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{{Pakistan infobox
{{Pakistan infobox
|region = Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
|region = Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
|flag = Flag of Azad Kashmir.svg
|flag = Flag of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir.svg
|map = PakistanAzadKashmir.png
|map = PakistanPakistan ControlledKashmir.png
|capital = [[Muzaffarabad]]
|capital = [[Muzaffarabad]]
|latd = 34.22
|latd = 34.22
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|seats = 49
|seats = 49
|website = http://www.ajk.gov.pk/main/index.html
|website = http://www.ajk.gov.pk/main/index.html
|website_title = Government of Azad Kashmir
|website_title = Government of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
}}
}}
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{{this|the area administered by [[Pakistan]]|Kashmir region}}
{{this|the area administered by [[Pakistan]]|Kashmir region}}


The '''Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir''', usually shortened to '''Azad Jammu and Kashmir''' ('''AJK''') or, simply, '''Azad Kashmir''' (literally, ''"independent Kashmir"'') is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-administered part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders the Indian-administered state of [[Jammu and Kashmir]] to the east, the [[North-West Frontier Province]] of Pakistan to the west, the [[Federally Administered Northern Areas]] (FANA) to the north, and the [[Punjab Province]] of Pakistan to the south. With its capital at [[Muzaffarabad]], '''Azad Kashmir''' covers an area of 13,297 [[square kilometre|km²]] (5,134 [[square miles|mi²]]) and has an estimated population of about four million. As far as the United Nations is concerned, the entire area of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, including '''Azad Kashmir''', remains a disputed territory still awaiting resolution of the long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. The disputed areas of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under pakistani control (including the area ceded to china in 1966 from the northern areas) is called as "'''Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK)'''" by [[India]]. Pakistan does not use the "PoK" term and conversely calls the disputed areas under Indian control as "Indian administered Kashmir".
The '''Pakistan Controlled State of Jammu and Kashmir''', or '''Azad Kashmir''' ('''AJK''') as refered by Pakistani and Indian Controlled KAshmir separatists or, simply, '''Pakistan Controlled Kashmir''' (literally, ''"independent Kashmir"'') is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-administered part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders the Indian-administered state of [[Jammu and Kashmir]] to the east, the [[North-West Frontier Province]] of Pakistan to the west, the [[Federally Administered Northern Areas]] (FANA) to the north, and the [[Punjab Province]] of Pakistan to the south. With its capital at [[Muzaffarabad]], '''Pakistan Controlled Kashmir''' covers an area of 13,297 [[square kilometre|km²]] (5,134 [[square miles|mi²]]) and has an estimated population of about four million. As far as the United Nations is concerned, the entire area of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, including '''Pakistan Controlled Kashmir''', remains a disputed territory still awaiting resolution of the long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. The disputed areas of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under pakistani control (including the area ceded to china in 1966 from the northern areas) is called as "'''Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK)'''" by [[India]]. Pakistan does not use the "PoK" term and conversely calls the disputed areas under Indian control as "Indian administered Kashmir".


Azad Kashmir's financial matters, i.e., budget and tax affairs, are dealt with by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council, instead of by Pakistan's Central Board of Revenue. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council is a supreme body consisting of 11 members, six from the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and five from the government of Pakistan. Its chairman/chief executive is the president of Pakistan. Other members of the council are Azad Kashmir's president and prime minister and a few other AJK ministers.
Pakistan Controlled Kashmir's financial matters, i.e., budget and tax affairs, are dealt with by the Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir Council, instead of by Pakistan's Central Board of Revenue. The Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir Council is a supreme body consisting of 11 members, six from the government of Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir and five from the government of Pakistan. Its chairman/chief executive is the president of Pakistan. Other members of the council are Pakistan Controlled Kashmir's president and prime minister and a few other AJK ministers.


== History ==
== History ==
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[[Image:Kashmir region-map 2004.jpg|thumb|map of the Kashmir region]]
[[Image:Kashmir region-map 2004.jpg|thumb|map of the Kashmir region]]


After the partition of [[British India]] in 1947, the princely states were given the option of joining either India or Pakistan. However, [[Hari Singh]], the [[maharaja]] of Jammu and Kashmir, wanted Jammu and Kashmir to remain independent. In order to buy some time, he signed a stand-still agreement, which side-stepped the agreement that each princely state would join either India or Pakistan. <ref>http://www.indiatogether.org/peace/kashmir/intro.htm</ref> As the maharaja hesitated, calls for union with Pakistan grew, particularly within Azad Kashmir. That development led to days of civil unrest and demonstrations that the maharaja tried to put down but which, instead, triggered a war between India and Pakistan. [[Nehru]]'s government knew, although it never publicly admitted it, that there had been a fairly spontaneous revolt in the Jhelum valley and in other parts of what is now Azad Kashmir against the maharaja's purported decision to have his state accede to India.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} That revolt is said to have occurred well before the raiders backed by Pakistan army from the North-West Frontier Province and the Tribal Areas entered Kashmiri territory.
After the partition of [[British India]] in 1947, the princely states were given the option of joining either India or Pakistan. However, [[Hari Singh]], the [[maharaja]] of Jammu and Kashmir, wanted Jammu and Kashmir to remain independent. In order to buy some time, he signed a stand-still agreement, which side-stepped the agreement that each princely state would join either India or Pakistan. <ref>http://www.indiatogether.org/peace/kashmir/intro.htm</ref> As the maharaja hesitated, calls for union with Pakistan grew, particularly within Pakistan Controlled Kashmir. That development led to days of civil unrest and demonstrations that the maharaja tried to put down but which, instead, triggered a war between India and Pakistan. [[Nehru]]'s government knew, although it never publicly admitted it, that there had been a fairly spontaneous revolt in the Jhelum valley and in other parts of what is now Pakistan Controlled Kashmir against the maharaja's purported decision to have his state accede to India.{{Fact|date=August 2008}} That revolt is said to have occurred well before the raiders backed by Pakistan army from the North-West Frontier Province and the Tribal Areas entered Kashmiri territory.
<ref>[http://www.southasianmedia.net/magazine/journal/grasping_nettle.htm South Asian Journal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.southasianmedia.net/magazine/journal/grasping_nettle.htm South Asian Journal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[Image:Bkh lasdana hajipir road.jpg|thumb|Las Dana-Haji Pir Road, Bagh District, AJK]]
[[Image:Bkh lasdana hajipir road.jpg|thumb|Las Dana-Haji Pir Road, Bagh District, AJK]]
The people of Azad Kashmir are known for their strong martial spirit and have resisted invaders down through the ages, including the [[Sikhs]], the British, and the Dogras. Leaders such as Raja Sultan Khan of [[Bhimber]] are etched into the memories of the Azad Kashmiri people, as are the famous rebellions of the Gakkhars of Mirpur and the Mangral Rajputs of [[Kotli]]. <ref>http://www.kashmiraffairs.org/interview_krishan%20dev%20sethi.html</ref> The British used the town of Mirpur as a recruiting ground for the British Indian army.<ref>[http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/pakistan/azad_kashmir/mirpur/history/prof_suresh_chand_2 Mirpur History - Prof. Suresh Chander<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The people of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir are known for their strong martial spirit and have resisted invaders down through the ages, including the [[Sikhs]], the British, and the Dogras. Leaders such as Raja Sultan Khan of [[Bhimber]] are etched into the memories of the Pakistan Controlled Kashmiri people, as are the famous rebellions of the Gakkhars of Mirpur and the Mangral Rajputs of [[Kotli]]. <ref>http://www.kashmiraffairs.org/interview_krishan%20dev%20sethi.html</ref> The British used the town of Mirpur as a recruiting ground for the British Indian army.<ref>[http://www.world66.com/asia/southasia/pakistan/Pakistan Controlled_kashmir/mirpur/history/prof_suresh_chand_2 Mirpur History - Prof. Suresh Chander<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


Azad Kashmir was awash with battle-hardened troops who had returned to their families after serving in the British army during the Second World War. In a series of pitched battles, the Dogra forces were practically wiped out due to the superior quality of the Azad Kashmir forces, and entire districts of Azad Kashmir such as Mirpur, Kotli, and [[Muzaffarabad]] were freed from Dogra rule. Upon hearing news of the fighting in Azad Kashmir and the plan to take the fight to Srinagar, tribal [[Pathan]] fighters from what is now known as the [[NWFP]] and [[FATA]] came to help their brethren. Having no need to head into Azad Kashmir, the tribal armies entered the Kashmir valley along with Pakistani forces to oversee operations. Upon their arrival in the valley, they were met by Indian troops. Contrary to the popular belief that once the raiders had arrived, Indian troops were then flown, Alastair Lamb, an eminent historian and author of a series of books on Kashmir, has uncovered evidence based on declassified military papers that India had Patalia gunners at the Sringar airport by October 17, 1947, and has scoffed at the Indian apologists who said that India’s invasion of Kashmir was a triumph of improvisation. Instead, he states that India had troops mobilized for an invasion of Kashmir by October 25th, meaning that the Indian army was in Kashmir in advance of the maharaja's decision. With the Indian army already in [[Kashmir]], it is obvious why the maharaja handed over his state to India. The Indian troops managed to push the irregular forces back but were then engaged by the intruding Pakistani army. Fighting continued, and the front managed to stabilise at points near what is known today as the Line of Control. However, Pakistani forces held a great deal of the higher ground and key points, and the Indian armed forces were spread dangerously thin and were running short of supplies. The battle of Beri Pattan illustrated just how precarious the position of the Indian armed forces was among a hostile population. <ref>[http://www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/army/war/1948war.html Pakistan Military Consortium :: www.PakDef.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Pakistan Controlled Kashmir was awash with battle-hardened troops who had returned to their families after serving in the British army during the Second World War. In a series of pitched battles, the Dogra forces were practically wiped out due to the superior quality of the Pakistan Controlled Kashmir forces, and entire districts of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir such as Mirpur, Kotli, and [[Muzaffarabad]] were freed from Dogra rule. Upon hearing news of the fighting in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir and the plan to take the fight to Srinagar, tribal [[Pathan]] fighters from what is now known as the [[NWFP]] and [[FATA]] came to help their brethren. Having no need to head into Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, the tribal armies entered the Kashmir valley along with Pakistani forces to oversee operations. Upon their arrival in the valley, they were met by Indian troops. Contrary to the popular belief that once the raiders had arrived, Indian troops were then flown, Alastair Lamb, an eminent historian and author of a series of books on Kashmir, has uncovered evidence based on declassified military papers that India had Patalia gunners at the Sringar airport by October 17, 1947, and has scoffed at the Indian apologists who said that India’s invasion of Kashmir was a triumph of improvisation. Instead, he states that India had troops mobilized for an invasion of Kashmir by October 25th, meaning that the Indian army was in Kashmir in advance of the maharaja's decision. With the Indian army already in [[Kashmir]], it is obvious why the maharaja handed over his state to India. The Indian troops managed to push the irregular forces back but were then engaged by the intruding Pakistani army. Fighting continued, and the front managed to stabilise at points near what is known today as the Line of Control. However, Pakistani forces held a great deal of the higher ground and key points, and the Indian armed forces were spread dangerously thin and were running short of supplies. The battle of Beri Pattan illustrated just how precarious the position of the Indian armed forces was among a hostile population. <ref>[http://www.pakdef.info/pakmilitary/army/war/1948war.html Pakistan Military Consortium :: www.PakDef.info<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


As that point, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], the prime minister of [[India]], went to the U.N. for a cease-fire which was agreed to by Pakistan. There was the promise of a referendum or plebiscite giving the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination. When it signed the ceasefire in 1948, India promised to offer Kashmiris a plebiscite wherein they could decide whether to join India or Pakistan. In his own words on October 31, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru wired Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, that his promise was "not merely a pledge to your government but also to the people of Kashmir and to the world". On November 2nd and 3rd, Nehru used the words "referendum under U.N. auspices." <ref>[http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2120/stories/20041008000307600.htm Nehru's legacy to India<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
As that point, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], the prime minister of [[India]], went to the U.N. for a cease-fire which was agreed to by Pakistan. There was the promise of a referendum or plebiscite giving the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination. When it signed the ceasefire in 1948, India promised to offer Kashmiris a plebiscite wherein they could decide whether to join India or Pakistan. In his own words on October 31, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru wired Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, that his promise was "not merely a pledge to your government but also to the people of Kashmir and to the world". On November 2nd and 3rd, Nehru used the words "referendum under U.N. auspices." <ref>[http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2120/stories/20041008000307600.htm Nehru's legacy to India<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Line 52: Line 52:


The northern and western parts of Kashmir were subsequently divided by Pakistan into the following two political entities:
The northern and western parts of Kashmir were subsequently divided by Pakistan into the following two political entities:
# [[Azad Jammu and Kashmir]] (AJK) - the narrow southern part, 250 miles (400 km) long, with a width varying from 10 to 40 miles (15 to 65 km).
# [[Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir]] (AJK) - the narrow southern part, 250 miles (400 km) long, with a width varying from 10 to 40 miles (15 to 65 km).
# [[Federally Administered Northern Areas]] (FANA) - the much larger area to the north of AJK, 72,496 km² (27,991 mi² ), directly administered by Pakistan as a ''de facto'' dependent territory, i.e., a non-self-governing territory.
# [[Federally Administered Northern Areas]] (FANA) - the much larger area to the north of AJK, 72,496 km² (27,991 mi² ), directly administered by Pakistan as a ''de facto'' dependent territory, i.e., a non-self-governing territory.


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==Government==
==Government==
[[Azad Jammu and Kashmir]] (AJK) is a self-governing state under Pakistani control. It has its own elected president, prime minister, legislature, high court, and official flag. The state is divided into two administrative divisions which, in turn, are divided into eight districts.
[[Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir]] (AJK) is a self-governing state under Pakistani control. It has its own elected president, prime minister, legislature, high court, and official flag. The state is divided into two administrative divisions which, in turn, are divided into eight districts.


{| width="50%" style="border:1px solid black; text-align:left" bgcolor=#ACE1AF
{| width="50%" style="border:1px solid black; text-align:left" bgcolor=#ACE1AF
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|&nbsp;|| [[Muzaffarabad District|Muzaffarabad]] || 2,496 || 638,973 || [[Muzaffarabad]]
|&nbsp;|| [[Muzaffarabad District|Muzaffarabad]] || 2,496 || 638,973 || [[Muzaffarabad]]
|-
|-
|&nbsp;|| [[Neelum District|Neelum]]<ref name="neelum">{{cite web| url=http://www.ajk.gov.pk/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2256&Itemid=144| title="Facts and Figures"| first=Government of Azad Kashmir| last=Official website| accessdate=2006-04-19}} - Neelum is a recently created district and no figures are available as yet.</ref> || 3,621 || 106,778 || Athmuqam
|&nbsp;|| [[Neelum District|Neelum]]<ref name="neelum">{{cite web| url=http://www.ajk.gov.pk/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2256&Itemid=144| title="Facts and Figures"| first=Government of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir| last=Official website| accessdate=2006-04-19}} - Neelum is a recently created district and no figures are available as yet.</ref> || 3,621 || 106,778 || Athmuqam
|-
|-
|&nbsp;|| [[Poonch District (AJK)|Poonch]] || 855 || 411,035 || [[Rawalakot]]
|&nbsp;|| [[Poonch District (AJK)|Poonch]] || 855 || 411,035 || [[Rawalakot]]
Line 93: Line 93:


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Azad Kashmir is predominantly [[Muslim]]. The majority of the population is culturally, linguistically, and ethnically related to the people of northern Punjab. The population of Azad Kashmir includes the following tribes:
Pakistan Controlled Kashmir is predominantly [[Muslim]]. The majority of the population is culturally, linguistically, and ethnically related to the people of northern Punjab. The population of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir includes the following tribes:


{|
{|
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==Languages==
==Languages==
[[Urdu]] is the national language of Azad Kashmir but is only spoken by a minority. The dominant language spoken in AJK is [[Pahari]]. It is very similar to [[Pothwari]] and [[Hindko]].
[[Urdu]] is the national language of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir but is only spoken by a minority. The dominant language spoken in AJK is [[Pahari]]. It is very similar to [[Pothwari]] and [[Hindko]].


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}
{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}
In the latter part of 2006, billions of dollars for development were mooted by [[international aid agencies]] for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of earthquake-hit zones in Azad Kashmir, though much of those funds have been lost in bureaucratic channels, leading to delay in help reaching the most needy, and hundreds of people are still living in tents.<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/2006/10/01/nat9.htm Rs1.25 trillion to be spent in Azad Kashmir: Reconstruction in quake-hit zone - Dawn Pakistan]</ref> A land-use plan for [[Muzaffarabad]] city was prepared by the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]].
In the latter part of 2006, billions of dollars for development were mooted by [[international aid agencies]] for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of earthquake-hit zones in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, though much of those funds have been lost in bureaucratic channels, leading to delay in help reaching the most needy, and hundreds of people are still living in tents.<ref>[http://www.dawn.com/2006/10/01/nat9.htm Rs1.25 trillion to be spent in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir: Reconstruction in quake-hit zone - Dawn Pakistan]</ref> A land-use plan for [[Muzaffarabad]] city was prepared by the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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Image:Toli pir rawalakot 1.jpg| Toli pir 1
Image:Toli pir rawalakot 1.jpg| Toli pir 1
Image:Rawalkot 3.jpg| Banjosa Rawalakot
Image:Rawalkot 3.jpg| Banjosa Rawalakot
Image:Kotli_Azad_Kashmir.jpg| Kotli Azad Kashmir
Image:Kotli_Pakistan Controlled_Kashmir.jpg| Kotli Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
Image:Kotli District.JPG| Kotli District Azad Kashmir
Image:Kotli District.JPG| Kotli District Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
Image:Mirpur_Mangla_Dam.JPG| Mangla Dam, next to Mirpur City, Azad Kashmir
Image:Mirpur_Mangla_Dam.JPG| Mangla Dam, next to Mirpur City, Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
Image:Village_in_Sarsawa_Valley.JPG| Village in Sarsawa Valley, Azad Kashmir
Image:Village_in_Sarsawa_Valley.JPG| Village in Sarsawa Valley, Pakistan Controlled Kashmir
Image:Typical_Homes_in_Mirpur.JPG|Typical Homes in Mirpur
Image:Typical_Homes_in_Mirpur.JPG|Typical Homes in Mirpur
Image:Toli pir rawalakot 6.jpg| Toli pir 6
Image:Toli pir rawalakot 6.jpg| Toli pir 6
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*Sardar Masood Khan, ambassador of Pakistan to the United Nations
*Sardar Masood Khan, ambassador of Pakistan to the United Nations
*General(Retd)Muhammad Rahim Khan, former Chairman [[Pakistan International Airlines]] & Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence
*General(Retd)Muhammad Rahim Khan, former Chairman [[Pakistan International Airlines]] & Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence
*Major General(Retd)Muhammad Hayat Khan, former President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
*Major General(Retd)Muhammad Hayat Khan, former President of Pakistan Controlled Jammu & Kashmir


==See also==
==See also==
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{{portalpar|Pakistan}}
{{portalpar|Pakistan}}
{{sisterlinks}}
{{sisterlinks}}
* [http://www.ajk.gov.pk Government of Azad Kashmir]
* [http://www.ajk.gov.pk Government of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]
* {{wikitravel|Azad Kashmir}}
* {{wikitravel|Pakistan Controlled Kashmir}}
{{Administrative divisions of Pakistan}}
{{Administrative divisions of Pakistan}}
{{Administrative divisions of Azad Kashmir}}
{{Administrative divisions of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir topics}}
{{India}}
{{India}}


[[Category:States and territories established in 1946]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1946]]
[[Category:Azad Kashmir]]
[[Category:Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]]
[[Category:Disputed territories in Asia]]
[[Category:Disputed territories in Asia]]
[[Category:Divided regions|K]]
[[Category:Divided regions|K]]
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[[bn:আজাদ কাশ্মীর]]
[[bn:আজাদ কাশ্মীর]]
[[ca:Azad Kashmir]]
[[ca:Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]]
[[cs:Azád Kašmír]]
[[cs:Azád Kašmír]]
[[de:Asad Kaschmir]]
[[de:Asad Kaschmir]]
[[es:Cachemira Azad]]
[[es:Cachemira Pakistan Controlled]]
[[fr:Azad Cachemire]]
[[fr:Pakistan Controlled Cachemire]]
[[it:Azad Kashmir]]
[[it:Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]]
[[lt:Laisvasis Kašmyras]]
[[lt:Laisvasis Kašmyras]]
[[nl:Azad Kasjmir]]
[[nl:Pakistan Controlled Kasjmir]]
[[pl:Azad Kaszmir]]
[[pl:Pakistan Controlled Kaszmir]]
[[pt:Caxemira Livre]]
[[pt:Caxemira Livre]]
[[simple:Azad Kashmir]]
[[simple:Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]]
[[sv:Azad Kashmir]]
[[sv:Pakistan Controlled Kashmir]]
[[ta:ஆசாத் காஷ்மீர்]]
[[ta:ஆசாத் காஷ்மீர்]]
[[tr:Azad Keşmir]]
[[tr:Pakistan Controlled Keşmir]]
[[ur:آزاد کشمیر]]
[[ur:آزاد کشمیر]]
[[zh:自由克什米爾]]
[[zh:自由克什米爾]]

Revision as of 06:24, 29 August 2008

Template:Pakistan infobox

This article is about the area administered by Pakistan. For Kashmir region, see Azad Kashmir (disambiguation).

The Pakistan Controlled State of Jammu and Kashmir, or Azad Kashmir (AJK) as refered by Pakistani and Indian Controlled KAshmir separatists or, simply, Pakistan Controlled Kashmir (literally, "independent Kashmir") is the southernmost political entity within the Pakistani-administered part of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It borders the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir to the east, the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan to the west, the Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) to the north, and the Punjab Province of Pakistan to the south. With its capital at Muzaffarabad, Pakistan Controlled Kashmir covers an area of 13,297 km² (5,134 mi²) and has an estimated population of about four million. As far as the United Nations is concerned, the entire area of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, remains a disputed territory still awaiting resolution of the long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan. The disputed areas of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under pakistani control (including the area ceded to china in 1966 from the northern areas) is called as "Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK)" by India. Pakistan does not use the "PoK" term and conversely calls the disputed areas under Indian control as "Indian administered Kashmir".

Pakistan Controlled Kashmir's financial matters, i.e., budget and tax affairs, are dealt with by the Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir Council, instead of by Pakistan's Central Board of Revenue. The Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir Council is a supreme body consisting of 11 members, six from the government of Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir and five from the government of Pakistan. Its chairman/chief executive is the president of Pakistan. Other members of the council are Pakistan Controlled Kashmir's president and prime minister and a few other AJK ministers.

History

File:Kashmir region-map 2004.jpg
map of the Kashmir region

After the partition of British India in 1947, the princely states were given the option of joining either India or Pakistan. However, Hari Singh, the maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, wanted Jammu and Kashmir to remain independent. In order to buy some time, he signed a stand-still agreement, which side-stepped the agreement that each princely state would join either India or Pakistan. [1] As the maharaja hesitated, calls for union with Pakistan grew, particularly within Pakistan Controlled Kashmir. That development led to days of civil unrest and demonstrations that the maharaja tried to put down but which, instead, triggered a war between India and Pakistan. Nehru's government knew, although it never publicly admitted it, that there had been a fairly spontaneous revolt in the Jhelum valley and in other parts of what is now Pakistan Controlled Kashmir against the maharaja's purported decision to have his state accede to India.[citation needed] That revolt is said to have occurred well before the raiders backed by Pakistan army from the North-West Frontier Province and the Tribal Areas entered Kashmiri territory. [2]

File:Bkh lasdana hajipir road.jpg
Las Dana-Haji Pir Road, Bagh District, AJK

The people of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir are known for their strong martial spirit and have resisted invaders down through the ages, including the Sikhs, the British, and the Dogras. Leaders such as Raja Sultan Khan of Bhimber are etched into the memories of the Pakistan Controlled Kashmiri people, as are the famous rebellions of the Gakkhars of Mirpur and the Mangral Rajputs of Kotli. [3] The British used the town of Mirpur as a recruiting ground for the British Indian army.[4]

Pakistan Controlled Kashmir was awash with battle-hardened troops who had returned to their families after serving in the British army during the Second World War. In a series of pitched battles, the Dogra forces were practically wiped out due to the superior quality of the Pakistan Controlled Kashmir forces, and entire districts of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir such as Mirpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad were freed from Dogra rule. Upon hearing news of the fighting in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir and the plan to take the fight to Srinagar, tribal Pathan fighters from what is now known as the NWFP and FATA came to help their brethren. Having no need to head into Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, the tribal armies entered the Kashmir valley along with Pakistani forces to oversee operations. Upon their arrival in the valley, they were met by Indian troops. Contrary to the popular belief that once the raiders had arrived, Indian troops were then flown, Alastair Lamb, an eminent historian and author of a series of books on Kashmir, has uncovered evidence based on declassified military papers that India had Patalia gunners at the Sringar airport by October 17, 1947, and has scoffed at the Indian apologists who said that India’s invasion of Kashmir was a triumph of improvisation. Instead, he states that India had troops mobilized for an invasion of Kashmir by October 25th, meaning that the Indian army was in Kashmir in advance of the maharaja's decision. With the Indian army already in Kashmir, it is obvious why the maharaja handed over his state to India. The Indian troops managed to push the irregular forces back but were then engaged by the intruding Pakistani army. Fighting continued, and the front managed to stabilise at points near what is known today as the Line of Control. However, Pakistani forces held a great deal of the higher ground and key points, and the Indian armed forces were spread dangerously thin and were running short of supplies. The battle of Beri Pattan illustrated just how precarious the position of the Indian armed forces was among a hostile population. [5]

As that point, Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister of India, went to the U.N. for a cease-fire which was agreed to by Pakistan. There was the promise of a referendum or plebiscite giving the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination. When it signed the ceasefire in 1948, India promised to offer Kashmiris a plebiscite wherein they could decide whether to join India or Pakistan. In his own words on October 31, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru wired Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, that his promise was "not merely a pledge to your government but also to the people of Kashmir and to the world". On November 2nd and 3rd, Nehru used the words "referendum under U.N. auspices." [6]

The matter was brought up in the U.N., and resolutions were passed to hold a plebiscite with regard to Kashmir's future. Unfortunately, neither India nor Pakistan has ever undertaken a plebiscite in its respective area of control in Kashmir due to voilation of part II of the UN Resolution[7]. The legal requirement for the holding of a plebiscite was the withdrawal of the Indian and Pakistani armies from the parts of Kashmir that were under their respective control--a withdrawal that never did take place. In 1949, a cease-fire line separating the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir was formally put into effect. After the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, that line changed significantly in a few areas, and the new line, which was formally agreed to in 1972, was designated as the "Line of Control," separating Indian and Pakistani forces and the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of the former princely state.

The Line of Control has remained unchanged [8] since 1972 Simla pact which bound the two countries "to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations". Political experts claim that after this pact the only solution to the issue is mutual negotiation between two countries without involving any third party as UN resolution could not improve the situation due to non-compliance by both parties.

The northern and western parts of Kashmir were subsequently divided by Pakistan into the following two political entities:

  1. Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) - the narrow southern part, 250 miles (400 km) long, with a width varying from 10 to 40 miles (15 to 65 km).
  2. Federally Administered Northern Areas (FANA) - the much larger area to the north of AJK, 72,496 km² (27,991 mi² ), directly administered by Pakistan as a de facto dependent territory, i.e., a non-self-governing territory.

An area of Kashmir that is no longer under Pakistani control is the trans-Karakoram tract - a small region along the northeastern border of the Northern Areas that was ceded by Pakistan to the People's Republic of China in 1963 and which now forms part of China's Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang.

Government

Pakistan Controlled Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is a self-governing state under Pakistani control. It has its own elected president, prime minister, legislature, high court, and official flag. The state is divided into two administrative divisions which, in turn, are divided into eight districts.

Division District Area (km²) Population (1998) Headquarters
Mirpur Bhimber 1,516 301,633 Bhimber
  Kotli 1,862 563,094 Kotli
  Mirpur 1,010 333,482 Mirpur
Muzaffarabad Bagh 1,368 393,415 Bagh
  Muzaffarabad 2,496 638,973 Muzaffarabad
  Neelum[9] 3,621 106,778 Athmuqam
  Poonch 855 411,035 Rawalakot
  Sudhnati 569 334,091 Pallandari
AJK total 8 districts 13,297 2,972,501 Muzaffarabad

Demographics

Pakistan Controlled Kashmir is predominantly Muslim. The majority of the population is culturally, linguistically, and ethnically related to the people of northern Punjab. The population of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir includes the following tribes:

Languages

Urdu is the national language of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir but is only spoken by a minority. The dominant language spoken in AJK is Pahari. It is very similar to Pothwari and Hindko.

Economy

In the latter part of 2006, billions of dollars for development were mooted by international aid agencies for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of earthquake-hit zones in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir, though much of those funds have been lost in bureaucratic channels, leading to delay in help reaching the most needy, and hundreds of people are still living in tents.[10] A land-use plan for Muzaffarabad city was prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Notable Pakistani Kashmiris

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.indiatogether.org/peace/kashmir/intro.htm
  2. ^ South Asian Journal
  3. ^ http://www.kashmiraffairs.org/interview_krishan%20dev%20sethi.html
  4. ^ Controlled_kashmir/mirpur/history/prof_suresh_chand_2 Mirpur History - Prof. Suresh Chander
  5. ^ Pakistan Military Consortium :: www.PakDef.info
  6. ^ Nehru's legacy to India
  7. ^ UNCIP Resolution of August 13, 1948 (S/1100) - Embassy of India, Washington, DC
  8. ^ UNMOGIP: United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
  9. ^ Official website, Government of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir. ""Facts and Figures"". Retrieved 2006-04-19. - Neelum is a recently created district and no figures are available as yet.
  10. ^ Rs1.25 trillion to be spent in Pakistan Controlled Kashmir: Reconstruction in quake-hit zone - Dawn Pakistan

Template:Administrative divisions of Pakistan Controlled Kashmir

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