Sudhanoti District
Sudhanoti | |
|---|---|
 Map of Azad Kashmir with Sudhanoti highlighted | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Headquarters | Pallandri |
| Area | |
| • Total | 569 km2 (220 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Number of Tehsils | 4 |
Sudhanoti (also spelled Sudhanuti) (Urdu: ضلع سدھنوتی ) is one of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan.[1] Sudhanoti is located at Latitude 33° 42′ 54″ N, Longitude 73° 41′ 9″ E.[2] It is located 90 km away from Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan. It is connected with Rawalpindi and Islamabad through Azad Pattan road.
Administrative Divisions
Sudhanoti District is divided into four Tehsils Pallandri Balloch, Mong and Trarkhal. Pallandri is the district headquarters. It is at an elevation of 1372 meters and is at a distance of 97 Kilometers from Rawalpindi via Azad Pattan. The district is connected to Rawalakot by a 64-km metaled road.
Sudhanoti was carved out of Poonch district in 1995. The district is bounded by Poonch District in the north, Kotli in the south, and Punjab in the west. The total area of the district is 569 square kilometers.
Sudhanoti District is divided into four tehsils:[3]
- Pallandri
- Mong
- Tarar Khel
- Blouch
The city of Pullandri is the District Headquarters.
Population
Sudhanoti has a population of 242,000. 97% is rural and 3% is urban. Males 51% and Females 49%. The main tribes are Sudhans. Its population includes Sudhans, Awans, Abbasis, Bains Rajput, Dar, Kianis, Syeds, Gardezis, Douli Mughals Khawaja, Butt,Qureshi etc. and many others. There is also a significant number of people from other regions who live in Sudhanoti for sake of employment. Annual Growth rate is 3%.
People of the Sudhanoti 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.
Livelihood
Subsistence level farming for Corn and Wheat is conducted in and around Sudhanoti. Some level of vegetable farming including Tomatoes and Spinach are grown as well. The largest industry for Sudhanoti is the harvesting of popular trees, which are harvested and transported to Pakistan for manufacture of sporting goods. There are 2 Flour Mills working in Sudhanoti. 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 Sudhanoti are looking for ways to get employment in other countries. No doubt, Sudhanoti is full of culture. If government pays attention towards it then it can progress more.
Physical Features of Area
Sudhanoti district is a totally hilly area. The Jhelum River flows from one side of the district and is the boundary line between Punjab, 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.
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.
Historical Places and Tourist Attractions
Sudhanoti District 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.
DC House One of the most known important and historical building in Pallandri is The DC House 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 independence of 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 Kashmir (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.
Yaadgar-e-Shuhadah (Mong) Located in Mong 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.
Dhar Dharach (Dhar Tower) One of the most beautiful visiting point around 7 km from Pallandri. From this place you can see Rawalpindi, Kotli, and Pallandri cities.
Pallandri Bawli There is the Pallandri Bawli. It is known as Rani Ki Bawli. Bawli in the outskirts of Pallandri 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.
Baral Fort A Fort around 12 miles from Pallandri (Sudhanoti) city. Baral Fort on the top of Baral Town, a major town of Sudhnutti. After the Independence of Pakistan in 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.
Historical Temple There is a very beautiful village about 6 km away from Pallandri named Islampura. In this village there is temple (Mandir) which was constructed by Hindus many centuries ago.
Baithak Baithak is a place in District Sudhanoti. 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 Khel Tarar Khel is positioned at an elevation of 6502 feet. It is located at a distance of 211 kilometers from Rawalpindi passing through Kohala and 129 kilometers via Azad Pattan. The town is 31 Kilometers away from Pallandri (Sudhanoti). 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. """Kot Kotli"""is a village of Pallandri it is known as KanKadi Nagishar.....it is very beautiful place for visit...there is almost 1 hour journy from Pallandri....Most of tourist come from Pakistan and Ajk like this very much....it is about 4500 ft above from sea level...top most plAce of Sudhnuti....
Education
According to the Alif Ailaan Pakistan District Education Rankings 2015, Sudhanoti is ranked 49 out of 148 districts in terms of education. For facilities and infrastructure, the district is ranked 147 out of 148.[4]
Educational Institutes
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 Palandri
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 Jehlum River, the road climbs to the height of about 5000 feet. The College Complex is situated on the south eastern flank of Pallandri town.
Notable People
- Baba-e-Poonch Khansahb Col. Khan Muhammad Khan, member of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly from 1934 to 1946. Chairman War Council of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in 1947 and then member Defence Council. Founder of Sudhan Educational Conference.
- Lt Col Sher Khan (Shaheed) Bahadur Award. M.C(O.B.L) Victoria Caross I.D.S.M, Asian Lion (Northern, British[5] & Afghanistan 1919 to 1921) Bahadur, Fakhr-e-Kashmir Shair-e-Kashmir, Shair-e-Jang, 72 Year’s old Mard-e-Mujahid was Shaheed When he was fighting in Kashmir War on 9th July 1948 of Chajja Hill Poonch Sector. He was the Founder of 5 AK Regiment
- Sheikh Ul Hadees Molana Yousef Khan (R.A) Dar Ul Uloom Al-Islamia Pallandri Azad Kashmir
- Colonel Sardar Sher Ahmed Khan (Late), Fourth President of AJK (22 June 1952 – 31 May 1956)
- Lt Col Muhammad Naqi Khan (Late) , Ex-MLA & Minister for Health and Food
- Col Muhammad Mansha Khan (Late) Politician 30 June 1975 to 11 August 1977 Speaker (AJ&K)
- Brigadier M. Sadiq Khan (Late) - Asst Chief of Staff CENTO, Ankara – Turkey (1970-73) - Chairman Governor’s /Chief Minister’s Inspection, Enquiries & Anti-Corruption Department & Secretary of Govt of the Punjab (1978-87) - Member Punjab Public Service Commission (1988-90) - Minister Communications & Works, Housing & Physical Planning & Transport Departments Govt of the Punjab (1993) - Yagana-e-Kashmir Book (writer)
- General Aziz Khan, Four Star General
- Col. Dr. Muhammad Aamir Khan – MBBS, FCPS(SURGERY) FCPS (Cardiac Surgery) (Gold Medalist) Fellowship Cardiac Surgery (UK) Consultant cardiac surgeon (Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology AFIC)
- Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi Khan MLA (Minister for Health, Finance & P&D)
- Sardar Muhammad Hussain Khan (Advocate): Member, Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly – (2001–2006); served as Minister for AJ&K PPP government led by Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry
- Kiran Imran Dar,Politician and MNA
- Sardar Akhtar Hussain Rabbani (Late) Politician and Ex Minister (AJ&K)
- Farooq Ahmad Tahir Politician and Deputy Speaker (AJ&K)
- Malik Parvaiz Akhtar Politician and Member Kashmir Council
- Sehrish Qamar Malik Politician and MLA
References
- ^ State Profile – AJK.Gov
- ^ Subdivisions of AJK
- ^ Subdivisions of AJK
- ^ "Individual district profile link, 2015". Alif Ailaan. Retrieved 2015-05-06.
- ^ http://www.afghan-web.com/history/chron/index3.html
External links
- Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- [1]
Azad Jammu and Kashmir travel guide from Wikivoyage
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Provincial capital: Muzaffarabad | ||
| Mirpur |  | |
| Muzaffarabad | ||
| Poonch | ||