Pakistan-occupied Kashmir protests escalate as defense minister calls demonstrators 'enemies just like Indians'

Published Aug 3, 09:42 AM UTC

Protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over inflation, lack of accountability, and opaque governance, escalating into a violent crackdown by Pakistani security forces that has left dozens dead. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) leads demonstrations against a three-phase election, alleging rigging and demanding scrapping of 12 reserved seats for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir, which locals say reduces their representation. The movement gained momentum after the killing of PhD scholar Osama Jaleel in Rawalakot. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khwaja Asif inflamed tensions by calling protesters 'enemies just like Indians.' India has condemned the crackdown and reiterated its stance that PoK is an integral part of India.