PoK unrest deepens as Pakistan rules out talks and brands protesters enemies

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday (July 29, 2026).

At least 20 activists of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been killed and dozens injured in clashes with law enforcement personnel in PoK since Monday (July 27, 2026), the organisation said.

Law enforcement authorities, however, disputed the death toll and accused protesters of opening fire on security personnel.