Khawaja Asif Calls POK Protesters “Enemies Like India” Amid Deadly Crackdown; Statement Sparks Stir

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered widespread attention after stating that protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir are “enemies like India.” In his remarks, Asif did not distinguish between civilians protesting on the streets and external adversaries, effectively placing both in the same category. This framing suggests that the ongoing protests are being viewed not as public dissent, but as a security threat to the state.The statement comes at a time when the region is witnessing a sharp escalation in violence. Reports indicate that dozens have been killed in recent days during a crackdown by security forces. By describing protesters as enemies, the minister’s comments have added a significant political dimension to the situation, raising questions about how dissent is being interpreted and handled.As the situation continues to unfold, Asif’s statement remains central to the debate, shaping both the narrative and the response around the unrest in the region.