Kashmir Identity Row: PoK PM, Bilawal Bhutto Slam Pakistan Defense Minister Over "Real Kashmiri" Remarks

Pakistan: A major political row has broken out between Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The fight is public and looks bitter. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made a controversial statement. He said that the people from Rawalkot and Mirpur are "not real Kashmiris." The comment sparked anger in PoK. PoK's Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore hit back hard. He called out the defense minister on social media. He demanded an apology.

What Rathore had said?

Rathore posted on X: "People of Jammu and Kashmir do not need a certificate from Pakistan's defense minister to prove their identity." He said the defense minister's comments are dividing society instead of bringing people together. Senior leaders should not make such statements. Rathore accused Asif of trying to distract from his own mistake. He said the defense minister is attacking the PoK government to hide his blunder. That is wrong, Rathore added.

What Rathore asked to Defense Minister?

Rathore made clear what he wants. Asif must apologize publicly for his original comment. He should not scapegoat the PoK government. Rathore said if Asif doubts the PoK government's work, he should ask his own top leadership. Do not blame us, he said.

Who else supported Rathore?

This is not just PoK's fight. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also got angry. He is the chief of Pakistan's People's Party. He raised the issue in parliament. Bilawal told Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, "Control your ministers. Do not make irresponsible statements on sensitive issues like Kashmir." Bilawal said the political problems of PoK should be solved through political dialogue, not through administrative attitudes.

What is the bigger picture?

This fight shows the tension between Islamabad and PoK. The PoK leadership feels disrespected by Islamabad. They want recognition and respect. The defense minister's comment triggered this. It opened up all the frustration. Now everyone is airing grievances. It is a public embarrassment for Pakistan. The ruling government and PoK are fighting openly. That is rare. That shows how angry things have become.