Bhimber District

Infobox Pakistan district
district = Bhimber
area = 1516
population = 343,000
pop_year = 1998
density = 232
caption =
region = Azad Kashmir
established = 1996
nazim =
naib_nazim =
seats =
tehsils = 3
languages = Pahari
website = www.bhimber.com

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Bhimber is the southernmost of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir. The district is located between Latitude: 32-48 to 33-34 and Longitude: 73.55 to 74-45, and has an area of 1516km². The chief town is Bhimber.

History

The area is very rich in archaeological remains due to its strategic location. It lies on the route that was followed by the Mughal Emperors for their frequent visits to the Kashmir Valley.

Until 1995 Bhimber was a sub-division (tehsil) of Mirpur District. In 1996 the Tehsil of Bhimber was removed from Mirpur and made into a separate district.

Location

The district is bounded by Mirpur district to the northwest (and is 50km from Mirpur city), and Punjab province in the west and south. It also shares borders with Indian administered Kashmir to the east.

Administration

The total area of the district is 1516 square kilometres and is divided into three tehsils.

*Barnala
*Bhimber
*Samahni

Demography

According to the 1998 census, the total population of the district stands at 297,000, while its population according to 1999 projections is approximately 303,000. Latest figures show the population as 350,000, with an annual growth rate of 2.6% and household size of 6.7.In Tehsil Bhimber, there is village named "Gurah Lillian" which has many bricks making plants and plays a crucial role in the development of the whole district. In District Bhimber, there is a tribe system. Mostly people believe in caste system, and marry within their castes. Rare chances are present to marry with other castes. Main tribes are Jaats, Raja, Gujar, Malik, Mirza (Mughal, chugtai) and Mirza (Jaral),etc., which are the biggest tribes in the region. Politically, Jaats, Raja and Mirza (Jaral) lead the whole area. The primary language is Pahari/Punjabi. Raja Zulqarnain is the president of Azad Kashmir from Tehsil Bhimber (Distt. Bhimber).

In Tehsil Barnala of District Bhimber, Mirza Shafique Jaral is the Agriculture/Live Stock Minister in theAzad Kashmir Assembly. In Tehsil Barnala there is a place named "Watala (Mera Jattan)" has a plenty of Mangoe's trees. In Tehsil Barnala "Patni" is the beautiful place for tourism. There is natural mountains,trees.waterfalls etc. In this area mainly the profession of the people is agriculture,cattleing. Presently, there is a trend to go abroad in youth. Most people, especially the young generation, is in abroad in different countries of the world. People are prosperous and living their lives with peace and calm.

Famous Persons

*Ch. Tariq Farooq - Political leader, ex-adviser to Prime Minister of Pakistan for Kashmir policies.
*Ch. Parvez Ashraf - Political leader, Ex-Minister of local government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
*Ch. Sohbet Ali - Political leader, Well known political personality.
*Professor M Asmat Hashmi - Famous personality with educational & religious background.
*Professor Nazir Ahmed Tashna - Famous author and writer of books on history and religion.
*Professor Tariq Siddique - Professor of English Literature.
*Imran Hashmi - Well known IT Professional, first Pakistani Internet Millionaire, currently working as web manager for The Underwater TV Channel, Richmond, London United Kingdom.
*Umar Gul - Well known for his services to education sector, principal of Insight model college Bhimber.
*Professor Rasheed Ahmed Qasmi-Principal of Govt. Degree college Bhimber.

Notable Places

*Jandi Chontra is a scenic spot located 17Km from Bhimber and 67Km from Mirpur. The area is known for its panoramic views. The Shrine of the Sufi Saint Baba Shadi Shaheed is also located here.
*Baghsar Lake is the beautiful place in the district. *Samahni valley *Bandala valley and Sarai Sadabad.

ee also

* [http://www.bhimber.com Bhimber]
*Azad Kashmir
*Pakistan
* [http://www.kashmir.kct-uk.org wesbsite of Azad Kashmir]