Khawaja Asif Defends Killing of 32 PoK Protesters, Calls Them Enemies Like India

Pakistan Minister's Controversial Statement

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has sparked outrage after defending the killing of at least 32 protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking to the media, Asif labelled the demonstrators as 'enemies' and drew a direct comparison with India, stating that they are 'enemies like India'.

The minister's remarks came as authorities in PoK continued to face backlash over the deadly crackdown on protesters who were boycotting local elections. Asif ruled out any possibility of dialogue with the demonstrators, asserting that the state would not negotiate with those he described as anti-state elements.

Deadly Crackdown on Election Boycotters

The violence erupted when PoK security forces opened fire on crowds that had gathered to protest against the ongoing electoral process. At least 32 people were killed in the incident, with several others injured, according to reports from the region. The protesters were demanding an end to what they called a sham election and calling for self-determination.

Local witnesses described a chaotic scene as security personnel fired indiscriminately into the crowd. Hospitals in the region have been overwhelmed with the injured, though official figures remain unconfirmed. The Indian government has condemned the crackdown, with the Indian Embassy in the United States slamming foreign media outlets for referring to PoK as 'Pakistani Kashmir', terming it 'illegally occupied' territory.

Unravelling of Pakistan's Kashmir Narrative

The incident has further exposed the contradictions in Pakistan's longstanding narrative on Kashmir. For decades, Islamabad has projected itself as the champion of Kashmiri rights while simultaneously suppressing dissent in the regions it controls. Analysts point out that the killing of protesters by Pakistani forces undermines the country's claims of being a moral authority on the Kashmir issue.

Indian media outlets have been quick to highlight the hypocrisy, with The Hindu running a piece titled 'The unravelling of Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir'. The editorial noted that Islamabad's actions in PoK stand in stark contrast to its rhetoric about the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. The Indian government has consistently maintained that PoK is an integral part of India and is under illegal occupation by Pakistan.

No End in Sight

With Khawaja Asif ruling out any dialogue with the protesters, the situation in PoK remains tense. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers to prevent further demonstrations, but local reports suggest that anger is simmering beneath the surface. Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the killings, but Pakistan has dismissed such demands as interference in its internal affairs.

The coming days will be crucial as the international community watches how Islamabad handles the fallout. The incident has already drawn sharp criticism from India and human rights organisations, and any further escalation could deepen Pakistan's isolation on the global stage.