisation argues that the reserved seats weaken the political rights of PoK residents and allow Islamabad-backed parties to influence government formation in the region. Protest leaders have maintained that only permanent residents of PoK should decide the composition of the local legislature.
According to JAAC, nearly 5,000 people were participating in what it described as a peaceful demonstration when security personnel allegedly opened fire.
The organisation claimed that at least 14 activists were killed, while more than two dozen others sustained injuries. Among those killed was Usman Nazir, the younger brother of JAAC founding member Umar Nazir.
JAAC accused Pakistani security forces of opening “unprovoked fire” on protesters.
Pakistani authorities, however, rejected those allegations, claiming that demonstrators were carrying sophisticated weapons and had attacked security personnel, forcing them to respond. These competing claims have not been independently verified.
Violence Deepens Political Crisis
The latest bloodshed has further intensified unrest across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where anti-government demonstrations have continued for weeks over political representation, governance and economic issues.
According to multiple reports, more than 80 people have lost their lives since the protests began on June 5, following repeated clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Residents have been protesting against rising inflation, soaring prices of essential commodities, electricity shortages and what they describe as administrative neglect. Over time, the agitation has expanded into a broader movement demanding greater political rights and accountability from Islamabad.
India Rejects PoK Elections
The security crackdown coincided with Pakistan’s first phase of elections for the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The polling process witnessed reports of clashes, alleged ballot box looting and accusations of electoral irregularities despite heavy security deployment.
Responding to the developments, India dismissed the election exercise as an attempt to legitimise Pakistan’s control over the territory.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the electoral process could not alter India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir.
“The current cosmetic electoral exercise is nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region,” he said.
Reiterating India’s long-standing position, Jaiswal added:
“India’s position on this matter has been clear, consistent, and well known. The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including the areas currently under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India.”
He further linked the continuing protests in PoK to longstanding economic hardship and political dissatisfaction.
“As we have stated earlier, the ongoing mass protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the direct consequences of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, its denial of the people’s fundamental rights, and its administrative oppression,” Jaiswal said.
