Panjeri

Panjeri (Urdu: پنجری) is a village in Bhimber District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is equidistant between Bhimber and Mirpur - approximately 25 km either side. It has a population of 18,000. The village is a strong Rajput stronghold with most of the population being Rajput. Large numbers of the population are in the military and hold important ranks and regional roles. It has a Union Council of 39 sub-villages and is the most important Union Council of Bhimber District. Panjeri is known within AJK as "the land of war heroes".

Panjeri

پنجری
Village
Panjeri
Location in Pakistan
Coordinates: = 33.0243°N 73.9154°E / 33.0243; 73.9154
Country Pakistan
RegionAzad Kashmir
DistrictBhimber District
Population
 • Total18,000
Time zoneUTC+5 (PKT)
Area code(s)10400

History

The inhabitants of this village have descended from Baba Shadi Shaheed, who was the first Chib Rajput, which most of the people of Panjeri are Chib Rajput along with neighbouring village of Kalri these two villages are a Chib Rajput stronghold and are very similar.

The founder of this village was Peer Taj Ud Din Bukhari and his shrine can be located at the heart of Panjeri. The first primary school in Azad Kashmir was opened in Panjeri and was heavily influenced by Persian as it was the official state language during the Mughal reign. The state of Panjeri was later split up into sub villages known as dhoks whilst still under the council of Panjeri. One sub village was named after Peer Taj Ud Din. As the spiritual founder of this village, many generations regard him highly.

Each tribe or group of the Chib Rajput was named after a great personality of Panjeri for example "Pati Jatu khan" from Raja Gujarkhan, "Pati Bhaiki" from Raja Bhai Khan, "Pati Reiki" from Raja Sahib Khan and "Pati Sultani" from Raja Sultan Khan.

Army

Panjeri has produced many soldier's and high-ranking officials in the Pakistan army. There has been a recorded 7 Major generals, 2 lieutenant generals and 14 lieutenant Colonels hailing from this village alone. The village of Panjeri also known as “the land of war heroes” or “the birth place of soldiers”, has a long history when it comes to the military as many recognised soldier's hail from the village such as Raja Habib ur Rahman who is known for his war sacrifices and bravery. Also hailing from the village is Ghulam Rasul Raja who was one of the first lieutenant colonels of the Pakistan Army and was awarded Sitara e Jurat (the third highest civilian award) for his bravery and sacrifices.

Currently there are about 100 commissioned officers from Panjeri in the Pakistan Army. The Seventh Major General Raja Kashif Azad was promoted in 2019 and along with current lieutenant general of Kashmir Regiment Raja Sher Afgun who is one of the most senior officers in Pakistan Army. Major Raja Asif Azad who is the younger brother of Major General Raja Kashif Azad was promoted in 2019. List of Promoted Army soldier's from Panjeri:

Lieutenant Colonel Raja Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Lieutenant Colonel Raja Muhammad
Arshad Khan, Brigadier Raja Noman Anwar, Brigadier Raja Salman Anwar ( Star Imtiaz Military), Brigadier Raja Waqas Zafar, Wing Commander Raja Jamal Aslam, Captain Raja Rashid Arshad, Subedar Raja Allah Ditta Khan, Major Raja Abdul Rashid Khan, Major Raja Azmat Rashid, Captain Hamza Azmat Sword of Honour.

Sub-Villages

The Union Council of Panjeri is spread over 39 sub-villages.

The Union Council of Panjeri is the most important union council of Bhimber District. Many of the surrounding Dhoks of Panjeri have historical links to the village of Panjeri. With 39 dhoks, this surrounding area comes under the banner of Panjeri.

Major sub-villages are:

  • Sokasan
  • Chani Kanjal
  • Chani Raike
  • Sairi
  • Kalyal
  • Maryal
  • Chani Malkani
  • Ghazi Ghurah
  • Kahmbi
  • Parli Channi
  • Dhok Panjeri (Largest)

People

The village is inhabited predominately by Rajputs. The main profession of the people of the village involved working in the army or being in the local politics. Since the 1990s, there have been increasing numbers that have emigrated to the United Kingdom. Five people from Panjeri have been awarded a military cross due to their service in World War 1 and 2.

The people of Panjeri are well renowned throughout Azad Kashmir and Pakistan for their sacrifices during the Kashmir liberation war. In present many of Azad Kashmir notables are from the village.

Notable People

Politics

Panjeri plays a role in district politics. Bhimber and Mirpur district politicians hail from the village. Raja Imitiaz of PPP and Raja Azhar Iqbal of PMLN , is from Panjeri. Former member of parliament and advisor Raja Fida Hussain Kiani plays a role in the union council of Panjeri. Hailing from Panjeri is current SSP of Mirpur Police Raja Irfan Saleem.[3] Politicians who play roles in regional and national politics are from this village. Panjeri has produced generals in the Pakistan Army.[2] A new generation of young politcians have started to play a more active part in Azad Kashmir politics such Raja Adnan Pervaiz and Raja Jhanzab rais of PTI. As of January 2021, Raja Irfan Saleem was made DIG of Mirpur Police. This is the second DIG of Mirpur Police coming from Panjeri. Senior Politician and Ex President of Azad Kashmir Raja Zulqarnain Khan who hails from a Famous Chib Rajput Village, Kasgumma, has a strong base in Panjeri with many of Panjeri Rajput being a strong vote core.

Education

The village is served by Government higher secondary school for Boys and Government high school for girls. Panjeri had the first primary school in Azad Kashmir. Also the people of Panjeri has taken important steps in building a modern educational facilities. People from nearby villages come to study in Panjeri. The AB Qadir college is the biggest college in Mirpur District.

References
  1. Mirpur, Mera. "Timely action reduced the crimes ratio in Mirpur – SSP Raja Irfan Saleem". Retrieved 2019-12-26.
  2. Promotion board from Brigadiers to Major General was held at General Headquarters today. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa presided. 2018-06-28.
  3. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7odlv7. Missing or empty |title= (help)
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