Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (/ˌɑːzæd kæʃˈmɪər/; transl. 'Free Jammu and Kashmir'), abbreviated as AJK and colloquially referred to as simply Azad Kashmir, is a region administered by Pakistan as a nominally self-governing entity and constituting the western portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. The territory shares a border to the north with Gilgit-Baltistan, together which it is referred to by the United Nations and other international organizations as "Pakistani-administered Kashmir". Azad Kashmir also shares borders with the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the south and west, respectively.

On its eastern side, Azad Kashmir is separated from the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (part of Indian-administered Kashmir) by the Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border between the Indian- and Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir. Geographically, the administrative territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (which excludes Gilgit-Baltistan) covers a total area of 13,297 km2 (5,134 sq mi) and has a total population of 4,045,366 as per the 2017 national census.

The territory has a parliamentary form of government modeled after the British Westminster system, with the city of Muzaffarabad serving as its capital. The President of AJK is the constitutional head of state, while the Prime Minister, supported by a Council of Ministers, is the chief executive. The unicameral Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly elects both the Prime Minister and President. The territory has its own Supreme Court and a High Court, while the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan serves as a link between itself and Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s government, although the autonomous territory is not represented in the Parliament of Pakistan.

Northern Azad Kashmir lies in a region that experiences strong vibrations of the earth as a result of the Indian plate underthrusting the Eurasian plate.[14] A major earthquake in 2005 killed at least 100,000 people and left another three million people displaced, causing widespread devastation to the region’s infrastructure and economy. Since then, with help from the Government of Pakistan and foreign aid, reconstruction of infrastructure is underway. Azad Kashmir’s economy largely depends on agriculture, services, tourism, and remittances sent by members of the British Mirpuri community. Nearly 87% of Azad Kashmiri households own farm property, and the region has the highest rate of school enrolment in Pakistan and a literacy rate of approximately 72%.

Climate

The southern parts of Azad Kashmir, including the Bhimber, Mirpur, and Kotli districts, have extremely hot weather in the summer and moderate cold weather in the winter. They receive rain mostly in monsoon weather.[citation needed]
Paddy field in Leepa valley

In the central and northern parts of the state, the weather remains moderately hot in the summer and cold and chilly in the winter. Snowfall also occurs there in December and January.

The region receives rainfall in both the winter and the summer. Muzaffarabad and Pattan are among the wettest areas of the state, but they don’t receive snow. Throughout most of the region, the average rainfall exceeds 1400 mm, with the highest average rainfall occurring near Muzaffarabad (around 1800 mm). During summer, monsoon floods of the Jhelum and Leepa rivers are common, due to high rainfall and melting snow.

Population

The population of Azad Kashmir, according to the preliminary results of the 2017 Census, is 4.045 million. The website of the AJK government reports the literacy rate to be 74%, with the enrolment rate in primary school being 98% and 90% for boys and girls respectively.

The population of Azad Kashmir is almost entirely Muslim. The people of this region culturally differ from the Kashmiris living in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir and are closer to the culture of Jammu. Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber are all old towns of the Jammu region.

Religion

Azad Jammu and Kashmir have an almost entirely Muslim population. According to data maintained by Christian community organizations, there are around 4,500 Christian residents in the region. Bhimber is home to most of them, followed by Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. A few dozen families also live in Kotli, Poonch, and Bagh. However, the Christian community has been struggling to get residential status and property rights in AJK. There is no official data on the total number of Bahais in AJK. Only six Bahai families are known to be living in Muzaffarabad with others living in rural areas. The followers of the Ahmadi faith are estimated to be somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000, and most of them live in Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and Muzaffarabad.

Major Tourist destinations

  • Muzaffarabad, the capital city of Azad Kashmir, is located on the banks of the Jhelum and Neelum rivers. It is 138 km (86 mi) from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Well-known tourist spots near Muzaffarabad are the Red Fort, Pir Chinassi, Patika, Subri Lake and Awan Patti.
  • The Neelam Valley is situated to the north and northeast of Muzaffarabad, The gateway to the valley. The main tourist attractions in the valley are Athmuqam, Kutton, Keran, Changan, Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel and Taobat.
  • Sudhanoti is one of the eight districts of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. Sudhanoti is located 90 km (56 mi) away from Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan. It is connected with Rawalpindi and Islamabad through Azad Pattan road.
  • Rawalakot city is the headquarters of Poonch District and is located 122 km (76 mi) from Islamabad. Tourist attractions in Poonch District are Banjosa Lake, Devi Gali, Tatta Pani, and Toli Pir.
  • Bagh city, the headquarters of Bagh District, is 205 km (127 mi) from Islamabad and 100 km (62 mi) from Muzaffarabad. The principal tourist attractions in Bagh District are Bagh Fort, Dhirkot, Sudhan Gali, Ganga Lake, Ganga Choti, Kotla Waterfall, Neela Butt, Danna, Panjal Mastan National Park, and Las Danna.
  • The Leepa Valley is located 105 km (65 mi) southeast of Muzaffarabad. It is the most charming and scenic place for tourists in Azad Kashmir.
    New Mirpur City is the headquarters of Mirpur District. The main tourist attractions near New Mirpur City are the Mangla Lake and Ramkot Fort.

Education

The literacy rate in Azad Kashmir was 62% in 2004, higher than in any other region of Pakistan. The current literacy rate of Azad Kashmir is 76.60% in 2018. And it remained at 79.80% in 2019. According to the 2020–2021 census, the literacy rate in Azad Kashmir was 91.34% However, only 2.2% were graduates, compared to the average of 2.9% for Pakistan.

Articles

Find More  

Kachura Lake Skardu Guide: Best Time, Activities & Costs

Complete Guide to Kachura Lake Skardu: Pakistan’s Twin Lakes Agree: Travelers searching for kachura lake skardu often want clear answers—how to get there, when to visit, and what makes these lakes special. The challenge? Most guides either overwhelm with fluff or skip the details that matter. Promise: This article gives you a clean, practical, and inspiring resource. From seasonal tips …

Continue reading  

Swat Saidu Sharif – History, Heritage & Travel Guide

Swat Saidu Sharif: Complete Guide to Pakistan’s Heritage Capital Nestled in the heart of the Swat Valley, Swat Saidu Sharif is more than just an administrative capital—it is the cultural and archaeological heartbeat of northern Pakistan. From Buddhist stupas that date back over two millennia to the vibrant Swat Museum that safeguards Gandhara art, this city embodies layers of history, …

Continue reading  

Karimabad Hunza Pakistan Travel Guide 2025

Karimabad Hunza Pakistan: The Complete Cultural & Travel Guide (2025) You arrive in Karimabad Hunza Pakistan and the skyline hits first—Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, and the apricot-lined terraces falling toward the Hunza River. It’s dramatic, friendly, and surprisingly easy to plan—if you know where to start. Whether you’re here for ancient forts, mountain photography, or a deep dive into local culture, …

Continue reading  

Lalazar Meadows Travel Guide | Naran Kaghan Valley

Lalazar Meadows: Complete Travel Guide Lalazar Meadows sits above the Kaghan Valley near Naran, Pakistan, at roughly 3,100–3,200 meters (≈10,200–10,500 ft). Most visitors reach it via a short but narrow 4×4 jeep track from Batakundi (about 4–5 km; ~1 hour each way), or by a longer hike from Lake Saiful Mulook. Expect basic facilities, sweeping alpine views, and quick weather …

Continue reading  

Waterfall Kumrat Valley Travel Guide 2025

Waterfall Kumrat Valley: Complete 2025 Travel Guide Kumrat Valley in Upper Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is one of Pakistan’s most scenic destinations. Among its pine forests, alpine meadows, and flowing rivers, the main waterfall of Kumrat Valley stands out as a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. This guide covers the location, routes, best visiting seasons, and practical …

Continue reading  

Shumber Waterfall Islamabad: Location, Safety & Best Time

Shumber waterfall: Complete Guide to Location, Safety, and Best Times Hidden in the Margalla Hills near Islamabad, Shumber waterfall is one of those places that feels like a secret escape. With blue color pools, seasonal cascades, and a short but adventurous hike, it has quickly become a favorite for locals and day-trippers alike. This guide brings together everything you need …

Continue reading