Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended the killing of over 30 protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) on July 29, 2026, labeling the demonstrators as enemies of the state.
The violent crackdown occurred during election-related unrest, resulting in at least 32 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries as security forces opened fire on civilians boycotting the polls.
The incident has intensified regional instability, with local leaders demanding a truth commission to investigate the excessive use of force by Pakistani military and paramilitary units.