Poonch

Poonch is a district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, and a region that is also partly administered by Pakistan. The district is situated on the western side of the Pir Panjal Range and is bordered by the Indian states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and the Pakistani territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit‑Baltistan. It occupies an area of approximately 3,000 square kilometres and serves as a junction between the plains of the plains of the Punjab and the Himalayan foothills.

The district headquarters lies at Pele as of a 2017 re‑organisation, while the historic town of Poonch remains the principal cultural hub. The terrain is largely mountainous with deep valleys and gorges, and the region is drained by the Jhelum River and its tributaries. Poonch’s climatic conditions vary from temperate in the lower elevations to colder as one ascends, making it suitable for seasonal agriculture and horticulture. Wheat, maize, rice and numerous fruit trees, particularly apples and peaches, form the backbone of the local economy. Traditionally, Poonch has also been known for its hand‑loomed textiles and crafts.

Population density is moderate; in 2011 the district had a population of around 1.5 million, with a mix of ethnic groups that includes Kashmiri, Punjabi and Gaddi communities. Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi are widely spoken, with Kashmiri also recognised in official documents. The literacy rate has improved steadily since the early 2000s, largely due to educational initiatives undertaken by the government.

Poonch's history is marked by its role as a frontier region during the Dogra reign and later the British colonial period. The area witnessed significant activity during the 1947 partition and the subsequent Indo‑Pakistani conflicts, leading to the division of the Poonch area between the two countries. Despite the geopolitical tensions, the district maintains cultural festivals, such as Urs of Sufi saints and local folk music, that reflect a synthesis of diverse traditions. Tourism is modest but growing, with attractions that include the natural beauty of the Pir Panjal Range, historic forts, and the scenic Brahma Sarovar lake.