Azad Kashmir, also called “Free Kashmir,” is a mountainous region in northern Pakistan with its own government, parliament, and president. The region boasts stunning valleys and rivers and shares borders with Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the east and Pakistan’s Punjab province to the south. Azad Kashmir has its place all over the world due to its beautiful natural scenery and people from different regions visit Azad Kashmir for tourism. Because of this beautiful view, Zahiruddin Babur likened Kashmir to heaven. Kashmir (AJK)currently has a total of 10 districts, 32 tehsils, and 182 union councils.
Azad Kashmir is famous for:
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is also an important geopolitical region, as it is situated at the heart of the Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. The region has a unique political status, and its people have been struggling for the right to self-determination for many decades. This struggle has attracted international attention and made Azad Jammu and Kashmir an important political and cultural hub in the region. There are some of the reasons why AJK is famous:
- Natural beauty: The region is blessed with stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped lush green valleys, and glistening lakes like Banjosa Lake Rawalakot. The famous Neelum Valley, Tatta Pani and Tolipir are just a few examples of the natural beauty that AJK has to offer.
- Tourism: Azad Kashmir is a popular tourist destination in Pakistan, attracting visitors from all over the country and beyond. It offers a wide range of tourist activities, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and camping.fd
- Cultural diversity: AJK is home to a diverse mix of ethnic and linguistic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions.
- Strategic location: AJK is strategically located in South Asia, bordering India and Pakistan. Its location has made it a focus of geopolitical tensions between the two neighboring countries.
First President Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The first President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was Sardar Ibrahim Khan. He served as the President of AJK from 1948 to 1971. Sardar Ibrahim Khan was a political and social activist who played a key role in the struggle for the independence of Kashmir. In 1932, he helped establish the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference and became one of its founding members. Sardar Ibrahim Khan was a respected leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The first-rate Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The first Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir was Abdul Hamid Khan. He was appointed as the Prime Minister of AJK in 1975 and served in this position until 1977. Abdul Hamid Khan was a prominent political figure in the region and had also served as the President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he worked for the development of the region and played an important role in strengthening the political and administrative institutions of Azad Kashmir.
Food of Azad Kashmir
The food of AJK is primarily based on meat and vegetables, with a variety of spices and flavors. Some of the most popular AJK dishes in the region include:
- Roghan Josh: Chefs prepare a famous Kashmiri lamb curry by cooking lamb in a spicy tomato and yogurt-based gravy.
- Harisa: The cook makes a meat-based dish with lamb or chicken and cooks it with a variety of lentils and wheat. Afterward, they mash it to create a thick, hearty stew.
- Gushtaba: This is a unique and traditional Kashmiri dish made with meatballs cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce.
- Dum Aloo: This is a vegetarian dish that features potatoes cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Chokh Vangan: A dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, and a variety of spices is served.
- Sheer Chai: In the region, people prepare a popular pink tea by blending tea leaves, milk, and salt
These are just a few examples of the delicious and flavorful foods you might find in Azad Kashmir.
Natural beauty of Azad Kashmir
There is in Kashmir, the amazing mountains, wild animal life, waterfalls, and rivers surely amaze the tourists. In our opinion, the amazing landscapes of AJK should be at the top of the travel list. Tourists need support to fully appreciate the beauty of the forests, parks, and breathtaking views of nature in Kashmir, making it an ideal destination for those seeking beautiful sights.
It is contain of ten districts, AJK which are:
Muzaffarabad
Neelum
Jhelum Valley
Bagh
Poonch
Haveli
Kotli
Mirpur
Bhimber
Sudhnoti
Furthermore, each of these districts has its own administrative headquarters and is subdivided into smaller administrative units such as tehsils and union councils.