Pakistan Defence Minister Faces Backlash After Calling PoK Protesters ‘Enemies Like India’ Amid Deadly Crackdown

Islamabad, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has drawn sharp attention after defending the security forces’ crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the demonstrators as “enemies like India” amid reports of heavy casualties during ongoing unrest in the region.

A video circulating on social media platform X shows Asif saying he considers the protesters “in the same category as India” and regards them as enemies. The remarks came as protests intensified across several parts of PoK following a long march organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

According to reports cited by the organisers, more than 40 people have been killed and hundreds injured during the unrest. Numerous videos shared on social media purportedly show Pakistani security personnel firing at protesters in Mirpur and Rawalakot. The footage also depicts bodies lying on roads and abandoned motorcycles, although the visuals have not been independently verified.

The JAAC alleged that security forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in multiple locations, including Rawalakot, and accused authorities of targeting young members of the Mirpur Awami Action Committee.

In a series of posts on X, the committee claimed that additional fatalities had occurred in Mirpur and said residents had taken to the streets in large numbers to protest alleged human rights abuses in the region. It further stated that the “Long March” caravans had reached Rawalakot and that at least 20 deaths had been confirmed based on the identities established so far, while noting that communication disruptions were hampering efforts to verify the full extent of casualties.

The protest march was launched after negotiations between the JAAC and Pakistani authorities reportedly failed to reach an agreement, prompting organisers to call for renewed public mobilisation.

The situation remains tense, with allegations of continued firing and shelling by security forces as demonstrations persist across parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.