Pakistan Minister Labels PoK Protesters Enemies Like India
- pradeep
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered controversy after reportedly describing protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as “enemies like India” amid deadly unrest in the region.
According to Amnesty International, at least 40 people including 34 civilians and six security personnel have been killed in the latest cycle of violence. The unrest has centred around Rawalakot and other parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Minister Rules Out Talks
A video circulating on social media reportedly shows Khawaja Asif saying that the Pakistan government would not negotiate with the protesters because he considered them to be in the same category as India.
However, Hindustan Times stated that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Protests Amid Regional Elections
The protests have erupted during the constitutional assembly elections in the region, which began on Monday and are scheduled to continue in phases until August 10.
Reports suggested low voter turnout during the first phase of polling in Mirpur, as demonstrations and violence overshadowed the election process.
Pakistan Alleges Militants Joined Protests
Pakistani officials accused the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee of attempting to disrupt the elections. Authorities also claimed that armed militants had joined the demonstrations and that the protests were no longer peaceful.
Officials said action would be taken to restore order and ensure the continuation of the election process.
Amnesty Demands Independent Investigation
Amnesty International called for an independent and transparent investigation into reports that security forces used lethal force against protesters.
The human-rights organisation also urged Pakistani authorities to restore communication services and allow journalists and independent observers access to the affected areas. It warned that the ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee should not be used to justify deadly violence or arbitrary detentions.