Pak Minister’s Quran Remark Sparks Uproar as PoK Protest Tensions Escalate

Brief By Moneycontrol / 6:57 PM on 14 Jun 2026

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has drawn criticism after citing a Quranic verse describing severe punishments while addressing anti-government protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Religious scholars questioned the use of the verse in a political context, arguing it was inappropriate. The controversy comes amid rising unrest in PoK and growing scrutiny of the government’s response to demonstrations.