A fresh political controversy has erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the region’s self-styled Prime Minister, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, strongly criticised Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his reported remarks questioning the identity of people living in Rawalakot and Mirpur.
According to reports, Khawaja Asif allegedly stated during a television interview that residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur are “not proper Kashmiris.” While the remarks have not been independently verified, they sparked a sharp reaction from Rathore.
Taking to social media platform X, Rathore said that the people of Jammu & Kashmir do not need validation of their identity from Pakistan’s Defence Minister or anyone else. He accused senior Pakistani leaders of creating divisions instead of addressing governance issues, stating that “boomers such as him and their antics are creating divisions instead of bringing people closer.”
Rathore further demanded an apology from Khawaja Asif, saying the focus should be on improving governance rather than questioning the identity of the people of the region.
The exchange has once again highlighted internal political tensions within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and renewed debate over Islamabad’s handling of the region.
Source: Hindustan Times (reported)
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