Human rights for the world, bullets for PoK: Pakistan’s hypocrisy stands exposed
Pakistan’s repeated attempts to portray itself as a champion of human rights suffered another major blow after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif openly defended the violent crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the agitating Kashmiris as “enemies like India.”
The controversial remarks came even as Pakistani security forces intensified operations against demonstrators demanding an end to alleged human rights abuses in the region. According to reports and claims by local activist groups, at least 32 protesters have been killed in the last two days, taking the overall death toll since June 5 to more than 90.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, Asif declared that he viewed the protesters in so-called “Azad Kashmir” no differently from India.
“I put the protesters of Azad Kashmir in the same category as India and consider them also as enemies like India,” the Pakistani Defence Minister said.
“I put the protesters of PojK in the same category as India and consider them as enemies”: Pak Def Min Khawaja Asif pic.twitter.com/YS9NzhW9Jf
— OsintTV 📺 (@OsintTV) July 28, 2026
The statement has triggered outrage, with critics accusing Islamabad of exposing the contradiction between its global rhetoric on Kashmir and its treatment of the people living under its own control.
Videos allege indiscriminate firing on civilians
Several videos circulating on social media purportedly show Pakistani security personnel firing live rounds at civilians in Mirpur and Rawalakot, before transporting bodies away in official vehicles.
The visuals, widely shared by activists, appear to show bodies lying on roads, abandoned motorcycles and panicked residents fleeing amid gunfire. While the authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified, they have fuelled widespread anger over Islamabad’s handling of the protests.
The demonstrations were organised against what local groups describe as years of political repression, economic neglect and human rights violations in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
JAAC alleges targeted killings
Many of those killed were reportedly associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local organisation that Pakistan has banned after it openly challenged Islamabad’s policies in the region.
Among those reported killed was Usman Nazir, the younger brother of JAAC founding member Umar Nazir.
In multiple statements posted on X, the organisation accused Pakistani forces of carrying out indiscriminate firing on peaceful demonstrators.
“Rawalakot situation tense once again. Forces shelling and firing on peaceful public,” JAAC said in one post.
In another statement, the group alleged that security forces continued firing even as volunteers attempted to recover the bodies of those killed.
“The worst firing continues… We are picking up the bodies, but you will not be able to endure this hatred that you are sowing today,” the organisation said.
JAAC also criticised Pakistani media for portraying protesters as aggressors, insisting that residents were demonstrating in their own towns against what they described as Islamabad’s continued occupation and repression.
Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative faces uncomfortable questions
Pakistan has frequently accused India of violating human rights in Jammu and Kashmir at international forums. However, Khawaja Asif’s remarks, coupled with reports of deadly force against protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, have once again drawn attention to Islamabad’s own record in the territory under its control.
Human rights observers have repeatedly raised concerns over restrictions on political activity, suppression of dissent and curbs on civil liberties in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan.
As fresh protests continue to spread across the region, the latest violence is likely to intensify scrutiny of Pakistan’s claims on Kashmir and its treatment of the very people it says it seeks to represent.
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