• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Pak Defence Minister questions PoK residents' Kashmiri identity.
  2. Remarks spark outrage amid ongoing PoK protests.
  3. MEA condemns Pakistan's exploitation, human rights abuses.

A controversy has broken out after Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made remarks about people living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid ongoing protests in the region. His statement has been widely circulated on social media and comes at a time when protestors have been accusing the Pakistani government of failing them.

Khawaja Asif’s remarks trigger controversy

In the viral video, Asif appeared to question the identity of people protesting in the region. One of his remarks, “You’re not Kashmiris,” has become the main focus of criticism. He stated that he doesn’t consider people from areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur as “real Kashmiris.” He pointed to the fact that many residents in these regions do not speak traditional Kashmiri and instead use languages such as Pothwari.

Many commentators have pointed out that his statement ignores the real concerns of local residents and adds to their frustration instead of addressing their issues. UK’s Liberal Democrat peer Lord Lord Shaffaq Mohammed also condemned Khawaja’s remarks and demanded an apology from the Pakistani government.

PoK protests continue

PoK has seen several protests in recent months over high electricity bills, rising prices, and governance-related problems. Protest groups have said that authorities have not properly responded to public demands, while the government in Pakistan says it is trying to manage economic challenges. Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had responded to Khwaja’s recent statements against India.

MEA calls out rights violations in PoK

MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said that it was Islamabad's attempt "to cover its own failings and divert attention away from its human rights abuses". He emphasised that the ongoing developments in PoK are the result of Islamabad’s long-standing policy of economic exploitation, denial of basic rights, and administrative oppression in the region under its control.

Jaiswal said, “The ongoing developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long policy of systematic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.”

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He added, “The Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, including the blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians. As you know, several people have lost their lives as a result. We hope that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its actions, misdeeds, and human rights abuses.”

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