Poonch Pakistan

Poonch in Azad Kashmir

Poonch (Hindi: पुंछ, Urdu: ضلع پونچھ ‎) is one of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir. Poonch district borders Indian-administered Kashmir and is part of the greater dispute between India and Pakistan. The headquarter of the district is Rawalakot.

History

Lohar Dynasty: The centre of Lohar dynasty was at Loharin which is now in Poonch district of the state of Kashmir. Prominent Hindu kings of this dynasty have carved out a special place in the history of Kashmir.

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 Rajouri to whom it was handed over by the Punjab Government. Poonch was included in the transfer of the hilly country to Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in 1848. Before this transfer, Poonch was considered a district of Lahore. Maharaja Gulab Singh granted Chibal, Poonch and other areas to Jawahar Singh and Moiti Singh. The Raja of Poonch had to present to the Maharaja one horse with gold trappings. The Raja of Poonch was not to effect any administrative changes in the territory of Poonch without prior consultation with the Maharaja of Kashmir.

After independence in 1947, Pakistan and India fought a war over Kashmir. As a result of the war, Poonch was split between the two nations.

People

Sudhan and Awan tribes are the dominant groups in the district.

See also

Punch: District in Indian-administered Kashmir

References

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