Azad Jammu and Kashmir, or AJK as it is colloquially known, is a part of the larger region of Kashmir, which is the subject of a long-running dispute between India and Pakistan. The area is a rich source of biodiversity but also has a highly sensitive environment. Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a fascinating land with fascinating people and languages. This region is home to a cricket stadium, a powerful seismic activity, and a diverse range of species.
AJK is a fascinating land of people, languages & culture
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is an interesting land to visit due to its diverse people, languages and cultures. The population here is composed of different races that claim descent from the Semitic, Mongoloid, Aryan, and Persian peoples. There are numerous ethnic groups and six official languages spoken in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The capital city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is Muzaffarabad. The people here are hard-working, educated, and highly skilled. The valley is rich in wildlife and wild fruits. There is a rest house and a mini zoo in the area that visitors can visit to learn about local wildlife.
The Azad State of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into districts. The capital Muzaffarabad is located at the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum Rivers. This city has two forts – the Red Fort and the Black Fort. The city also has a pilgrimage site, Pir Chinnasi, which is located on hills at a height of 2,900 metres. From here, pilgrims can get great views of Muzaffarabad.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is home to a number of fascinating festivals. The Tulip Festival, Hemis festival, Gurez festival, and Sindhu Darshan Festival are popular among locals. The Dandaras dance is another popular form of dance.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir State Council was established in 1970. It is a representative body of the state. Its president and legislative assembly are elected by the adult population. This system of government enables the people to have a say in the affairs of the region.
It has a powerful seismic activity
The state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a powerful earthquake. The earthquake caused damage to numerous buildings in the region, including radio stations FM 101 and Radio Azad Kashmir. The government and relief organizations are working to help the affected citizens. However, heavy machinery is scarce and rescue efforts are being delayed. The armed forces have been notified to step up rescue and relief efforts. The AJK prime minister has returned to the state to oversee relief activities.
The earthquake centered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and caused severe damage to over 45,000 people. The quake was felt as far away as Delhi and the Punjab. The area was also hit by quakes in Afghanistan, resulting in four fatalities. The earthquake was followed by a series of aftershocks, which were felt for over three weeks. The worst affected areas were in the southern and western parts of the state. The quake damaged or destroyed more than sixteen thousand houses, water points, toilets, and other infrastructures in the area.
This earthquake was caused by a collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological activity is responsible for the creation of the Himalayan mountain range, which is unstable and prone to earthquakes. The US Geological Survey estimated the earthquake’s magnitude at a minimum of 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale. The epicentre of the earthquake was located about 100 km north of Islamabad.
The earthquake in October 2005 was so strong that the region is still struggling to recover. This will take several years, and has left the region at a crossroads. The government has started tearing down old concrete block buildings and replacing them with modern structures that can withstand earthquakes. Relief organizations are also helping to relocate residents from the devastated towns. Meanwhile, scientists are continuing their work in the region to map ancient geological faults and to understand the consequences of earthquakes.
The National Disaster Management Authority said that several buildings had collapsed in Jatlan as a result of the powerful earthquake. A local official said at least five people were killed and 300 injured. Three major bridges were damaged and people’s residences were damaged. The damage assessment is expected to take at least two or three days.
It has a cricket stadium
Azad Jammu and Kashmir has cricket teams and a cricket stadium. They field a Pakistani T20 franchise team known as the Overseas Warriors, which competes in the Kashmir Premier League. The team was established in 2021 and is captained by Asad Shafiq and coached by Azam Khan. The team also features five local Kashmiri players.
The Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu is the home ground of the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team. The stadium is set up on the banks of the Tawi River. It was named after the famous freedom fighter of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. There have been several cricket matches played in the stadium, including women’s Test matches and national cricket matches.
The stadium is surrounded by green foliage, making it an ideal location for cricket matches. The stadium is located in a mountainous region that offers spectacular views to its spectators. Azad Jammu and Kashmir is known for its renowned cricket teams and is home to many cricket legends.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir has an active civil society. There is the YFK-International Kashmir Lobby Group, an NGO, which seeks better India-Pakistan relations and conflict resolution in the region. The Asian Development Bank has set development goals for Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Germany has provided $38 million for AJK’s health infrastructure programme.
The Azad Kashmir population is estimated at 4.045 million people. The majority of the population is Muslim. Most Azad Kashmir political leaders are from this ethnic group. There is a cricket stadium in the city of Muzaffarabad. The stadium is located near the Narrul Cricket Stadium. It has been rated 4.4 stars by users.
The economy of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is based largely on agriculture. People in the low-lying regions cultivate barley, mangoes, millet, and corn. Others raise livestock. Tourism and agriculture are the main sources of revenue in the region.
In the last three decades, cricket has played a significant role in the lives of the people in the region. The local cricket league has become a major source of employment for young people in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket League is expected to finish on August 10th. The first season of the tournament has also projected a message of solidarity from Pakistan in the international cricketing community. Historically, the conflict between India and Pakistan has resulted in atrocities against the Kashmiri people. Today, Azad Jammu and Kashmir is enjoying a period of peace, prosperity, and festivity.
