Punch (Distrikt, Pakistan)

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Poonch is one of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir. Poonch district itself has been divided between Pakistan and India.

The capital of the district is Rawalakot with the Sudhan tribe being the dominant group in the district. This region has produced numerous business, political and military leaders.

History

From the end of seventeenth century up to 1837 CE, Poonch was ruled by the Muslim Rajas of Loran in Tehsil Haveli. It then fell into the hands of Raja Faiztalab Khan of Rajuri to whom it was handed over by the Punjab Government. Poonch was included in the transfer of the hilly country to Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1848. Before this transfer, Poonch was considered a district of Lahore. Maharaja Gulab Singh granted Chibal, Poonch and other areas to Jawaharr Singh and Moiti Singh. The Raja of Poonch had to present to the Maharaja of, what is now known as Jammu and Kashmir, one horse with gold trappings. The Raja of Poonch was not to effect any administrative changes in the territory of Poonch without previous consultation with the Maharaja of Kashmir.

Partition of Poonch

After independence in 1947, Pakistan and India fought a war over Kashmir, as a result of this war Poonch was split between the two nations. Prior to division of Poonch, the only high school in the district was in the city of Poonch (this city is now forms the capital of Indian Poonch).

Main Tribes & Clans

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The principal clans are the Maldiyal Mughal,Douli Mughal, Sudhan,Gujjars and Muslim Rajputs,Mangral,(Jarral, Manhas, Narma, Teziyal, Mankas, Domaal, Bhawpal & Mangdal biradaries).

Prominent figures from Poonch

This region has produced numerous business, political and military leaders, including:

Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan - the Founder and President of Azad Kashmir.

Shaikh Ghulam Ahmad of Rawalakot an educator and philanthropist.
General (Retd.) Aziz Khan, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Pakistan Army.
Maj. General(Retd.) M. Rahim Khan, former Secretary General Defence, Former Ambassador of Pakistan in Malaysia and Mozambique, former Governor of Sindh, former Chairman Pakistan International Airlines and Pakistan Chrome Mines Ltd.
Sardar Shahnawaz Khan: Politician and writer, a close friend and supporter of Sardar Ibrahim Khan
M. Rashid Khan, the former Chairman of Pakistan Banking Council and former Executive Director of Asian Development Bank.
Sabir Hussain Sabir International Award winning poet & writer,Author of Dasht-e-Tanhai,Hajir kay baad, Look out,and Ganjeen-e-Afkaar.
Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan liberator of Mirpur in 1947.
Maj General(Retd)Muhammad Hayat Khan.
Lt Col Muhammad Gulzar Khan of Androte.