Azad Kashmir Provence
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is an area under Pakistani administration, functioning as a self-governing region. It occupies the western section of the broader Kashmir territory, a region that has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan since 1947. AJK shares its borders with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the south and west, respectively. The Line of Control (LoC) acts as the de facto boundary separating AJK from the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the east. The region spans an area of 13,297 square kilometers and had a population of 4,045,366 according to the 2017 census.
General Information
- Region: Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Administering Country: Pakistan
- Established: October 24, 1947 (Azad Kashmir Day)
- Capital: Muzaffarabad
- Largest City: Muzaffarabad
Government
- Type: Self-governing state under Pakistani administration
- Body: Government of Azad Kashmir
- President: Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry
- Prime Minister: Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq
- Chief Secretary: Dawood Muhammad Barech (BPS-21 PAS)
- Legislature: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly
- Supreme Court: Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Area
- Total: 13,297 km² (5,134 sq mi)
Population (2017)
- Total: 4,045,366
- Density: 300/km² (790/sq mi)
Time Zone and Communication
- Time Zone: UTC+05:00 (PKT)
- ISO 3166 Code: PK-AJK
Languages
- Urdu (official), Pahari-Pothwari (majority spoken), Hindko, Standard Punjabi, Gojri, Pashto
Literacy Rate (2017)
- Literacy Rate: 74%
Human Development Index (HDI)
- 2019 HDI: 0.612 (Medium)
Administrative Divisions
- Divisions: 3
- Districts: 10
- Tehsils: 33
- Union Councils: 182
Website
- Official Website: www.ajk.gov.pk
Basic Information
AJK operates under a parliamentary system inspired by the British Westminster model, with Muzaffarabad serving as its capital. The President is the ceremonial head of state, while the Prime Minister, along with a Council of Ministers, manages the executive functions. The unicameral Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly is responsible for electing both the President and Prime Minister. The region has its own Supreme Court and High Court, although it maintains a connection with Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, as it does not have representation in Pakistan’s national parliament.
The northern part of AJK is situated in a seismically active zone, with a significant earthquake in 2005 that caused widespread destruction, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and displacing millions. Reconstruction efforts have been ongoing with support from both Pakistan and international aid. The economy of AJK is largely based on agriculture, services, tourism, and remittances from the Mirpuri diaspora in the UK. Approximately 87% of households in AJK own agricultural land, and the region boasts the highest school enrollment rates in Pakistan, with a literacy rate of about 74%.
Name
The term “Azad Kashmir” (meaning “Free Kashmir”) was first used in a pamphlet by the Muslim Conference party during its 13th general session in 1945 at Poonch. This pamphlet was issued in response to the National Conference’s “Naya Kashmir” (New Kashmir) initiative and aimed to assert that the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir supported the Muslim League’s campaign for a separate homeland, Pakistan. It also declared the Muslim Conference as the sole representative organization of Kashmiri Muslims.
In 1946, the party adopted an “Azad Kashmir resolution,” demanding that the Maharaja set up a constituent assembly with extended franchise. Initially, the goal was to establish a responsible government under the Maharaja, without aligning with either India or Pakistan. However, by July 1947, the party reversed its stance, calling for the Maharaja to accede to Pakistan.
Sardar Ibrahim, a key figure in the movement, fled to Pakistan and led the Poonch rebellion with support from Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. A committee led by Mian Iftikharuddin was tasked with drafting a “declaration of freedom.” On October 4, 1947, a provisional Azad Kashmir government was announced in Lahore, with Ghulam Nabi Gilkar as president and Sardar Ibrahim as prime minister. Gilkar, under the alias “Mr. Anwar,” was arrested by the Maharaja’s forces, but Sardar Ibrahim was subsequently appointed as the president of the provisional government.
History
Background and the Partition of India
During the Partition of India in 1947, the British relinquished their control over princely states, allowing them to choose between joining India or Pakistan or remaining independent. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, preferred to maintain the independence of his state. The Muslim-majority areas in the western districts of Jammu (now within Azad Kashmir) and the Frontier Districts Province (today’s Gilgit-Baltistan) showed a preference for joining Pakistan.
The 1947 Poonch Rebellion
In the spring of 1947, an uprising broke out in Poonch, a region adjacent to the Rawalpindi division of West Punjab. The revolt was spurred by the Maharaja’s administration, which imposed punitive taxes on the local peasantry, leading to widespread unrest. The population, bolstered by recently demobilized soldiers from World War II, took up arms against the Maharaja’s forces, eventually gaining control over much of the district. Following this victory, the pro-Pakistan chieftains in the western districts of Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and Mirpur declared a provisional government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Rawalpindi on October 3, 1947. However, this provisional government was short-lived as its leader, Ghulam Nabi Gilkar (alias Mr. Anwar), was arrested in Srinagar. A second provisional government was established on October 24, 1947, in Palandri under the leadership of Sardar Ibrahim Khan.
Tribal Invasion and Accession to India
On October 21, 1947, thousands of Pashtun tribesmen from the North-West Frontier Province entered Jammu and Kashmir to support the rebellion against the Maharaja’s rule. Armed with modern weapons and led by experienced military leaders, these tribesmen quickly overwhelmed the Maharaja’s forces, capturing the towns of Muzaffarabad and Baramulla. As the situation worsened, the Maharaja sought military assistance from India. India consented to provide assistance on the condition that the Maharaja agree to join India. Consequently, on October 26, 1947, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, ceding control of defense, external affairs, and communications to the Indian government in exchange for military support. Indian troops were then airlifted to Srinagar, and fighting ensued between Indian and Pakistani forces, eventually stabilizing along what is now known as the Line of Control (LoC).
United Nations Intervention and Ceasefire
India approached the United Nations to mediate the dispute, resulting in resolutions that called for a plebiscite to determine Kashmir’s future. However, the plebiscite never took place due to the failure to meet the preconditions, which included the withdrawal of Pakistani and non-state forces, followed by a partial withdrawal of Indian troops. A formal ceasefire line, which later became the Line of Control, was established in 1949, separating the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled areas of Kashmir.
Post-1949 Developments
Following the 1949 ceasefire, Pakistan divided the regions under its control into two entities: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as the Federally Administered Northern Areas). AJK is a narrow strip of land running 400 km (250 mi) in length, while Gilgit-Baltistan is a much larger area to the north.
The 1955 Poonch Uprising
In 1955, another uprising occurred in the Poonch region, particularly in Rawalakot and other parts of Poonch Division. This rebellion, however, was suppressed by 1956.
Constitutional Developments
In 1970, during the military rule of Yahya Khan, a basic constitution called the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government Act, 1970” was implemented. This act established a presidential system, an elected legislative assembly, and granted considerable autonomy to AJK, with the central government retaining control over foreign affairs, defense, and currency.
In 1974, under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the “Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act, 1974” was enacted. This provided for a directly elected Legislative Assembly and an indirectly elected Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council in Islamabad. This move reduced the power of the Muslim Conference of Azad Kashmir (MKA), though it still granted significant autonomy to AJK.
Modern Developments and Autonomy
The 13th Amendment to the AJK Constitution, passed in Muzaffarabad, further empowered the AJK government by increasing the powers of the elected assembly, granting greater financial and administrative authority, and aiming to make the region more autonomous. The word “Act” was also removed from the Constitution.
International Relations and Border Changes
In 1963, Pakistan provisionally ceded the Shaksgam tract, a small region along the northeastern border of Gilgit-Baltistan, to China as part of an agreement to resolve the China-Pakistan boundary dispute. This area is now part of China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Line of Control and Bilateral Negotiations
In 1972, the current Line of Control (LoC) between Indian- and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir was established following the Simla Agreement. This agreement obligated both nations to settle their disputes through peaceful methods and bilateral negotiations. Some political experts argue that, given the Simla Agreement, the only solution to the Kashmir issue lies in direct negotiations between India and Pakistan, without involving third parties like the United Nations.
Recent Political Stance
In April 1997, the government of Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan refused to grant constitutional status to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating that doing so would amount to unilateral annexation of the region.
Geography
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is situated in the northern part of the region, where the terrain forms the lower part of the Himalayas. Notably, the Jamgarh Peak stands at an elevation of 4,734 meters (15,531 feet). However, the highest point in Azad Kashmir is Sarwali Peak, located in the Neelum Valley, reaching an altitude of 6,326 meters (20,755 feet).
Climate
The climate of Azad Kashmir varies across its regions. The southern districts, such as Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli, experience extremely hot summers and moderately cold winters, with most rainfall occurring during the monsoon season.
In contrast, the central and northern regions of Azad Kashmir, which include areas like Muzaffarabad and Neelum Valley, have a climate characterized by moderately hot summers and cold, chilly winters. These areas also receive significant snowfall in December and January.
Rainfall and Monsoon Flooding
Azad Kashmir receives rainfall throughout both winter and summer. Muzaffarabad and Pattan are among the wettest areas, with average rainfall often exceeding 1,400 mm annually. The highest rainfall in the region is recorded near Muzaffarabad, which receives approximately 1,800 mm of rain. The summer monsoon season brings heavy rains, often leading to flooding in rivers like the Jhelum and Leepa, exacerbated by the melting snow.
Government and Politics
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is a nominally self-governing state under the control of Pakistan since the 1949 ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani forces. Though it operates with its own elected president, prime minister, legislative assembly, and high court, Pakistan exerts significant influence over its governance.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council manages key areas like budget and tax affairs, operating separately from Pakistan’s Central Board of Revenue. This council comprises 14 members, including 8 from the AJK government and 6 from the Pakistani government, with the Prime Minister of Pakistan serving as the chairman.
Key Political Dates and Observances
- Azad Kashmir Day: Celebrated on October 24 to mark the establishment of the AJK government in 1947.
- Kashmir Solidarity Day: Observed on February 5 annually in Pakistan to protest against India’s control over Jammu and Kashmir.
- Kashmir Accession Day: Marked as Black Day on October 27 in Pakistan to protest against the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India.
Civil Rights and Political Autonomy
Despite the name “Azad” (meaning “free”), residents of AJK have limited political freedom. The Pakistani government maintains strict control, and political parties must pledge allegiance to Pakistan. Pro-independence parties, like the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, are barred from elections.
Development Projects
The Asian Development Bank has initiated development goals in health, education, and social sectors, with an estimated cost of $76 million. Additionally, Germany contributed $38 million between 2006 and 2014 to improve health infrastructure in AJK.
Administrative Divisions
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is divided administratively into three major divisions, each comprising several districts. The divisions are Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Poonch, and together they encompass a total of ten districts. These districts vary in terms of geographic area, population, and administrative centers.
Demographics
Population
According to preliminary results from the 2017 Census, Azad Jammu and Kashmir has a population of approximately 4.045 million. The AJK government’s website reports a literacy rate of 74%, with primary school enrollment rates standing at 98% for boys and 90% for girls. The population predominantly consists of Muslims, with cultural differences from the Kashmir Valley inhabitants in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning more closely with the culture of Jammu. Historically, towns such as Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber are part of the old Jammu region.
Religion
The population of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is almost entirely Muslim. Data from Christian community organizations indicate that around 4,500 Christians reside in the region, with the majority living in Bhimber, followed by Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, and smaller communities in Kotli, Poonch, and Bagh. The Christian community faces challenges regarding residential status and property rights in AJK.
Bahai communities in AJK are not well-documented, but it is known that six Bahai families live in Muzaffarabad, with a few more in rural areas. The Ahmadi community, estimated at 20,000 to 25,000 members, is primarily based in Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and Muzaffarabad.
Ethnic Groups
The native residents of Azad Kashmir, often referred to as “Jammuites” due to their historical ties with the Jammu region, are distinct from the Kashmiris of the Kashmir Valley. Many Azad Kashmiris have adopted the “Kashmiri” identity, although ethnolinguistically, “Kashmiri” usually refers to those from the Kashmir Valley.
The primary ethnic communities in Azad Kashmir include:
- Gujjars: An agricultural tribe, they are estimated to be the largest group in Azad Kashmir, with around 800,000 members.
- Sudhans: Also known as Sadozai or Sardar, this group is the second-largest tribe, mainly residing in Poonch, Sudhanoti, Bagh, and Kotli. Their population exceeds 500,000.
- Jats: Found mainly in Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli, with around 300,000 members. The Mirpuri Jat community has a significant diaspora in the U.K.
- Rajputs: Spread throughout Azad Kashmir, numbering just under 500,000, and playing a prominent role in the political sphere.
- Mughals: Predominantly in Bagh and Muzaffarabad.
- Awans: Found mainly in Bagh, Poonch, Hattian Bala, and Muzaffarabad. They are also present in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Dhund: Primarily located in Bagh, Hattian Bala, and Muzaffarabad, with additional presence in Abbottabad and upper Potohar Punjab.
- Kashmiris: Ethnic Kashmiri populations are present in Neelam Valley and Leepa Valley.
Languages
The principal language spoken in Azad Kashmir is Pahari-Pothwari, which is used by approximately 68% of the population. Gujri is spoken by 19%, while Kashmiri and other languages account for 5% and 8%, respectively.
Urdu is the official language of Azad Kashmir, with English used in official and higher domains. The majority of the population speaks other native languages. The Pahari-Pothwari language complex, which includes various dialects, is widespread across the region. These dialects are related to Punjabi and Hinko and vary from Mirpuri in the south to Hindko in the north.
Gujri is another major language, spoken by the Gujars, with its closest relations to Rajasthani languages and Punjabi. Kashmiri is spoken primarily in Neelam Valley, while Dogri is found in the southern district of Bhimber. Shina and Pashto are present in northern and border regions, respectively, and Kundal Shahi is a language unique to a specific village in AJK.
Economy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Overview
As of 2021, the estimated GDP of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) stands at £10 billion, with a per capita income of £5,604. Historically, the economy of Azad Kashmir has been primarily agricultural, with land serving as the chief source of production and revenue. Agriculture has traditionally been the backbone of the economy, providing food, wood, fuel, and grazing for livestock, which contributes to dairy production. Over time, land has been central to government revenue and economic activities.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture remains a significant part of Azad Kashmir’s economy. In the low-lying, densely populated areas, crops such as barley, mangoes, millet, corn (maize), and wheat are cultivated, and cattle are raised. The elevated, less populated regions focus on forestry, corn, and livestock for income.
The region is rich in mineral resources, with marble and graphite deposits near Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. Other mineral resources include low-grade coal, chalk, bauxite, and zircon. Additionally, local industries produce carved wooden items, textiles, and dhurrie carpets. The arts and crafts sector is notable for producing cultural goods like namdas, shawls, pashmina, pherans, papier-mâché, basketry, copper items, rugs, wood carvings, and various types of clothing.
Agricultural products from the region include mushrooms, honey, walnuts, apples, cherries, medicinal herbs, resin, and various types of timber such as deodar, kail, chir, fir, maple, and ash.
Impact of Migration and Development
The completion of the Mangla Dam in 1967 significantly influenced migration patterns, leading to a substantial flow of remittances from the Mirpuri community in the UK. This migration and remittance flow have become crucial to AJK’s economy. In the mid-1950s, economic and social development initiatives were launched, and the 1960s brought additional revenue to the region through royalties from the Mangla Dam’s electricity production for Pakistan.
The 2005 Kashmir earthquake led to a multibillion-dollar reconstruction effort, although bureaucratic delays impeded the timely delivery of aid. Despite these challenges, international aid agencies have played a significant role in funding development projects.
Tourism
Tourism is an important economic sector in Azad Kashmir, with several notable destinations:
- Muzaffarabad: The capital city, situated on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers, is 138 km from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Key attractions include the Red Fort, Pir Chinassi, Patika, Subri Lake, and Awan Patti.
- Neelam Valley: Located to the north and northeast of Muzaffarabad, the valley’s main tourist spots are Athmuqam, Kutton, Keran, Changan, Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel, and Taobat.
- Sudhanoti: Situated 90 km from Islamabad, this district is accessible via the Azad Pattan road and features various scenic spots.
- Rawalakot: The headquarters of Poonch District, located 122 km from Islamabad. Attractions include Banjosa Lake, Devi Gali, Tatta Pani, and Toli Pir.
- Bagh: The headquarters of Bagh District, 205 km from Islamabad and 100 km from Muzaffarabad. Key sites include Bagh Fort, Dhirkot, Sudhan Gali, Ganga Lake, Ganga Choti, Kotla Waterfall, Neela Butt, Danna, Panjal Mastan National Park, and Las Danna.
- Leepa Valley: 105 km southeast of Muzaffarabad, known for its scenic beauty and appeal to tourists.
- New Mirpur City: The district headquarters with attractions such as Mangla Lake and Ramkot Fort.
Education
Literacy Rate and Graduation Statistics
In Azad Kashmir, the literacy rate has significantly improved over the years, rising from 62% in 2004 to 91.34% according to the 2020-2021 census. However, the percentage of graduates remains relatively low, with only 2.2% compared to the national average of 2.9%.
Universities
The region is home to several universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC). Among these, Mirpur University of Science and Technology, established in 1980, focuses on engineering and technology, while the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, founded the same year, offers a range of general programs. Additional campuses of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are located in Neelum and Jhelum Valley Districts, both established in 2013. Other prominent institutions include Al-Khair University, Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, and various campuses of the University of Poonch, which cater to general education. The Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Bagh, founded in 2013, and the University of Management Sciences and Information Technology in Kotli, established in 2014, are also notable. Additionally, the Mirpur University of Science and Technology has a Bhimber campus dedicated to science and humanities.
Medical Colleges
In the realm of medical education, several institutions are recognized by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. These include Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College in Mirpur, Azad Jammu Kashmir Medical College in Muzaffarabad, and Poonch Medical College in Rawalakot. Private medical education is also available through Mohi-ud-Din Islamic Medical College in Mirpur.
Cadet Colleges
Cadet Colleges in Pallandri, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur provide specialized education, with Cadet College Pallandri located about 100 km from Islamabad.
Sports
Football, cricket, and volleyball are widely popular in Azad Kashmir. Numerous tournaments are organized throughout the year, including special night-time events during the holy month of Ramazan, which are flood-lit for visibility.
The Kashmir Premier League, a T20 cricket tournament, was established in 2021, adding to the region’s sports culture.
Cricket Facilities
New Mirpur City boasts a cricket stadium known as Quaid-e-Azam Stadium, which is currently under renovation by the Pakistan Cricket Board to meet international standards. Additionally, Muzaffarabad features a cricket stadium with an 8,000-person capacity, which hosted eight matches of the Inter-District Under-19 Tournament in 2013.
Football Clubs
Several football clubs are active in Azad Kashmir, including:
- Pilot Football Club
- Youth Football Club
- Kashmir National FC
- Azad Super FC
Culture
For an in-depth look at the cultural aspects of Azad Kashmir, refer to the article on the Culture of Kashmir.
Tourism in Azad Kashmir
The northern region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir includes the lower Himalayas, featuring Jamgarh Peak at 15,531 feet (4,734 meters). Sarwali Peak in the Neelum Valley stands as the highest point in the state. The area’s lush, green, and mountainous valleys contribute to its reputation as one of the most picturesque regions on the subcontinent.
Climate and Weather
In the southern districts like Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli, the weather is extremely hot during summer and moderately cold in winter, with rainfall predominantly occurring in the monsoon season.
The central and northern areas experience moderate heat in summer and very cold conditions in winter, including snowfall in December and January. Rainfall is frequent in both winter and summer, with Muzaffarabad and Pattan being among the wettest areas, receiving over 1,400 mm of rainfall annually. Monsoon floods, particularly affecting the Jhelum and Leepa rivers, are common during the summer months due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt.