Violence Erupts in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Government Labels Protesters as 'Enemies'

Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have escalated as Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labels protesters as 'enemies' akin to India, dismissing any dialogue. The Joint Awami Action Committee claims that security forces have killed 37 individuals in recent clashes, while the government denies these allegations. The unrest coincides with elections for the regional assembly, which have been marred by violence and accusations of rigging. As protests continue, the JAAC calls for international medical assistance amid reports of critical injuries and a media blackout in the region. This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 19:01 IST

Escalating Tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Islamabad: Khawaja Asif, the Defence Minister of Pakistan, has labeled the demonstrators in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as 'enemies', equating them with India, and has dismissed any possibility of dialogue with them. This statement comes as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) reported that security forces have allegedly killed 37 individuals in just two days.

Asif stated to the press, "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."

In contrast, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah mentioned that the JAAC had met with him to present a list of 38 demands.

Sanaullah accused the protesters of attempting to forcibly take control of Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, claiming they were engaged in an 'India-like attack'. He asserted that no fatalities occurred during the clashes between law enforcement and protesters.

However, the JAAC, which consists of various activist groups, reported that 37 unarmed civilians, including women and children, were killed by Pakistani forces over the last two days. This claim remains unverified by independent sources.

The unrest began on Monday when the JAAC initiated a long march, coinciding with the first phase of elections for the so-called legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The JAAC stated that many individuals are critically injured from gunfire, and hospitals are reportedly under the control of security forces, with doctors removed and medical supplies depleted. Volunteers attempting to assist the injured have also faced gunfire.

They have called on 'Doctors Without Borders' to send independent medical teams to Rawalakot immediately.

Meanwhile, shops and markets in Mirpur were reported closed, and internet services in the region have been suspended. Additionally, there is a media blackout on coverage of the JAAC protests.

Sanaullah, speaking to Geo News, remarked that militants trained by Pakistan in the past have turned against the country.

He compared the protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to the 'mujahideen' previously trained by Pakistan, suggesting they now pose a threat to the state.

Sanaullah claimed that the protesters are armed and lack genuine political demands, stating, "They want to use people as human shields and play a game," which justifies the actions of law enforcement against them.

Pakistan's historical ties with militant groups during the Afghan conflict have drawn international scrutiny, with numerous studies highlighting the state's support for such groups operating in Afghanistan and Kashmir, which later contributed to violence within Pakistan.

In the initial phase of elections held on Monday for 13 seats, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party won four. The subsequent phases for the remaining 32 seats are scheduled for August 2 and 10.

The elections are primarily a contest between these two parties, as Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has opted to boycott the polls. The first phase was marred by allegations of violence and rigging.

The JAAC has been conducting protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir since last month over 12 disputed seats in the regional legislative assembly, alleging that the establishment manipulates these seats to install a preferred prime minister.

India has condemned the elections, labeling them an attempt by Pakistan to obscure its illegal occupation and conceal severe human rights violations in the region.

An External Affairs Ministry spokesperson stated, "India's position on this matter has been clear, consistent, and well known. The entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, including the areas currently under Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation, are integral and inalienable parts of India."

He added that the ongoing mass protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are direct results of Pakistan's economic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights.

The JAAC's protests and long march commenced on June 9. Prior to the recent violence, reports indicated that 40 individuals had already lost their lives during the unrest, including 34 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel.

Negotiations between the government and the JAAC aimed at resolving the protests before the legislative assembly elections have yet to produce a resolution.

The legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir consists of 53 seats, with 45 directly elected and eight reserved for women, technocrats, and clerics.