Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has defended the killing of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), saying he considers them “enemies” on par with India, as violence in the region continues to escalate.
His remarks came amid fresh reports of firing by Pakistani security forces on protesters in Rawalakot and Mirpur, prompting India to accuse Islamabad of carrying out “oppression and brutality” against civilians in the region.
“I put the protesters of Azad Kashmir in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India,” Asif said.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif:
“I put the protesters of Azad Kashmir in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India.”#RightsMovementAJK pic.twitter.com/uJwDTQlJrW— Sohaib Khan (@iamsardarsohaib) July 28, 2026
The statement has drawn sharp attention as unrest intensifies across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where thousands have been protesting for their fundamental rights even as authorities press ahead with legislative assembly elections.
Violence escalates in PoJK
According to reports, nearly 25 people were killed on Monday amid what has been described as a complete breakdown of law and order in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Reports further claim that more than 80 people have lost their lives since protests erupted on June 5, following a sweeping crackdown by Pakistani security forces.
Fresh violence was also reported from Mirpur on Tuesday. According to local reports, Pakistani security personnel allegedly opened direct fire on protesters, killing 12 civilians and injuring nearly 50 others. These figures have not been independently verified.
🏔️🍁🚨- Massacre carried out by Pakistan this morning in Mirpur city, Azad Jammu Kashmir
Pakistani forces opened fire on civilians in the city, peaceful protestors and passers by – dead body’s can be seen lying everywhere on the roads 💔
I could not belive my eyes when i saw… pic.twitter.com/UcyGqdaLih
— Shah Nadir 🏔️🍁 (@afsharidshah) July 28, 2026
India condemns Pakistan
Reacting to the latest developments, India on Tuesday strongly criticised Pakistan over the reported firing on civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs accused Islamabad of subjecting innocent civilians to oppression and administrative repression, while reiterating that the ongoing legislative assembly elections in the region are merely a “cosmetic exercise” aimed at masking Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” and alleged human rights violations.
Eyewitnesses describe grim scenes
Residents and activists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir claimed that despite the violence, people continue to protest for their basic rights.
Eyewitnesses alleged that both local and international media have largely ignored the unfolding crisis.
Several witnesses described harrowing scenes after the reported firing, saying streets were strewn with bodies while dozens of injured civilians lay unattended across different locations.
According to eyewitness accounts, residents were forced to carry the wounded on their shoulders because ambulances were either unavailable or unable to reach the affected areas.
One witness appealed to the international community to take note of the situation, saying, “The blood of Kashmiris is on the roads.”
The latest violence comes as Pakistan faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where demonstrations over governance, economic conditions and civil rights have increasingly turned deadly.