'Beginning of sedition ... ’: Khawaja Asif’s big warning to PoK protesters, cites Quran

Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif issued a sharp warning to protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the ongoing agitation as the “beginning of sedition” and invoking both constitutional and religious arguments as authorities intensify their crackdown on the movement. In a post on X, Asif wrote: “The beginning of sedition starts with disloyalty to the state and complete disobedience. Some misguided brothers from Azad Kashmir, who are currently following some agenda, must read Article 5 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which demands unwavering loyalty to the state.” He went on to cite a Quranic verse, writing: “But even more important is this decree of Allah Almighty,” before quoting Surah Al-Ma’idah (33), which refers to punishment for those who “wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land”. The remarks come amid mounting unrest in PoK, where authorities have launched a search operation for four protesters and announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of leaders linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), according to Pakistani media reports. Sedition proceedings have also been ordered against two JAAC leaders. The latest developments follow weeks of tension across the region. Protests initially centred on demands for economic relief, subsidised flour and cheaper electricity, but have since escalated into a broader confrontation between demonstrators and Pakistani authorities. The unrest has drawn international attention. Groups of British MPs have urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically, citing reports of arrests, communication blackouts and human rights concerns. Demonstrations have also been held outside the Pakistani Consulate in Bradford, where protesters accused Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against civilians. India has also criticised Islamabad’s handling of the situation. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said reports of violence against protesters reflected Pakistan’s “human rights abuses” and called on the international community to hold the country accountable. Asif’s latest comments are likely to further intensify the debate over Pakistan’s response to the growing unrest in PoK.