PoK 'PM' slams Pak Defence Minister over 'not proper Kashmiris' remark

A significant political controversy has erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, reportedly questioned the Kashmiri identity of residents from Rawalakot and Mirpur during a television interview. This remark triggered a strong rebuke from Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who is referred to as the 'Prime Minister' of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, along with condemnation from India. Faisal Mumtaz Rathore took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to publicly denounce Khawaja Asif's statements. Rathore asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not require validation of their identity from the Defence Minister of Pakistan or anyone else. He criticized Asif, referring to him as a 'boomer' whose 'antics are creating divisions instead of bringing people closer.' Rathore demanded an apology from Asif, dismissing the Defence Minister's subsequent attempts to clarify his remarks as an effort to 'cover up' his 'faux pas' by finding faults in PoK's governance. He urged Asif to 'address the elephant in the room and apologize for your original remarks instead of scapegoating our governance.' The controversy stems from Khawaja Asif's original televised comments where he reportedly claimed that individuals from Rawalakot and Mirpur in PoK were 'not proper Kashmiris.' While Hindustan Times stated it could not independently verify these specific remarks, other news outlets widely reported them as the catalyst for the ensuing political friction. Following the backlash, Asif attempted to justify his position by arguing that Kashmiri identity is defined by a history of struggle and sacrifice spanning decades, rather than by birth or geographical location. He also reportedly criticized the governance of the PoK administration. Despite mounting criticism, Khawaja Asif has maintained his stance and has explicitly ruled out issuing an apology for his remarks, stating, 'I will not apologise. There were no apologies yesterday, and there will be none today.' This dispute occurs against a backdrop of escalating unrest in various parts of PoK, particularly in Rawalakot, where the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been leading months-long protests. These demonstrations are primarily driven by grievances over soaring inflation, high electricity tariffs, and persistent demands for greater constitutional and political rights, as well as improved governance from both the PoK administration and Pakistan's federal establishment. Khawaja Asif also directed criticism towards the actions of the JAAC, accusing its members of mistreating bodies and making statements that could undermine Pakistan's position on a plebiscite by 'benefiting India.' Separately, India has strongly condemned Khawaja Asif's remarks, linking them to Pakistan's broader attempts to divert international attention from its own internal issues. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through its spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, characterized Asif's statements as 'desperate attempts by the neighbouring country to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses' in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. New Delhi emphasized that the ongoing protests and unrest in PoK are a direct consequence of Pakistan's 'decades-long policy of systematic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.' India has also urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for reported police brutality, blocking of essential supplies, internet blackouts, and the use of lethal force against unarmed civilians in the region. India's strong reaction also comes after Asif reportedly made provocative military threats concerning India's water security. The current political friction highlights the sensitive nature of Kashmiri identity and governance in PoK, an area that India considers its integral territory under illegal occupation by Pakistan. The public spat between a Pakistani federal minister and the head of the PoK administration further underscores the complex political dynamics and the growing discontent within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The widespread coverage of this event by both Indian and Pakistani media underscores its regional significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest