Sudhnati District - See Also

See Also

• Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, Partition-era politician and soldier
• General (Retd.) Aziz Khan, former Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan

Introduction: Sudhnuti is district of Azad Kashmir.it was also the first capital of azad kashmir.Area of sudhnuti is 569sq.km. Sudhnuti is 4400ft approx. above sea level.pallandri is the headquarters of district Sudhonoti. Sudhnuti is well known for its military high school, named Cadet College. .Sudhnuti has many historical forts .sudhnuti is named after a big tribe called Suddan. Sudhnuti is a beautiful valley.It presents a ravishing scenery and alluring view to the visitors. The valley consists of numberless evergreen pine and cedar trees, transparent spring, musical water-falls and sky-high mountains. Weather of this regime of the country is pleasant throughout the year. The salubrious and cool breezes below in the summer and one forgets the extremity of hot of the plain areas. In winter, one may witness the snow-fall on the suburban mountains.

History: Sudhnuti was tehsil of district poonch, until the district was split into Poonch and Sudhnuti in 1995. From the end of the 17th century up to 1837 A.D Poonch was ruled by different Muslim Rajas of Loran. It then fell into the hands of Raja Falz Talab Khan of Rajori. In 1846, this area was handed over to Maharaja Ghulab Singh under the Treaty of Amritsar. Before this transfer, Poonch was considered as a district of Lahore. Maharaja Ghulab Singh handed over Poonch and some other areas to his nephews, Jawahar Singh and Moti Singh, with the condition that they would not make any administrative change without the permission of the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Poonch was annexed and converted Into Jagir by Maharaja Han Singh in 1935-36 by the deposing Raja of Poonch.The Dogras always found it difficult to establish their rule in Poonch. In 1947 when Pakistan came into being, the people of Poonch started an armed struggle against the Indian forces and got the area liberated. Location:

Sudhnuti is located at Latitude 33.709185, Longitude 73.714828. It is located 90 km away from the capital of Pakistan.It is connected with Rawalpindi and Islamabad through Azad pattan road.

Physical features of area:

Sudhnuti district is a totally hilly area. The Jehlum River flows from one side of the district and is the boundary line between Pakistan and azad Kashmir. Scenery and climate: It has a hilly landscape . Climate of the district varies with the height of the area. Temperature in summer is almost 20 to 35 °C and in winter 2 to °C. In winter, one may see snow on the nearby mountains. Snowfall occurs in December and January, while most rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from July to September.

Important and Historical Places for Tourist Attractions:

This is the Pallandri Bawli.It is known as rani ki bawli. Bawli in the outskirts of Plandri is a fountain which was constructed as an inn by the Dogra Raj about a century ago for the travellers to have water for themselves and animals along with a stay on the route from Poonch/Hajira to Rawalpindi.

A Fort around 12Miles from Pallandri(Sudhnutti) City. Baral Fort on the top of Baral Town, a major town of Sudhnutti. After Partition of India and Pakistan 1947 this fort was burnt by the locals as it was a symbol of Dogra Raj and the cruel rule of Mahraja Gulab and Mahraja Ranjeet Singh. DC House: One of the most known important and historical building in Pallandri is The DC House.(Currently Occupied by Amjad Pervaiz Ali Khan(DC)It was built in 1915 by Maraja Poonch, the then ruler of the Poonch State in Pallandri, he chose to put it on the very top of the town so he could see the Million Dollar view. It is built entirely out of stone so during the 2005 earthquake it wasn't harmed in any way whatsoever. It was known as Rani ka bangla/dak bangla the Maraja and his wife/Rani used to stay here while on their way from Poonch to Rawalpindi. After the partition of India and Pakistan,In 1947,this Poonch state was also divided into two parts, one of them is in the J&K (Indian held Kashmir) and the second part in the Azad Jammu and Kasmir (AJK) It was then converted into the DC house were the DC started to live and since that day, It was known as The DC house. Amjad Pervaiz Ali Khan (DC) has added to the stone structure and know a beautiful structure a proof that history has got style.Another Historical place at Pallandri is a waterpiont named as Rani ki bavlee.

Yaadgar-e-Shuhadah:

Located in Mang this monument reminds of the heinous events of 1832 when the local people of Mang rebelled against the Sikh rule of Ranjeet Singh. At the time, Ghulab Singh was a General in his army and was responsible for suppressing any descent. In 1832 there was a rebellion in and around Mang by the local people and Ghulab Singh was sent to deal with it. M L Kapur in his book ‘the history of jammu & Kashmir’ mentions, "to quell the rebellion in Poonch and Chibbhal territory Ghulab Singh returning from Peshawar and after some desultory warfare, the rebels were completely routed. Many of them were captured, and treated with vengeance; their hands and feet were severed by axes, while skins of Sardar Mali Khan and Sardar Sabaz Ali Khan, two of the close accomplices of Shams-ud-Din, were peeled off their bodies, and their heads were hung on gallows in a crossing as a warning to others. Hands were ultimately laid on the chief rebel as well, and his head was cut off." The rebels were hung on this very tree featured here and skinned alive. The practice of skinning alive rebels continued for some time.

Baithak:

Baithak is a place in District Sudhnoti. Although a very backward area, yet there exists a spot which is beautiful and a bit difficult to reach named Chaar Behaar. Through Chaar Behaar we can see Poonch river and Indian Occupied Kashmir. From military point of view it is a good navigational point and dangerous too. One can reach Baithak via a carpeted road from Tarar Khal. Tarar Khal: Tararkhal is positioned at an elevation of 6502 feet. Tararkhal is located at a space of 211 kilometers from Rawalpindi passing through Kohala and 129 kilometers via Azad Pattan. Tararkhal is 31 kilometers away from Pallandri(sudhnuti). It is a good, little place for visitors. There exists a PWD rest house where basic accommodation facilities are available. Vital commodities of daily use can be had from the local market. There is a place named Nerian Sharif where you will find the main campus of Mohi-ud-din Islami University along with the Shrine of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din(RA) a Sufi saint.

Devi gali:

Devi Gali is the nearby worth seeing area of Trarkhal it can’t be simply bypassed for a joyful expedition. It is really a scenic place for the visitors. A 12 Kilometers journey from Trarkhal takes one to Devi Gali.

Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University:

Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University Nerian Sharif was established under Act No. 1 of 2000 of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. It is a chartered university and is recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Government of Pakistan. On the basis of Academic Excellence achieved by the University, it has been placed in the highest category i.e. 'W' (A). The main campus of the University is located at a beautiful hill station with its majestic multi-storied buildings at Nerian Sharif (Trarkhal), AJ&K. It is spread over a large piece of land around 15 acres and is situated at about 6,000 feet (above sea level). It is situated at a distance of 125 Km away towards west from Islamabad. The pollution free and lush green surroundings has its own charm and beauty.

Cadet college pallandri:

Cadet College Palandri is situated in beautiful natural surroundings about 100 km from Islamabad. Its climatic conditions resemble those of Abbottabad. From Islamabad/Rawalpindi, the road passes through Sihala, Kahuta and Azad Pattan. After crossing the bridge on the River Jehlum, the road climbs to the height of about 5000 feet. The College Complex is situated on the south eastern flank of Palandri town.

Types of trees found: On top of the hills, kail, fir, chir and oak trees are mostly found. Robinia, poplar, and alimthas are grown by people on their farms. In the low land areas mulberry, shisham trees and small bushes are commonly found. Fruit trees include walnut, apple, and wild pear. Fruit and vegetables have great potential of increase in production and marketing.

Types of animals found:

Jackal, fox and hare are mostly found in the forests. In thick forests, birds like wild cock, cuckoo and dove are mostly found. Language:

Most people speak Pahari. The mother tongue is a great cementing factor of the Pahari Speaking people because they remain so closely connected with each other that Cultural ethos transcends all that of distinct beliefs and faiths. Industry, Trade and Commerce:

People of the Sudhnuti district have diverse but limited means of livelihoods including farming, livestock, poultry farming, government service (both civil and military), and business and overseas jobs. Industry is very small in terms of contributions towards livelihoods. In-country seasonal migration for employment is very common.There are 2 flour mils working in sudhnuti. Demography: Sudhnuti have a population of over 300,000. 97% is rural and 3% is urban.Males 51% and females 49%. Its population includes Sudhans, Awans, Abbasis, Kianis, Syeds, Gardezis, Douli Mughals and many others. There is also a significant number of people from other regions who live in sudhnuti for sake of employment. Annual growth rate is 3%.

Power: The district is linked with Pakistan’s national grid system; however, the responsibility of Distribution lies with the Electricity Department of AJK. Now 100% district areas are enjoying the benefits of electricity as the source of lighting.

Administrative Structures:

The district is divided in 4 sub-divisions i.e Pallandri, Mang, Trarkhal, Baloch. There are 8 union councils. It is divided into 2 legislative assembly constituencies. District administration is headed by a Deputy Commissioner. He supervises the activities of the nation building departments in the district assisted by Assistant Commissioners at the sub-division level. His major concern is the maintenance of law and order in the district as the District Magistrate and also to look after the land record as the District Collector. Every line department has a district head to look after its affairs with further Hierarchy. Education: Literacy rate of sudhnuti is about 85%.Sudhnuti has 2 Government degree College for men and women. There are 24 Government high schools, 44 middle school, 178 primary schools and 7 inter college for boys and 25 Government high schools,44 middle schools and 178 primary schools for girls and a number of private schools. There is only one university in sudhnuti.Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University (MIU) is a university located in Nerian Sharif(Sudhnuti). MIU offers undergraduate and post-graduate education. MIU was established under Act 1 of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The Chancellor of MIU is Pir Allauddin Siddiqui.

Notable Personalities: • Sardar Akhtar Rabbani MPA PPP . • Najeeb naqi khan MNA PML(N). • Malik Pervaiz Akhtar Awan Member Kashmir Council • Pir Shaykh Allau-ud-din Siddiqui, who is Chancellor of Mohi-ud-din Islamic University • General Muhammad Aziz Khan is a foua star general of Pakistan army belongs to sudhnuti

Major Political parties in Sudhnuti: Pakistan people’s Party. Jammu Kashmir People’s Party. Jamait-e-Islami. Muslim conference. PML (N). Students Federations include NSF and MSF. Culture: The people of districts Sudhnuti are adventure loving and there are numerous anecdotes of their matchless valor as well as inspiring sacrifices for freedom. Handicrafts:

Carpet, Namda Gubba, Patto, Silk Woolen Clothing, Woolen Shawls, Wood Carving, Papier Mashie. Rugs.

Dishes: Rice, Aab Gosht, Saag (vegetable dish) villages: There are 55 villages in sudhnuti.names of some villages are following: Sehr,nakkar, Gorah ,baitran, nallian ,mang ,nallianda, dhar drach, islam nagar, islam poora ,baral, Bathick Awanabad, Balouch etc

Source of income:

Subsistence level farming for corn and wheat is conducted in and around sudhnuti. Some level of vegetable farming including tomatoes and Spinach are grown as well. The largest industry for Sudhnuti is the harvesting of popular trees, which are harvested and transported to Pakistan for manufacture of sporting goods. Government employment is a major sector for employment; however, a large section of the Population is dependent upon remittances from overseas workers who send money to their relative in Azad Kashmir. Due to lack of opportunity, most citizens of sudhnuti are looking for ways to get employment in other countries. No doubt, sudhnuti is full of culture .If government pays attention towards it then it can progress more.