Divisions of Azad Kashmir

Submitted by: Sumiya Qureshi Date of Submission:

Memoona Anwar September 19, 2019

Sultana Rafi

Submitted to: Madam Irsa

DEPARTMET OF HISTORY AND PAKISTAN STUDIES

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

2019
Introduction

Azad Kashmir is a self-governing state under Pakistan. It has its own elected president, prime
minister, legislature, high court, logo and official flag. However, the highest body in the state is
the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. This council has six members from the government of
Azad Kashmir (including the President and the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir) and five
members from the government of Pakistan, including the President of Pakistan who is the
chairman/chief executive of the council. The Government of Azad Kashmir and Jammu is based
in Muzaffarabad, the interim state capital of the Azad Kashmir disputed territory.

At present, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir comprises three Divisions, namely, Muzaffarabad,
Poonch and Mirpur. Muzaffarabad Division comprises three districts, namely, Muzaffarabad,
Neelum and Jhelum Valley (Hattian). Poonch Division comprises four districts, namely, Bagh,
Haveli, Poonch and Sudhnuti. Mirpur Division comprises three districts, namely, Kotli, Mirpur
and Bhimber. There are ten districts and 32 tehsils.

Azad Kashmir’s District Wise Map

 History of Azad Kashmir:

The word Kashmir is originated from sansikrt language which means “Desiccated land”. the
history of Kashmir is traceable from 3rd century BC when ashoka the son of chandraghupta moriya
ruled in the region of indian subcontinent and the region of Kashmir as well as central asia. Pashtun
durrani empire ruled here in 18th century AD until 1819 its was given to the sikh community under
the leadership of Mughals. from 1845-1846 Anglo-sikhs battle was fought in the land of Kashmir
and britishers took its under their colonial rule.

In 1947 the British withdrew from India. The political visions of the Muslim League (a Muslim
State in India called Pakistan, with Punjab, Kashmir and Sindh as core areas) and of the Indian
National Congress conflicted. Both the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress regarded
India's other princely states as remnants of a feudal past. The Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir (a
Hindu) opted for the Republic of India, much to the surprise of many of the Muslim inhabitants of
Jammu & Kashmir, which made up the overwhelming majority of the population. Political
upheaval followed, with the opponents of the Maharaja being supported by Pakistani forces, the
princely administration by the Indian forces; Jammu & Kashmir was partitioned, separated by the
Line of Control (1948). The Pakistani-administrated part of Jammu & Kashmir was partitioned in
two : Azad (Jammu and) Kashmir.

Formally, Azad Kashmir is not part of Pakistan, but a separate state. When the Election
Commission of Pakistan describes the territory of Pakistan as comprising "the provinces of Punjab,
Sindh, North-West Frontier and Balochistan, the Islamabad Capital Territory i.e. the Federal
Capital, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATAs) and such states and territories as are or
may be included in Pakistan whether by accession or otherwise", Azad Kashmir may be interpreted
as "such states and territories as are or may be included in Pakistan whether by accession or
otherwise".

During the 1950s and 1960s, Azad Kashmir was frontier area where military concerns took
precedent over civilian matters. In the mid 1970s, measures were taken to develop the regional
political and social infrastructure; the University of Azad Kashmir was established in 1974, a flag
for Azad Kashmir chosen in 1975. The issue of Jammu & Kashmir remains unresolved, as Pakistan
regards the Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir as illegally occupied by the Republic of India, while
the Republic of India regards Azad Jammu & Kashmir as illegally occupied by Pakistan.
Geographical Profile of Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir can be described as mainly hilly and mountainous with valleys in between from
Neelum district to Poonch district and stretches of plains to the south of Poonch district. The
districts of Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Kotli and Sudhnuti are in the mountainous zone
while Mirpur and Bhimber districts lie in the foothills. The mountainous area has thick forests on
its top, and fast flowing rivers and winding streams in its valleys. The forest cover is about 566,969
hectares, which is 42.6% of the total geographical area of AK.

The landforms of AK comprise the meta-sedimentary rocks of the Himalayan zone in its northern
districts viz. Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Poonch, Kotli and Sudhnoti. The high altitude
mountainous zone with deeply cut valleys, steep slopes, often widening out into upper slopes
forming alpine pasture uplands, characterizes the landform of these districts. Glaciers and
avalanches are active in this region in eroding the landscape and modifying the topography. In the
extreme north the high mountains of the Himalayas form the lofty ridges of the Nanga Parbat
massif, with the highest point being 6,359 metres.The Sub-Himalayan zone constitutes the lower
part of Neelum Valley, while the lesser Himalayas form its central part and are separated from the
former by the main boundary thrust exposed near Nauseri in the south and from the Higher
Himalayas in the north by the main central thrust identified near Lawat village. The Jhelum-
Neelum watershed in Muzaffarabad district as well as Poonch and Sudhnoti districts form a
mountainous terrain in the north, which comprises the foothill ranges of the outer Himalayas that
rise to 3,758 meters above sea level in the Pir Panjal in the center but generally form the mountain
ridges averaging from 1800 to 2750 meters in height.

The north of Mirpur and Bhimber districts and most of Kotli district are characterized by parallel
strike ridges of sandstone with intervening broad valleys. Older rocks are on the other hand found
forming a more compact hilly area dissected by narrow deep cut valleys in Nikyal sub-division,
the highest point in Kotli district being 1819 meters above sea level. The narrow strip of land in
southern Mirpur and Bhimber districts and the extreme south of the state constitute the plains
similar to those of the adjacent Punjab
Kashmir Location, Area

Kashmir is a region located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. It includes the
Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the Pakistani states of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad
Kashmir. The Chinese regions of Aksai Chin and Trans-Karakoram are also included in Kashmir.
Currently, the United Nations refers to this region as Jammu and Kashmir. Azad Kashmir is a part
of the Kashmir region, it is one of the administrative territories of Pakistan. Azad Kashmir is
controlled by the Pakistani, while Kashmir is controlled by the Indians. Azad Kashmir borders
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the south and west respectively. Azad Kashmir is divided into
3 administrative divisions namely, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Poonch, where Muzffarabad is the
capital and largest city of Azad Kashmir. As of 2008, the population of Azad Kashmir stood at
over 4.5 million. Azad Kashmir is a touristic region filled with a lot of popular attractions such as
Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, and Rawalakot . Until the 19th century, Kashmir geographically included
the valley region from the Himalayas to the Pir Panjal mountain range. Today, however, it has
been extended to include the aforementioned areas. Kashmir is significant to geographic studies
because its status is disputed, which often causes conflict to develop in the region. Today, Kashmir
is administered by India, Pakistan and China.

Kashmir's Climate:

Kashmir has a varied climate but in its lower elevations, summers are hot, humid and dominated
monsoonal weather patterns, while winters are cold and often wet. In the higher elevations,
summers are cool and short, and winters are very long and very cold.

Kashmir Mountain:

The vast majority of the state’s territory is mountainous, and the physiography is divided into seven
zones that are closely associated with the structural components of the western Himalayas. From
southwest to northeast those zones consist of the plains, the foothills, the Pir Panjal Range, the
Vale of Kashmir, the Great Himalayas zone, the upper Indus River valley, and the Karakoram
Range. The climate varies from alpine in the northeast to subtropical in the southwest. In the alpine
area, average annual precipitation is about 3 inches (75 mm), but in the subtropical zone (around
Jammu) rainfall amounts to about 45 inches (1,150 mm) per year. The entire region is prone to
violent seismic activity, and light to moderate tremors are common. A strong earthquake centered
in neighboring Pakistani-administered Kashmir killed hundreds in Kashmir State in 2005.

Industry:

The state government has an industrial policy that offers attractive incentives along with a single-
window. Clearance mechanism. Land is allotted at concessional rates in industrial areas on lease
for 90 years. The cost of setting up operations is comparatively lower than other states.

Handicrafts

the sector makes conspicuous contribution in sustaining export trade of the state. The handicraft
activities carried out in Kashmir Valley has earned a unique place in the world of handicraft
scenario. This sector provides employment opportunities and great potential to generate gainful
employment within and outside the state. The employment of handicraft has increased to 3.505
laces during 2007-08 as against Rs.2.25 laces during 1990-91 and the exports in the handicraft
sector have increased to Rs.1200.47 cores during 2007-08 as against Rs.34.60 cores during 1990-
91.Hence, keeping in view the above certain important key indicators of financial autonomy, J&K
state will be one the fast growing state.

Kashmir Natural Resources:

The northern Indus Suture and Shyok Suture and adjacent areas, and major faults with

High shear density in Karakoram, Kohistan and NW Himalayas are the main target areas for

Minerals and gemstones exploration. The Azad Kashmir includes bauxite, laterite and ochre

from Muzafarabad, Kotli and Reshian regions (disconformity); copper, gossans/red iron

oxide/ochre and graphite from Neelam river; sheet mica/muscovite and lithium

mica/lipedolite from many pegmatite’s of Neelam valley; uranium in graphitic schist of

Precambrian Salkhala formation found in Reshian region ESE of Muzafarabad; enplane

Syenite from Reshian region, coal from Kotli region and limestone and marble from different

Areas. The reserves of bauxite, laterite and ochre are Dhanwan (alumina 41-60%, silica 18-

40% iron 1-8%) is 4.9mt; Kamroti (alumina 50-70%, silica 9-28%, iron 1-2.5) is 1.36mt, Sawar

(Alumina 52-56%, silica 25%, iron 5%) is 0.93mt, dandily (alumina 34-46%, silica 36-44%) is

1.18mt, Nikial (alumina 41-46%, silica 13-35%, iron 2-27%) is 0.424mt, Goi (alumina 47%,

Silica 35%) is 1.103mt, Shisetar is 0.656mt, and Broach (alumina 51%, silica 23%) is 0.2mt,

Balmi (alumina 46%, silica 31%) is 0.209mt, Khandar Karela is 0.209mt and Palan is 0.283mt

With total 11.454mt. Azad Kashmir represents many gemstones from Neelam valley like

Orange-red spessartine garnet (large crystals) in pegmatite’s, ruby from Nangimali-Khora-

Katha-Chitta Ratta and Naril Nala areas in met limestone and calcite veins, green tourmaline

from Donga Nar pegmatite’s, black tourmaline (schorl) and quartz from different gem

Localities. There are mineral and marble resources in Azad Kashmir close to Mirpur and
Muzaffarabad. There are also graphite deposits at Mohriwali. There are also reservoirs of low-
grade coal, chalk, bauxite, and zircon. Local household industries produce carved wooden objects,
textiles, and dhurrie carpets.

Water resources/rivers:

The Jhelum, Chenab, Indus and Tawi rivers are flowing through our state, hence ample water
resources are present here besides lakes, rivers, glaciers and groundwater are also present in huge
quantity. Water resources are sources of water that are potentially useful for hydroelectricity,
agricultural, industrial, household, recreational and environmental activities.

Hydroelectricity

Renewable power generation can help countries meet their sustainable development goals through
provision of access to clean, secure, reliable and affordable energy. Tens of gigawatts of wind,
hydropower and solar photovoltaic capacity are installed worldwide every year in a renewable
energy market that is worth more than a hundred billion USD annually.

Other renewable power technology markets are also emerging as in recent years have seen
dramatic reductions in renewable energy technologies’ costs. The average cost of electricity from
a hydro station larger than 10 megawatts is 0.01$ per kilowatt-hour.

Therefore, the cost of hydroelectricity is relatively low which makes it a competitive source of
renewable electricity.

Kashmir Agricultur:

Jammu & Kashmir Agricultural exports from Jammu and Kashmir include rice, wheat, maize,
sorghum, barley, millet, vegetables, apples, cherries, oranges, peaches, pears and saffron,
illustrates the current area, productivity and production statistics of major crops in Jammu and
Kashmir. The majority of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are engaged in subsistence agriculture
of diverse kinds on terraced slopes, each crop adapted to local conditions. Rice, the staple crop, is
planted in May and harvested in late September. Corn, millet, pulses (legumes such as peas, beans,
and lentils), cotton, and tobacco are with rice the main summer crops, while wheat and barley are
the chief spring crops. Many temperate fruits and vegetables are grown in areas adjacent to urban
markets or in well-watered areas with rich organic soils. Sericulture (silk cultivation) is also
widespread. Large orchards in the Vale of Kashmir produce apples, pears, peaches, walnuts,
almonds, and cherries, which are among the state’s major exports. In addition, the vale is the sole
producer of saffron in the Indian subcontinent. Lake margins are particularly favorable for
cultivation, and vegetables and flowers are grown intensively in reclaimed marshland or on
artificial floating gardens. The lakes and rivers also provide fish and water cultivation in Ladakh
is restricted to such main valleys as those of the Indus, Shyok, and Sure Rivers, where it consists
of small irrigated plots of barley, buckwheat, turnips, and mustard. Plants introduced in the 1970s
by Indian researchers have given rise to orchards and vegetable fields. Pastoralism notably yak
herding long has been a vital feature of the Ladakh economy; breeding of sheep, goats, and cattle
has been encouraged. The Kashmir goat, which is raised in the region, provides cashmere for the
production of fine textiles. Some Gujarat and Gaddi communities practice transhumance (seasonal
migration of livestock) in the mountains. In addition to supplying pasture for the livestock, the
mountains also are a source of many kinds of timber, a portion of which is exported. Chestnuts.
The detail is given below:

S.No Divisions Districts Tehsil

1. Muzaffarabad Muzaffarabad Muzaffarabad, Patika (Naseerabad)

Neelum Athmuqam, Sharda

Jhelum Valley Hattian Bala, Chikar, Leepa

2. Poonch
Bagh Bagh, Harigehl, Dhirkot

Haveli Haveli, Khurshidabad, Mumtazabad

Poonch Rawalakot, Thorar, Hajira, Abbaspur

Sudhnuti Pallandri, Mong, Trarkhal, Baloch

3. Mirpur
Kotli Kotli, Sehnsa, Fatehpur, Charhoi, Duliah
Jattan, Khuiratta

Mirpur Mirpur, Dadyal

Bhimber. Bhimber, Smahni, Barnala

Economic Profile of Azad Kashmir

The economy of Azad Kashmir (Pakistan Administered Kashmir, part of Kashmir administered
by Pakistan, is largely a developing one. The per capita income and provincial GDP estimates of
Azad Kashmir are comparatively underrated when compared with development in other regions
of the country although Azad Kashmir notably has a literacy rate that is substantially above the
national average. Azad Kashmir's economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, but also relies on
remittances sent each year by members of the large Kashmiri diaspora. The Kashmiris in the
United Kingdom have contributed greatly to the development of Azad Kashmir through their in-
flow of remittances. In the southern districts, many men have been recruited into the Pakistani
Armed Forces. Other locals travel to countries in Europe or the Middle East where they work in
labor-oriented jobs. The local tourism industry has potential although is underdeveloped.

Challenges faced by Azad Kashmir's economy include the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake,
the effects of which the region is still recovering from.

Small scale Industry

The term small-scale industry “originally referred to home workers who are engaged in a task such
as sewing, lace-making, wood carving or household manufacturing which can be carried at home
by family members using their own tools and materials. the “business dictionary defines the term
as home based micro enterprise or small-scale industry that commonly employs between one to
ten (1-10) workers”

Cottage industry in Azad Kashmir

In Azad Kashmir (AK), the significance of cottage industries cannot be denied. In day to day life,
people take part in the activities that contribute to improve their economic condition. The Kashmiri
craftsmen are still very skilful as excellent in paper moulding, miniature paintings, wood carving,
weaving and embroidery of Kashmiri Shawls, Chaddar (Veil) Making, Gabba-Sazi, NamdaSazi,
Carpet Weaving, Papier-Mâché, Jewellery Making and Silver Inscription, Tila Work, etc.

The female participation in Cottage Industry will lead to social, cultural and economic uplifts of
the women and end of the day; it will have a positive impact on the social, cultural and economic
condition of the State and beyond, particularly in the context of emerging trade links between both
sides of Line of Control .This trade can grow in future where the role of cottage industry will
become more important.

“Small-scale Industries plays a pivotal role which provide good rate of rural employment
opportunities.

Small-scale Cottage Industries are labour intensive.

Small-scale Industries require less capital for employment generation

 Small-scale Industries provide maximum income generation activities with minimum inputs.

Industrial growth has multiplier effect.”

Handicrafts of the Azad Kashmir including Carpets Weaving, Embroidery, Namda Gubba, Papier-
mâché, Wood Crafts and Kashmiri Shawls, have incorporate Persian designs arranged in Kashmiri
style The handicrafts were introduced during the rule of King Zain-ul-Abidin . The King Zain-
ul-Abidin engaged trained craftsman from Central Asia and then they trained the local craftsman.
Since then the handicrafts legacies continued and got encouragement by time to time. “All the
Kashmiri crafts were hand-made and imbued with the very soul of the artisans. These handicrafts
possess a magical power which captivates the heart of the beholder”

Walnut and Wood Carving

The walnut wood carving employs a process of hand carving done very carefully and delicately
in various styles by means of varied tools, fabricated locally depicting forms and motifs that have
evolved over a period of centuries” (Walnut Wood Carving). The Kashmiri architecture and wood
carving has a rich tradition. “Kashmir is among the places in the world where walnut is still
available at an altitude of 5500-7500 feet above sea level. The quality of the uses material is well
reputed and superior and is among the most important crafts of Kashmir and the world as well”
(Walnut Wood Carving). Although the wood of walnut trees is solid and durable but is soft so that
craftsmen use it for fine crafting. Because of its natural colour and durability, it is used for wood
work and carving. The each part of the walnut tree including roots, trunk and branches has its own
distinctive feature to increase the attraction of the things. The walnut wood carving employs a
process of hand carving done very carefully and delicately in various styles by means of varied
tools, fabricated locally depicting forms and motifs that have evolved over a period of centuries”
(Walnut Wood Carving). The Kashmiri architecture and wood carving has a rich tradition.

Carpet Weaving

Carpet weaving is another famous craft of Azad Kashmir and due to its knotted quality and
craftsmanship Kashmiri carpets are famous all over the world. For carpet weaving, silk, wool or
silk and wool thread usually used. “Woollen carpets always have cotton base and silk carpets may
have a cotton or silk base. Carpet weaving was not indigenous but is thought to have come from
Persia. Designs are mostly Persian with local variations. The colour schemes differentiate
Kashmiri carpets from other carpets” (Opie & Gates, 1081). The colours of these carpets are mutes
and subtle than elsewhere in the world. Kashmiri silk carpets hold a special place in the arena.
They are made in the Persian style and are known for their intricate patterns and high knot density
reaching up to 400 knots per square inch. Though the craft here has been inherited from Persia,
yet the Kashmir carpets have over the time developed original style.

Shawl Bafi

Kashmiri shawl also spelled as Cashmere type of woollen shawl in Kashmir. The historical
reference of woolen shawls witnessed from 3rd century BC,Potential of Cottage Industry in Azad
Kashmir. when woolen shawls were mentioned in writings but it got familiarity during the 15th
century, when shawl industry was modernized during the rule of King, Zain-ul-Abidin, who
introduced weavers from Central Asia (Encyclopedia Britannica). It is also believed that “of all
sub-continent textiles none excel in beauty, color, texture and design than Kashmiri Shawls”
(Department of Industries & Commerce, 2011). Kashmiri Shawl Bafi is being considered among
the best famous cottage industries which processed in handlooms.There are two techniques to
produce the Kashmiri Shawls; “one is Kani Shawls or loom woven and the second is the Sozni
Shawls or Needle Embroidered. The basic fabric is of three types-Shah-Tush, Pashmina and Raffle
. These shawls are famous the world-over and are in huge demand for the fact that they are most
admired hand-made fabric and are available in plain, Printed and hand embroidered designs,
featuring both modern and folkloric shapes.

Major agricultural products are:

• Crops( corn ,millet ,barley ,wheat)

• Fruits (walnut, apples, mangoes, cherries

• Vegetables

• Wood (maple, medical herbs, and plants, resin)

• Textile

• Crafts

• Remittance
Agriculture

Historically the economy of Azad Kashmir has been agricultural which meant that land was the
main source of production. This means that all food for immediate and long term consumption was
produced from land. The produce included various crops, fruits, vegetables, etc. Land was also the
source of other livelihood necessities such as wood, fuel, grazing for animals which then turned
into dairy products. Because of this land was also the main source of revenue for the governments
whose primary purpose for centuries was to accumulate revenue.

Agriculture is a major part of Azad Kashmir's economy. Low-lying areas that have high
populations grow crops like barley, mangoes, millet, corn (maize), and wheat, and also raise cattle.
In the elevated areas that are less populated and more spread-out, forestry, corn, and livestock are
the main sources of income. There are mineral and marble resources in Azad Kashmir close to
Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. There are also graphite deposits at Mohriwali. There are also reservoirs
of low-grade coal, chalk, bauxite, and zircon. Local household industries produce carved wooden
objects, textiles, and carpets. There is also an arts and crafts industry that produces such cultural
goods as , shawls, pashmina, Papier-mâché, basketry copper, rugs, wood carving, silk and woolen
clothing, patto, carpets,, and silverware. Agricultural goods produced in the region include
mushrooms, honey, walnuts, apples, cherries, medicinal herbs and plants, resin, deodar, kail, chir,
fir, maple, and ash timber .

The migration to UK was accelerated and by the completion of Mangla Dam in 1967 the process
of 'chain migration' became in full flow. Today, remittances from British Mirpuri community make
a critical role in AJK's economy. In the mid-1950s various economic and social development
processes were launched in Azad Kashmir. In the 1960s, with the construction of the Mangla Dam
in Mirpur District, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government began to receive royalties from the
Pakistani government for the electricity that the dam provided to Pakistan. During the mid-2000s,
a multibillion-dollar reconstruction began in the aftermath of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.

Agriculture, textiles, and arts and crafts, remittances have played a major role in the economy of
Azad Kashmir. One analyst estimated that the figure for Azad Kashmir was 25.1% in 2001. With
regard to annual household income, people living in the higher areas are more dependent on
remittances than are those living in the lower areas .In the latter part of 2006, billions of dollars
for development were mooted by international aid agencies for the reconstruction and
rehabilitation of earthquake-hit zones in Azad Kashmir, though much of that amount was
subsequently lost in bureaucratic channels, leading to considerable delays in help getting to the
most neediest. Hundreds of people continued to live in tents long after the earthquake. A land-use
plan for the city of Muzaffarabad was prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has successfully developed Mirpur industrially and
promoted private investment in a diverse economy: foam, polypropylene, synthetic yarn,
motorbikes and scooter, textile, vegetable oil (ghee), wood and sawmills, soap, cosmetics, marble,
ready-made garments, matches and rosin, turpentine. The economy of Mirpur generated economy
of Azad Kashmir.

GDP Growth

As of Sept 2013, Azad Kashmir's GDP was estimated at $3.2 Billion

Socio-Political Profile

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is one the four federally administered territories in Pakistan. It
is located in the northeast of the Capital Islamabad and separated from Indian-occupied Jammu
and Kashmir by the Line of Control (LoC). Since 1975, AJK is governed under the Parliamentary
democracy system.1 The President is the constitutional head of the State, while the Prime Minister
is the Chief Executive. The Members of AJK Legislative Assembly are elected on the basis of
adult franchise and they in turn elect the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is supported by a
Cabinet of Ministers and Advisers which are assigned different portfolios, for example, health,
education, finance etc. The Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly consists of 41 elected members
and eight co-opted members, of whom five represent women, and one member from each of the
following groups: Ullema-e-Din or Mushaikh (religious scholars), technocrats and other
professionals, and persons from Jammu and Kashmir residing abroad. Since 1975, the Prime
Minister, who is the chief executive of Azad Kashmir, has been elected by the members of the
Legislative Assembly. The President is the constitutional head under the Interim Constitution Act
of 1974. Administratively, AJK is divided into multiple levels of administrative units each
comprising a specific geographical jurisdiction
ADMINISTRAQTIVE UNITS NUMBERS

Divisions 3

District 10

Tehsils 32

Union councils 203

The decision making process is largely centralized at the State level among political and technical
leadership. Authority and powers are decentralized largely through de-concentration of
management functions from center towards the districts. The district level officers mostly execute
the responsibilities that are entrusted upon them by their superiors and have limited role in policy
making and planning processes. The government line-departments including health department
have established their organizational structures in line with the broader government system
establishing a vertical chain of command with limited horizontal linkages, from center down to
the union council level.

Constitutional Structure of Azad Kashmir and Its Relationship to Pakistan

Azad Kashmir has its own constitution, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act of
1974, and a locally chosen parliamentary form of government. The constitution allows for many
of the structures that comprise a self-governing state, including a legislative assembly elected
through periodic elections, a prime minister who commands the majority in the assembly, an
indirectly elected president, an independent judiciary, and local government institutions.

But these provisions are hollow. Under Section 56 of the Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution
Act (which was drafted by the Federal Ministries of Law and Kashmir Affairs in Islamabad), the
Pakistani government can dismiss any elected government in Azad Kashmir irrespective of the
support it may enjoy in the AJK Legislative Assembly. The Interim Constitution Act provides for
two executive forums-the Azad Kashmir Government in Muzaffarabad and the Azad Kashmir
Council in Islamabad.

The latter body, presided over by the prime minister of Pakistan, exercises paramount authority
over the AJK Legislative Assembly, which cannot challenge decisions of the council. The council
is under the numerical control of the federal government in Islamabad, as in addition to the
Pakistani prime minister it comprises six other federal ministers, the minister of Kashmir affairs
as the ex-officio member, the prime minister of Azad Kashmir, and six Azad Kashmir members
elected by the Legislative Assembly. The interim constitution act lists fifty-two subjects-virtually
everything of any importance-that are under the jurisdiction of the Azad Kashmir Council, which
has been described as the "supra power" by the Azad Kashmir High Court. Its decisions are final
and not subject to judicial review.

Thus, Azad Kashmir remains for all intents and purposes under Pakistan's strict control, exercising
no real sovereignty of its own. From the outset, the institutional set up in the territory was designed
to ensure Pakistan's control of the area's affairs. According to the United Nations Commission for
India and Pakistan (UNCIP) resolutions, Azad Kashmir is neither a sovereign state nor a province
of Pakistan, but rather a "local authority" with responsibility over the area assigned to it under the
ceasefire agreement. The "local authority" or provisional government of Azad Kashmir as
established in October 1947 handed over to Pakistan under the Karachi Agreement of April 28,
1949, matters related to defense, foreign affairs, negotiations with the UNCIP and coordination of
all affairs relating to Gilgit and Baltistan (strategically important territories that now comprise
Pakistan's "Northern Areas" but are claimed by India as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir).
A former president of Azad Kashmir (who preferred not to be named in this report) described the
situation as “government of Azad Kashmir, by the Pakistanis, for Pakistan." He also pointed to the
striking continuity of the "old princely system" under British rule because of Islamabad's "viceroy"
role generally and the maintenance of the traditional biradari system locally.

The constitution of Azad Kashmir poses major impediments towards genuine democracy as it bars
all those parties and individuals from participating in the political process who do not support the
idea of Kashmir's accession to Pakistan and hence precludes all those who are in favor of Kashmiri
independence. To fail to support, or fail to appear to support Kashmir's accession to Pakistan means
to invite the ire of Pakistan's abusive intelligence agencies and its military.

Interference and control by Islamabad in Azad Kashmir politics

Because of the mandate of the AJK Legislative Assembly and its particular division of power with
Pakistan, the elected political leaders of Azad Kashmir essentially remain titular heads of the
territory while the real power resides in Islamabad. This requires a compliant Azad Kashmir
administration, and explains the repeated changes in Azad Kashmir's leadership at Pakistan's will.
Another instrument of exercising control is through assigning virtually all major civil and police
administrative posts to Pakistani civil and military officials who are "on deputation" from
Islamabad. The Azad Kashmir government is also totally dependent on the federal government of
Pakistan for its finances.

Power in Azad Kashmir is exercised primarily through the Pakistani army's General Headquarters
in Rawalpindi, just outside Islamabad, and its corps commander based in the hill station of Murree,
two hours by road from Muzaffarabad. It is widely understood in Pakistan and privately admitted
by virtually all politicians from Azad Kashmir that the corps commander in Murree is known to
summon the Azad Kashmir prime minister, president and other government officials regularly to
outline the military's views on all political and governance issues in the territory.

Electronic media and telecommunications

As with the print media, prior to the earthquake the only radio station allowed to operate in the
territory was the Azad Kashmir Radio, a subsidiary of the state-controlled Radio Pakistan.
Typically, state-run radio and television news programs present news according to priorities of
state protocol rather than newsworthiness-that is, a news bulletin will begin with the engagements
and observations of the president of Pakistan and make its way down the official pecking order to
the local level. The influx of and consequent competition from satellite channels has, as yet, not
resulted in a change in the news culture of state-controlled media. Subsequent to the earthquake,
the government allowed a private FM radio station to broadcast in the territory as long as the
broadcast is limited to entertainment.

Demography:

The projections estimated by AJK’s Planning and Development (P&D) department, the total
population has grown up to 4.153 million. It is pertinent to highlight that this population projection
is different from the estimates (3.629 million) that have been projected by National Institute of
Population Studies (NIPS). The main reason is that NIPS and P&D have used different population
growth rates, 1.78% and 2.41% respectively. In order to maintain consistency with the AJK
government’s demographic profile, the population figures used in this document are based on the
population projections estimated by P&D department. The average population density has been
estimated as 312 persons per square kilometer, ranging from 50 persons/sq.km to 658
persons/sq.km in Neelum and Poonch districts respectively. Eighty-eight percent population lives
in rural areas where as remaining 12% is settled in urban areas.

Demographic Profile

Urban Rural Total

Population 498,758 3,657,561 4,156,319

Surviving Infants 17,457 128,01 145,471

Women of Child Bearing Age 109,727 804,663 914,390

Birth registration is essential for maintaining accurate vital statistics. In AJK, the department of
Local Government and Rural Development is responsible for birth registration at the union council
(UC) level. The data collected from UCs is collated at district level for onward submission to the
provincial authorities. Birth registration is not mandatory; however, the trend has improved over
the years because birth registration certificates are required for admissions in schools. Although
multiple health service delivery programs also record data on births but it is not used for or
integrated with the official birth register maintained in the union council office.

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the long-standing conflicts between India and Pakistan since 1947.
Seven of the AJK districts are located adjacent to the Line of Control which separates AJK from
Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Escalation of tension between border security forces often
results in cross-border shelling and firing leading to internal migration of the local population to
the settled areas. This population migrates back to their native villages and towns after the
ceasefire. It is estimated that nearly 10% of the population is at risk of migration in case of border
security conflicts. This situation creates problems for district health authorities to provide health
services in the conflict affected areas.

Poverty

The majority of the rural population depends on forestry, livestock, agriculture and non-formal
employment for its living. The unemployment rate ranges from 35 to 50%. There are no official
estimates available on poverty line or poverty trends. However, on the whole, indicators of social
sector improvement, particularly health and population welfare have not shown much
improvement.
The districts located in southern part, especially Mirpur, are considered well off because a large
number of families have their members settled abroad especially in the UK. The remittance from
overseas contributes towards better economy in these districts. It is widely believed that the
Earthquake disaster in 2005 has contributed towards more poverty on account of widespread loss
of homes and other infrastructure. On account of their poor socio-economic status, the general
population in AJK is vulnerable to health related financial catastrophes. In addition, it makes them
more dependent upon public sector health services

Education

Education has been a priority in AJK as nearly one-third of the recurrent budget is allocated for

education sector. In addition, 7% of the total development budget is also spent in this sector. AJK’s
literacy rate is 65% which is significantly higher than the national average of Pakistan. Literacy
rate is more than 62% in all the districts except Neelum (42%). The official figures indicate high
gross enrollment rate of more than 90% at primary level, both for boys and for girls. Maternal
education is considered a cornerstone in health and development. Therefore, better literacy rates
in AJK provide an opportunity to utilize demand generation and social mobilization campaigns to
promote health related awareness and practice in an effective manner.

Culture and ethnicity

The people of Azad Kashmir are almost entirely Muslim. However, Islam or its sects are not the
principal arbiters of identity in Azad Kashmir. The people of Azad Kashmir comprise not only
diverse tribal clans (biradari) but are culturally and linguistically markedly different from the
Kashmiris of the central valley of Jammu and Kashmir state in India. Cultural practice in Azad
Kashmir has more in common with the Punjab than with the Kashmir valley.

The territory is far from ethnically homogenous. The biradari is the overriding determinant of
identity and power relationships within the Azad Kashmiri socio-political landscape. While the
Gujjars, numbering close to eight hundred thousand, are possibly the largest such group,
historically the two most influential biradaris have been the Sudhans from the southeast
(concentrated in Bagh district and Rawalakot subdivision of Poonch district) and the Rajputs who
are spread out across the territory. Sudhans and Rajputs number, respectively, a little over and a
little under half a million. Almost all of Azad Kashmir's politicians and leaders come from one of
these two groups.

Azad Kashmir is also home to approximately three hundred thousand Mirpuri Jats hailing from
the southern part of the territory. Though the Mirpuris are the closest geographical and cultural
relatives of the Potohari Punjabis, in recent decades they have chosen to define themselves
increasingly as Kashmiris. Mirpuris have migrated to the United Kingdom (U.K.) in large numbers
and constitute the overwhelming "Kashmiri presence" in that country.

The Mirpuri Jats have gained in influence in Azad Kashmir in recent decades largely through the
clout that major remittances from Britain have bought them. Mirpuri economic clout has paid
political dividends, helping propel barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry to power as the first
Mirpuri leader of Azad Kashmir in 1996. Kashmir expert Alexander Evans writes:

The Mirpuri Jats, looked down upon by Rajputs and Sudhans, gained power in the 1990s largely
because of their wealth. Valley Kashmiris view Mirpuris with much the same condescension as
their Punjabi counterparts, but they also consider Mirpuris part of the former princely state of
Jammu and Kashmir. They remain Kashmir state subjects – even if not ethnically Kashmiri as
Valley Kashmiris would understand it. the Pakistani side, the south-east (Sudhan heartland) and
south (Mirpur) dominate, while the north (both Muzaffarabad and the Neelum) is less influential
But Rajputs and Sudhans remain important brokers in local politics – not least as Gujjars tend to
follow the lead of local Rajput and Sudhan leaders.

There are also a number of other small tribes and sub-tribes.

Languages: The natives of AJK speak Urdu, Hindko, Potwari, Gojri and the Pahari languages.
The dialect of the latter two languages has close resemblance to Punjabi language spoken in upper
Punjab and eastern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Their cultural practices have more in
common with the Punjab province in Pakistan.

For the health program designers, it is important to account for these social and cultural power
structures which could provide potential areas to influence for acceptance of health care
interventions.

Public expenditure management

The preparation of annual budgets is primarily a responsibility of the Finance Department which
also supervises and controls State finances. The duration of a fiscal year is spanned over 12 months,
from 1st July to 30th June. Generally, the process of preparation of annual budget starts 5-6 months
before the start of a fiscal year. The State budget in AJK comprises two components: recurrent
(nondevelopment) budget and non-recurrent (development) budget. The former is utilized for
meeting expenditures of the on-going government operations whereas the latter is allocated to
finance new development schemes.

As a general practice, the recurrent budget is allocated for meeting the recurring expenses such
as wages, allowances, operational costs and utilities. All the government departments prepare
and submit their sector-specific budgets to the finance department. Generally, the estimates for
wages and allowances are accepted as such. However, budgetary allocations requested for
operational costs and utilities often face cuts depending upon the fiscal space the government has
under its revenue collection.

Both recurrent and development budgets are presented before AJK Legislative Assembly for
approval. Once approved, the sector-specific funds are released to the concerned government
departments. The P&D department plays a key role in allocation of funds for the development
schemes. Its main function to execute and process all development schemes, programs and
proposals (in the form of PC1s) submitted by other government departments, and to coordinate the
work related to the preparation of Annual Development Plan. In addition, P&D is also responsible
for oversight and monitoring of the development schemes.

For the financial year 2012-13, AJK government approved a total budget of PKR 49,597 million
with a revenue deficit of 13%. The donor funded projects contributed 2% to the total development
budget.

Details Allocation Percentage %

Total Budget 49,597

Recurrent Budget 40,050 81%

Development Budget 9,547 19%

Revenue

AJK Own Sources 15,310 38%

Water Charges from

Mangla Dam 840 2%

Federal Taxes Share 11,400 29%

Revenue Deficit 5,100 13%

Health Sector

The governance structure of health department can be divided into three tiers: provincial, district
and sub-district level. At the provincial level, under the political leadership of the Health Minister,
health department is headed by the Secretary Health. While reporting to the Secretary Health, the
Director General Health Services (DGHS) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of
health care services across AJK. He is supported by provincial managers of vertical health
programs including EPI, LHW Program and MNCH Program. At the district level, a District
Health Officer (DHO) is responsible for the management of health care services through an
extensive network of primary4 and secondary5,6 health facilities.

At the sub-district level, mostly at union council level, the health facility in-charges are responsible
for provision of clinic-based and outreach health services within their allocated catchment areas.
The organizational hierarchy is structured with a top-down approach. The power and authority is
centralized at the provincial level. For example, the district health officers are only authorized to
recruit staff up to Basic Pay Scale 6. Similarly, they have limited powers in staff relocation within
a district. Consequently, the office of DGHS is overburdened by dealing with day-to-day routine
matters and has limited focus on strategic planning and active monitoring. Policy making, planning
and monitoring and supervision are the weak links at provincial level. There is no practice of
developing annual health plans. On account of not setting sector-specific targets, it is difficult for
the provincial authorities to review the overall performance objectively. Planning process is
generally driven by the needs of federal government and donor agencies. Recently, the AJK health
department, under the health sector reform unit, has started a policy process towards an integrated
approach in service delivery. Despite being at its initial design stage, this initiativecarries high
hopes towards developing and implementing an integrated model of healthcare in AJK.

The quantity and quality of the health workforce are positively associated with various health
service outcomes, for example, immunization coverage, outreach of primary healthcare, and child
and maternal survival.

There is no policy on human resource management. However, the opening of three medical
colleges indicates that the government is inclined towards producing more doctors. On the whole,
AJK health sector is facing shortage of health workforce.

Key issues:

Deforestation

The Forest Habitat's situation in Village Barali Kass Kotli Azad Kashmir Pakistan revealed that
the area facing great forest habitat peril.Habitatloss,degradation and fragmentation are an issue of
primary concern in the area of Village Barali Kass. The purpose of this study was to look at the
causes which exploit these meager and fragile forest resources in the area and what are the
measures to nullify this situation. The peoples of Bareli Kass who for centuries have lived in this
area– have long depended on the forests as their main source of income, revenue and also for their
timber, fuel wood and livestock s `need .This area is located at the distance of about 15Km from
the district head quarter Kotli, which is the southern side of city(Rehman,2007).Barali Kass is the
far-flung village of district Kotli and one of the poorest village inthe rugged of District.This area
is little morethan ahuddle of houses located on one slope of the barren, rocky hills. The
deforestation in area of Barali Kass is not merely an environmental,economicora technical
problem.It is sociological and behavioral phenomenon (Cernea 1988).According to (IUCN
Pak,1998) “No citizen, whether living in one ofour mega cities or in the remotest rural area, can
be unaware that our living environment is rapidly changing—for the worse. Most individuals feel
helpless to act: the problems are beyond their control; others are responsible for the problems and
therefore for the solutions. There’s always a ‘they’ to blame

Job stress and employee productivity

Stress is a condition of physical and psychological mental disorder which occurs in a situation of
pressure, when resources are unable to fulfill the demand of an individual. Most of time of our
lives spent at work, job stress is widely experienced and so pervasive, that it’s been found to effect
people in every sector. Employees’ in health sector spend most of their time at work, that’s why
they are directly targeted by stress; due to this their productivity at workplace decreases greatly.
Now the days, stress is considered as an important factor, which is rapidly increasing the
absenteeism rate of employers and employees. This happens more in the public sector, where 50
percent of employers reported stress related absence. The main causes of stress are work overloads,
management styles, non-work factors such as relationships with family and workplace associates.
In public sector, job security is considered more common cause of stress in recent years. Cost on
absence in public sector due to stress is reported more than the cost incurred in the private sector

Remittances and live hood

Remittances have played a major role in the economy of Azad Kashmir and NWFP for many
years. For most recipients, remittances are the primary – and, in many cases, the only – source of
income. Remittance households are generally better off than non-remittance ones, owning better
houses and more valuables and assets.

The earthquake severely disrupted remittance flows. Communication systems were damaged,
delivery outlets (banks, post offices, Hundi money-changing agents) destroyed and identification
documents lost. As a result, in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, most people were in
need of humanitarian assistance, regardless of whether they had formerly received remittances or
not. However, households whose livelihoods included remittances appeared less vulnerable to the
effects of the earthquake, and their livelihoods proved considerably more resilient once remittance
flows were re-established. Remittances enabled households to repair and reconstruct their homes
much more easily than non-recipient households, and meant that they had money to pay for private
health care. By contrast, many nonrecipient households were compelled to rely in the first instance
on public healthcare, and in some cases had to sell assets to pay for further treatment. Remittance
money made it easier for families to reach distribution points for relief aid. The revival of
remittance systems after the earthquake helped restore local markets, and the spending of
remittances on housing repairs has provided crucial wages for local laborers.

Brain drain
Kashmir has been suffering from brain drain for a long time now. The perpetual political and
economic instability has meant that more and more well-educated youth move outside for jobs.
Forget about convincing the professionals to return to the valley, the government has utterly failed
to stem further exodus. Unable to come to terms with the unpredictable political situation and lack
of employment avenues, Kashmiri youth look outside for jobs. The more qualified a boy, the more
likely he is to be disappointed for the lack of suitable career opportunities in the valley. It often
leads to a chain reaction where a boy working outside is soon joined by his unemployed brother,
friends and a cousin or two. For most of them, there is no looking back unless they have some
domestic problems forcing their return home or if they happen to land in a government or bank
job.

Jobs stuck

The current Kashmir's labour market conditions as unemployment rate of 7.9 per cent in June 2019
was, in fact, the highest in 33 months i.e. since September 2016. According to Centre for
Monitoring Economy monthly time series data on unemployment, among all the states, Azad
Kashmir had the highest monthly average unemployment rate of 15 per cent between January 2016
and July 2019. It is more than double the national monthly average unemployment rate of 6.4 per
cent during the period.

Unemployment:

The un--employment rate in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for all age groups was estimated at
10.3 per cent for 2017-18, according to a government report released on Saturday.

On rising unemployment, he said that the government was making serious efforts to create
opportunities for the investment and private sector employment to reduce brain drain and provide
opportunities of jobs for the young people. Speaking on the occasion, CPDR Executive Director
Ershad Mahmud said that in today’s globalised world, no nation can make progress without
increasing youth participation in the policy-making process and ensuring their economic
empowerment. British Council Head of Programmes-Society Zeenia Faraz hinted to explore the
possibilities to develop linkages between Kashmiri diaspora settled in the United Kingdom and
community in Azad Jammu Kashmir. CPDR Programmes Director Dr Waqas Ali said that the
majority of the population in the state comprises of young people and deliberate efforts were
required to address issues like unemployment, brain drain and the capacity to better harness their
untapped energies.

Sustainable Revenue Generation

The event titled ‘Social and Economic Empowerment of Young People in AJK- Opportunities and
Challenges’ was hosted by the British Council and the Centre for Peace and Development Reforms
and was part of a series of interactive sessions for highlighting the importance of political and
socio-economic participation of the youth of Azad Kashmir.Speakers from PML-N, PPP, PTI and
Muslim Conference talked about the importance of revenue generation and denounced the release
of grants by the Federal Government. When asked to give a one-line message to the youth who
were participating in the seminar, PML-N AJK Secretary General Shah Ghulam Qadir said: “Our
main issue is revenue generation and if we are financially strong, we can make our own policies
and streamline our governance.