- PoK PM criticized Pak Defence Minister over Kashmiri id remarks.
- Defence Minister outlined id by battle; citing PoK governance.
A contemporary political controversy has erupted in Pakistan after Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore publicly criticised Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his reported remarks questioning the Kashmiri id of some PoK residents.
In line with reviews, Rathore’s feedback on X had been in response to Asif’s latest tv interview, during which he allegedly stated that residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur in PoK had been “not correct Kashmiris.” ABP Dwell couldn’t independently confirm Asif’s reported remarks.
‘PoK Do not Want Validation’
Responding sharply, Rathore stated the folks of Jammu and Kashmir don’t require validation of their id from Pakistan’s defence minister or anybody else.
“Individuals of Jammu and Kashmir don’t want validation of their id from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif or anyone else for that matter,” Rathore wrote, including that “boomers equivalent to him and their antics are creating divisions as an alternative of bringing folks nearer.”
Rathore additional accused Asif of trying to deflect criticism after dealing with backlash over his reported feedback.
“After noticing the backlash over his fake pas, he is now making an attempt to cowl it up by discovering faults in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s governance,” he stated.
PoK PM Calls for Apology
Rathore’s remarks got here after Asif reportedly sought to make clear his assertion, arguing that Kashmiri id is outlined by years of battle and sacrifice reasonably than delivery certificates. The defence minister additionally reportedly referred to governance points in PoK whereas defending his place.
Rejecting the reason, Rathore stated, “Sir, ask your higher-ups they usually’ll let you know how effectively we have ruled. A extra dignified act can be to handle the elephant within the room and apologise in your authentic remarks as an alternative of scapegoating our governance.”
India Rejects Khawaja Asif’s Remarks
Individually, India earlier this week strongly criticised Khawaja Asif over his latest remarks threatening navy motion if Pakistan’s water safety was affected.
Responding to the feedback, Ministry of Exterior Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated Pakistan was trying to divert consideration from its home failures and human rights file.
“Such remarks are determined makes an attempt by Pakistan to cowl up its personal failings and divert consideration away from its human rights abuses. We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt they deserve,” Jaiswal stated.
He additionally stated the scenario in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is a direct consequence of Pakistan’s “decades-long coverage of systematic financial exploitation, denial of elementary rights, and administrative oppression” within the territory below its management.
