'They are enemies like India': Pakistan Minister's explosive remark amid deadly PoK crackdown

His remarks came amid fresh violence in the Rawalakot area of PoK, where activists have accused Pakistani security forces of killing at least 30 protesters over the past two days.

In a video widely shared on X, Asif is heard saying: "I put the protesters in the same category as India. I consider them also as enemies like India."

The violence has further escalated tensions in the region, where anti-government protests have intensified in recent months.

According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local civil society group, Pakistani security forces opened fire on tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, killing 25 people on Monday and five more on Tuesday, The Guardian reported.

Authorities have also imposed a sweeping communications blackout across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as protests and unrest continue.

SA Khan, a spokesperson for JAAC, alleged that Pakistani security personnel fired on unarmed protesters in Mirpur on Tuesday before attempting to conceal evidence of the incident.

"Security forces have taken away the dead bodies and locked away the hospital in Mirpur," Khan was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "We have photos and video evidence of dead bodies lying on the streets in pools of blood. The security forces abducted the bodies to erase the evidence."

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to immediately lift the communications blackout and ensure an independent investigation into the violence.

Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International's Acting Regional Director for South Asia, said: "The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir."

She added: "A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces' use of force against protesters. So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground. We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area."

The unrest comes as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir holds elections. The first phase of polling took place on Monday but was overshadowed by deadly clashes between supporters of rival political parties. According to media reports, a worker of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was killed during the violence.

Local media also reported incidents in Nakyal and Bhimber, where ballot boxes were allegedly set on fire.

Polls Held Amid Widespread Anti-Government Protests

The elections are being held against the backdrop of widespread anti-government protests across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Demonstrators have openly challenged Islamabad's authority, with some asserting that the region "is not a part of Pakistan."