Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has firmly defended his recent contentious remarks about Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during a television interview, asserting that a clear distinction must be made between those who have sacrificed for the Kashmir cause and those who have not. In the interview, Asif stated that Rawalakot—the site of ongoing protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)—is "not Kashmir" and that he does not regard its residents as Kashmiris. He later clarified on social media platform X that "Kashmiriat is defined by the sacrifices and struggles waged over almost eight decades" by Pakistanis, Kashmiris, and others, "not by birth certificates."
Political Backlash in the National Assembly
The controversy escalated in the National Assembly earlier today, where prominent opposition leaders condemned Asif's statements. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and PPP MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf all criticized the defence minister for his remarks. Responding to the criticism on the private television programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Asif remained resolute: "Bilawal is entitled to say anything, I don't have any reservation over it, this is the beauty of democracy. When politicians criticise one another on the floor of the assembly or even in the media, I believe it is a sign of the system's success. I welcome the criticism and rest my point of view—right or wrong but right in my view—I stand by it."
Allegations Against the Joint Awami Action Committee
Asif also criticized the actions of the JAAC in AJK, accusing its members of mistreating bodies. He stated, "Members of the action committee not only caused the deaths of people but also desecrated their bodies. After that, one of the committee's members said that while bodies are returned from Balochistan, we will not return these bodies from Kashmir." He further criticized the committee's demand to remove references to AJK's accession to Pakistan from official documents, warning that such moves undermine Pakistan's position on a plebiscite and benefit India.
Language and Identity Distinctions
Reiterating his position on the issue of language, Asif maintained that the language spoken in parts of AJK differs from Kashmiri spoken in the Valley. He explained, "The issue of language is entirely different. The language spoken in some parts of Punjab is also spoken in certain areas of Azad Kashmir. Kashmiri, however, is a completely different language that is spoken in the Valley and in many parts of Azad Kashmir. Those who migrated from there speak that language, but in areas adjoining Punjab, Kashmiri is not spoken. Instead, the language of Pakistan's Potohar region is spoken there."
Call for Categorization and Political Accusations
The defence minister emphasized the need for a clear categorization between those who have made sacrifices, those who continue to do so, and those who have migrated and are living elsewhere. He stated, "I believe categorisation is my right and also the right of those people who are still making sacrifices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir." Referring to the issue of reserved seats for migrants, Asif accused unnamed political forces of backing protesting elements for political gains. He claimed that some parties believe a larger number of seats in Punjab could increase their political influence, describing the matter as "all politics."
Respect for Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Mediation Role
When asked about Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was approached by the JAAC to mediate with the government, Asif expressed respect for the veteran politician's role. He said, "I respect Maulana's politics. If his efforts can help find a solution, it is for the government to decide. Personally, I have no objection to Maulana's mediation." Asif also expressed support for resolving issues through dialogue, adding, "I believe in dialogue, but at the same time, I also believe in expressing my views. Whether someone agrees with them or not, I respect their opinion." Regarding Fazl's call for protesters to end their sit-in, Asif stated he had no objection to contacts between the JUI-F chief, the government, and political groups in AJK.
Background of the Unrest in AJK
The recent unrest and deadly clashes broke out in areas including Rawalakot, where the JAAC had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. The JAAC disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests. However, the JAAC stated on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing occurred in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash came as the AJK government and the JAAC faced off ahead of the July 27 election date for AJK.
Reserved Seats and Political Tensions
AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees—people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (approximately 434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (approximately 30,000 people)—an arrangement many view as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during that unrest. The JAAC presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points, including the formation of a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats.
