Islamabad, July 29: Pakistan Defence Minister PoK protests drew fresh attention after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended Islamabad’s crackdown on protesters in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. In remarks circulating on social media, he said he considered the demonstrators “enemies like India” amid continuing unrest in the region.
The remarks came as reports and videos shared on social media claimed that dozens of people were killed and many others were injured during protests in several parts of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. These claims have not been independently verified.
Pakistan Defence Minister PoK protests spark controversy
According to reports, the Joint Awami Action Committee organised a long march after talks with Pakistani authorities reportedly failed to reach an agreement.
Social media videos showed clashes and firing in areas including Mirpur and Rawalakot. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently verified.
The Joint Awami Action Committee alleged that Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters during the demonstrations. It also claimed that multiple people were killed and several others were injured.
In posts shared on X, the committee alleged that firing continued in Rawalakot and other locations as protesters gathered in large numbers. It further claimed that security personnel targeted participants in the demonstrations.
The committee said the long march was organised after negotiations with Pakistani authorities failed to produce a mutually acceptable outcome, prompting renewed public mobilisation.
There has been no immediate independent confirmation of the reported casualty figures or the allegations made by the protest organisers.
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