India, June 27 -- The self-styled Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, has criticised Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his reported remarks questioning the identity of people from parts of PoK, saying Kashmiris do not need validation from anyone.

Rathore's response came after reports claimed Asif said residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur were "not proper Kashmiris" during a television interview. While the remarks could not be independently verified, Rathore accused the minister of creating divisions instead of promoting unity.

In a post on social media, Rathore said people of Jammu and Kashmir did not require certification of their identity from Pakistan's defence minister. He also urged Asif...