Pakistan Defence Minister says PoK protesters ‘enemies' like India, rules out dialogue
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has labeled protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as 'enemies' and ruled out dialogue following violent clashes that resulted in 20 deaths. The government claims the unrest is an 'India-like attack,' while opposition parties allege election rigging in the region.
Why it matters
The escalation of violence and the government's hardline stance in a disputed territory highlight significant regional instability and potential for further civil unrest in South Asia.
Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday (July 29, 2026).
At least 20 activists of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been killed and dozens injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel in PoK since Monday (July 27, 2026), the organisation said.
Law enforcement authorities, however, disputed the death toll and accused protesters of opening fire on security personnel.
"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," Mr. Asif told reporters on Tuesday (July 28, 2026).
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