PoK ‘PM’ criticises Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over ‘Not Proper Kashmiris’ remark

The self-styled Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has criticised Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his reported remarks questioning the identity of people from parts of PoK, saying Kashmiris do not need validation from anyone.

Rathore's response came after reports claimed Asif said residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur were "not proper Kashmiris" during a television interview. While the remarks could not be independently verified, Rathore accused the minister of creating divisions instead of promoting unity.

In a post on social media, Rathore said people of Jammu and Kashmir did not require certification of their identity from Pakistan's defence minister. He also urged Asif to apologise for his reported comments instead of shifting the focus to governance issues in PoK.

The exchange follows Asif's reported clarification that Kashmiri identity is defined by struggle and sacrifice rather than birthplace. Rathore, however, dismissed the explanation and alleged it was an attempt to divert attention from the controversy.

Separately, India recently criticised Asif over his remarks related to bilateral tensions, with the Ministry of External Affairs accusing Pakistan of attempting to divert attention from its domestic issues and alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.