Sudhanoti District

Sudhanoti
District

Map of Azad Kashmir with Sudhanoti highlighted
Country Pakistan
Province Azad Kashmir
Headquarters Pallandri
Area
 • Total 569 km2 (220 sq mi)
 • Density 425/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+5)
Number of Tehsils 2

Sudhanoti (also spelled Sudhanuti) (Urdu: ضلع سدھنوتی ‎) is one of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan.[1]

Location

Sudhanoti is located at Latitude 33° 42′ 54″ N, Longitude 73° 41′ 9″ E. It is located 90 km away from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. It is connected with Rawalpindi and Islamabad through Azad pattan road.

Administration

Map of Sudhnoti

Sudhanoti District is divided into four tehsils: Pallandri, Balloch, Mang and Trarkhal.[2] Pullandri 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 metalled 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 kilometres.

History

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.

Population

Sudhanoti has a population of 242,000.[3] 97% is rural and 3% is urban. Males 51% and females 49%. The main tribes are Sudhans and Awans. Its population includes Sudhans, Awans, Abbasis,bains rajput ,Dar, Kianis, Syeds, Gardezis, Douli Mughals Khawajgan(Butt,Mir,Rather,lone,Banday,Ganai 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.

Afzalabad (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 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.

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.

DC House

One of the most known important and historical building in Pallandri is The DC House.(Currently Occupied by Ch. Mukhtar Hussain(Deputy Commissioner)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 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 who was 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 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.

Historical Temple

There is a very beautiful village about 6km away from pallandri named Islampura.In this village there is temple (Mandir) which was constructed by Hindus many centuries ago.

Educational

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. It has 2 Government degree College for men and women. Literacy rate of Sudhanoti is about 85%.

Educational Institute

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 Pallandri 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 Pallandri town. Darul Aloom Taleem-Ul-Quran, It is the most ancient educational institution of the kashmir, currently located in the centre of the city Plandri, names ad DARUL ALOOM TALEEM UL QURAN. The laid stonners of this holy institute, was SARDAR FEROZ ALI KHAN, MOLABA GHULAM HAIDER,and others, in the year 1932. after that, Sheikh ul Hadis Molana Muhamad Yousaf khan, who has attained (Ulmaie Hadis) degree from Dio Band, hold the institute and taught the students and serve himself for about 65 years. Thousands of Huffaz, Islamic Scholars, and all other related deprts students has attained the knowledge from him and spreaded in all over the world, after him nowadays this responsibility is continued by Molana Saeed Yousaf khan. Now, the institute facilities are more explored into the different departments according to the requirement of the technological world, in the shape of, Al Dhua Roza Tull Atfal institute, which fulfill both the Islamic as well as scientific fields.

Vegetation

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.

Wildlife

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

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.

Handicrafts

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

Dishes

Rice, Aab Gosht, Saag (vegetable dish)

Prominent Kashmiris

Abdul Karim Shaheed

He attained degree of Islamic fiqah from Deoband.After completing education he started his services in the Jamma Masjid of poonch city.During the Ghadar of 1947 ,Maharaja of Kashmir banned on the khutba(sermon) of Jumma.But , Moulana Abdul Karim preached the Muslims to fight for their religious rights.He was martyared by the Army of Maharaja.The Dogra army peeled off the skin of moulana near the river of poonch.

Malik Parvaiz Akhtar

He is the famous politician of Sudhnoti.He was elected MLA and Member Kashmir Council by the ticket of Muslim Conference.Currently he is the leader of Muslim League Nawaz and participate in the politics of Sudhnoti.

Sardar Muhammad Shoaib S/O Mushtaq Hussain

He was born in 19/01/1990 village of sudhnoti named Batian Patten Sher Khan.He was elected member of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly in 2011.

Muhammad Hussain Khan

He is the politician of sudhnoti.He became MLA and minister of Ajk many times.

Najeeb Naki

He is the famous politician of Ajk.His father and father in law were also involved in politics.

Kiran Dar

She belongs to noble family of Sudhnoti.She is currently MPA of Punjab Assembly.She was given ticket for member of Sanate of Pakistan by Muslim League(N) in general election of Sanate in 2015.Her father Muhammad Hussain Dar was the famous Industrialist of Punjab.She is known as Dukhter-e- Sudhnoti.She was elected Member Of National of Pakistan in 15 April, 2015 on the ticket of PMLN.

References

  1. ↑ State Profile – AJK.Gov
  2. ↑ Subdivisions of AJK
  3. ↑ Azad Kashmir – Facts and figures

External links

Coordinates: 33°42′54″N 73°41′09″E / 33.71500°N 73.68583°E