Khawaja Asif Under Fire For Citing Quranic Warning In Message To PoK Protesters

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 13:37 IST

Khawaja Asif's X post citing Article 5 and a Quranic verse drew criticism as deadly protests and a government crackdown continue in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has triggered a major controversy after posting a message on social media platform X that invoked both Pakistan’s Constitution and a Quranic verse while addressing ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), drawing sharp criticism from religious scholars and rights advocates.

In a post on Saturday night, Asif wrote, “Dialogue begins with loyalty and complete obedience to the state."

“Some misguided brothers in Azad Kashmir, who these days appear to be following a certain agenda, should read Article 5 of Pakistan’s constitution that requires unwavering loyalty to the state," he added.

The remarks come amid escalating tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a recently banned protest movement, have been holding demonstrations demanding political, economic and governance reforms.

The controversy intensified after Asif also cited Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 33 of the Quran in the same post.

The verse states, “Those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land, their punishment is that they be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off from opposite sides, or be banished from the land. That is a disgrace for them in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will suffer a tremendous punishment."

According to religious scholars, the Defence Minister’s remarks represent a “new low" as many of the protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir view themselves as fighting for political rights, representation and freedom from what they describe as continued oppression and state excesses.

Critics accused Asif of weaponising religious scripture against political dissenters and attempting to portray opposition voices as enemies of the state.

The use of one of the Quran’s strongest punitive verses in the context of an ongoing political movement has fuelled allegations that the government is mixing religious rhetoric with political messaging to suppress dissent.

DEADLY UNREST IN PAKISTAN-OCCUPIED KASHMIR

The backlash against Asif’s post comes as violence continues to grip Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

According to AFP, the death toll from clashes between police and supporters of the banned JAAC has risen to 20.

Officials initially reported seven deaths earlier in the week, but subsequent tallies from local authorities showed the number had increased significantly.

AFP reported that local government minister Malik Zafar said seven people were killed in clashes in the Kotli constituency, while Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed said 12 people, including four police officers, had died.

A senior police official in Mirpur also confirmed the death of a protester during clashes on Wednesday.

The JAAC was banned under anti-terrorism laws last week, a move the group has denounced as “oppression".

The organisation insists it is campaigning for legitimate political and economic rights.

AFP further reported that shops in Muzaffarabad remained shut in support of strike calls, while mobile internet services were largely inaccessible in several areas.

WHAT TRIGGERED THE PROTESTS

According to the Associated Press, the latest unrest was sparked after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.

The JAAC, established in 2003, has been demanding greater political rights for residents of the region and the abolition of the refugee seats, arguing that they grant disproportionate influence to people living outside the territory.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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