Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Asif calls PoK protesters enemies amid deadly clashes

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif said during a televised interview that demonstrators in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK) are “enemies of Pakistan, like India,” and ruled out any dialogue with them. The remarks came as security forces clashed with protestors who are marching against the allocation of twelve refugee seats in the PoK assembly.

Media reports cite varying casualty figures, with at least 14 deaths reported in one account and up to 32 protesters killed in another, along with dozens of injuries. Protesters, organised by the Joint Avami Action Committee (JAAC), claim the security forces opened fire without provocation, while authorities allege the demonstrators were armed. In response, the Pakistani administration imposed Section 144, deployed additional army, paramilitary and armed constabulary units, shut down internet services in parts of PoK, and tightened security across the region.