Khawaja Asif questions motives behind violent Kashmir protests

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday it was a truly democratic approach to take the controversial issues to the people ahead of the elections, but those seeking to impose their views through violence and destruction have different objectives.

In a message posted on X, Khawaja Asif said at a time when elections are nearing, controversial matters should be decided in the court of people. He said that individuals who seek to impose their opinions and ideas through killings and destruction instead of public support are pursuing other goals.

Referring to recent incidents in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the defence minister said the manner in which police and security personnel were martyred and their bodies desecrated makes it clear that such elements do not want to adopt the path of public opinion and elections.

He stated that those involved in such actions are opposed to allowing democratic processes to determine outcomes and instead seek to advance their objectives through violence.

Khawaja Asif said that if anyone attempts to implement an anti-state agenda beyond the law through violence and armed groups, the state will enforce the law with full force.

He added that the state would ensure that the people of Kashmir have the freedom to exercise their right to vote.