Enemies Like India: Khawaja Asif Rejects Talks With PoK Protesters As Violence Leaves 20 Dead

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected dialogue with protesters in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling them “enemies” and comparing them with India as clashes between security forces and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) reportedly killed at least 20 people.

“There will be no dialogue with the protesters. I bracket them with India. I put them in the same category as India and consider them as enemies of Pakistan,” Asif said.

The JAAC has been protesting since June 9 over high electricity prices, taxes, rising costs, unemployment, governance problems and alleged political interference. The group’s major demands include reducing public burdens, ending special privileges for officials and stopping alleged manipulation of 12 disputed PoK assembly seats, which it claims are used to install a preferred prime minister.

The unrest intensified ahead of the PoK legislative assembly elections, which have 53 seats, including 45 directly elected seats and eight reserved seats for women, technocrats and clerics. In the first phase, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N) won nine of 13 seats. Opposition parties alleged rigging, while Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) boycotted the polls.

The JAAC’s long march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad triggered clashes. The group alleged that security forces opened fire, killing 20 activists and injuring dozens. JAAC said protesters carried only sticks. However, PoK police chief Captain (retd.) Liaquat Ali Malik accused protesters of carrying modern weapons and attacking security forces.

“The reported deaths cannot be verified until bodies are recovered, officially recorded or brought to hospitals for post mortem examinations,” Malik said.

Pakistan Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah said the government received JAAC’s 38 demands but accused protesters of trying to seize cities. “They want to seize Muzaffarabad and Mirpur through force. They are currently engaged in an India like attack,” he said.

Earlier talks failed to end the protests. Internet services were suspended, media coverage was restricted and markets remained closed in areas including Mirpur. Reports said around 40 people had died during the wider unrest, including protesters and security personnel.

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The ongoing mass protests in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir are the direct consequences of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, its denial of the people’s fundamental rights, and its administrative oppression.”

India also said the elections were an attempt to “camouflage” illegal occupation and reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Pakistan controlled areas, are integral parts of India.