Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan Bhatti (Nishan e Haider)

Captain Raja Muhammad Sarwar Khan Bhatti (1910 – July 27, 1948) is the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider. Sarwar Khan was born in Singhori village, Tehsil Gujar Khan, District Rawalpindi. Born in Rajput family, Captain Sarwar went to join Indian Military in 1942 and was commissioned in the Punjab Regiment of Indian Army in 1944. After independence of Pakistan in 1947, Captain Sarwar Khan was transferred to Pakistan Army.

Soon after the partition of sub-continent, tensions raised between India and Pakistan over the disputed area of Kashmir. Indian troops landed in Kashmir and took control of Kashmir. Flared by anger, patriotism and love for their Kashmiri brothers, Pakistan Army was ordered to intervene on the order of the then Governor-General Muhammad Ali Jinnah. During the early days of Kashmir war, Captain Sarwar Khan was busy in doing a course at a military school in Murre. He requested to be deployed with his parent unit which was fighting with Indians at the Uri sector but his requests were turn down. After repeated requests he was finally sent back to join his unit.

After joining his unit at Uri sector, Captain Sarwar Khan was appointed as the Company Commander of the 2^nd battalion. He led successful attacks on Indian army inflicting heavy damages to the enemy. On the fateful night of July 28, 1948, Captain Sarwar Khan launched an attack on the strongly fortified position of enemy at the Uri sector. Enemy responded with heavy machine gun and mortar fire but he and his men made their way through barbed wire barrier which was hindering their movement. In this process, Captain Muhammad Sarwar Khan received a burst of heavy machine gun in his fire and lost his life.

Captain Muhammad Sarwar Khan was posthumously awarded Nishan e Haider for the bravery shown by him

 

Rivers of Pakistan – The Neelum River

This river is located in the Kashmir region of both Pakistan and India and is also called the River Kishanganga in India. The river originates from the Indian side and enters Pakistan’s territory in the Gurais sector  of the line of control running westwards meeting River Jehlum in the north of Muzzafarabad. It was given the name Neelum either because of its sky blue color or due to the precious gem neelum( ruby) which is present in the area.

The beautiful valley of Neelum located in the Azad Kashmir at the bank of the river has captivating views. This valley can be entered through two routes; one by the Neelum road from Muzzafarabad and the other by Julkhan road from Kaghan.

It is a lush green and fertile valley about 250 kilometers long stretching its ways from the District of Muzzafarabad to Athmuqan and further to Taobutt.  Neelum has always had a great importance due to its attractiveness and fertility. Tourists come here every year especially in the summers to enjoy its forests, slop hills, waterfalls, greenery and pleasant weather. Many fruits grow in this area and they taste like heaven. The Azad Kashmir department of tourism has build many Guest houses in almost all the main areas. There are many hotels of good standard at the bank of River Neelum giving a reamrkable view of the river from every window.

In 2005 earthquake it was badly effected and most of its roads were damaged becoming inaccessible for the outside world. A new international standard road is under construction

Indian goverenment has been planning a power project at the Neelum river banks by diverting the water through the mountains to Bandipore joining the Wular lake and then River Jehlum. Pakistan claims it to be against the Indus waters treaty. Pakistan has also decided to build a hydro power project acroos Jehlum with the assistance of China.

Lakes of Pakistan – Baghsar Lake

Location	Elevation	Max. length
Samahni Valley  Mirpur District	975 m  above sea level	0.5 miles  0.80 km

This lake is situated in the Mirpur District over looking Bandala Village. It’s a very popular among the tourists. It  roughly has around half a kilometer of length.

Hundreds of resident and migrating water birds inhabit this lake. These birds include a huge number of ducks and Geese. The surroundings of the lake are covered with Pine and Cheerh trees. Water lilies are in abundance in this lake which give a picture of a  fairyland .

There is a famous historical fort called Moghul Fort overlooking the Baghsar Lake from top of the hill. It was built in the times of Ahmed Shah Abdali, Gulab Singh and Ranjit Singh. The great Mughal King Jahangir was passing through this area to go to the Kashmir Valley, when he fell ill and died in this historical fort.

Why we love Pakistan? Because of its resilient and determined people!

The more we dig in to know what Pakistan means to its people, the more we come to know of the passion and zeal Pakistanis have to do something for this country. One such heart touching and dignified proclamation has been made by Farheen Zaki who once was hardcore bank employee and now is playing a housewife role. Lets hear Farheen’s love for this beautiful country:

“It is quite natural to love your native country and I love Pakistan for the same reason.I t was a dream of Iqbal and fruit to the years long struggle and sacrifices of our ancestors under the dynamic leadership of our Quaid. Freedom is indeed a great blessing.Ask about it from the Muslims of Palestine and Kashmir.”

“Pakistan is not an ordinary country to love only for this common reason. It is the land of ancient civilization with rich cultural foundations.Its people are the proud inherent of Mohenjo Daro and Harrapa. It is blessed with all the natural resources and scenic beauty of Mother nature.It holds 4 out of 14 highest peaks in the world, 2nd largest salt mines,world s largest deep seaport and one of the largest deserts of the world. It also holds worlds 7th largest standing Arm force(pride of our nation) and is the 7th nuclear power of the world. The Karakorum highway it possess is considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.”

“Pakistan is a land of fertile soil, diverse wild life, fresh water lakes, serene beauty and a long coastal line. From the snow capped peaks of Himalayas in the north to the mangroves of the Indus delta on the other end, Pakistan is a true picture of Allah’s glory. I recently took a road trip from Lahore to Karachi and witnessed how the rich fertile land of Punjab turns into the mystic desert of Sindh. Within hours the whole scene changed even the color of the soil, cattle, atmosphere, language, dresses and crops changed. The diversity of our country is unique.”

“But the real power of this country is its people. People with strong determination, people who have lived in hard times and emerged as united nation after every calamity. It has been very unlucky as far as leadership is concerned. But it does not belong to the few elites who have been ruling it since the independence. It belongs to the farmers and workers and every citizen of this country. Pakistanis have been resilient enough to withstand injustice, corruption and terrorism year after year. We as a nation have always stood united and helped each other in times of need.”

“Who says Pakistan has not grown in these 63 years. It is the same country which didn’t have office stationery at the time of its birth and today it’s a nuclear power and thus a threat to the so called super powers of the world.”

“Pakistan is ‘The Land of the Pure’. Each day the sun rises with new hope. I am quite sure that this nation who has survived famines, threats, blood sheds, natural calamities, injustice, exploitation, corrupt leaders and heavy criticism from the West can literally survive anything. We as a nation if stand united, rely on our own resources and put all our belief in Allah Almighty can defeat all enemies. This country has seen the worst now only good will happen and if my Allah stays with us we shall sooner or later see this country win for itself a place of great honor and pride. This is the only country taken in the name of Islam. If we all stand united under the umbrella of this ideology no one can degrade or defame us any longer. It is the time to strengthen our bond and stand upright in front of our enemies and win back our pride. And for the people who think this country is a shame and it will soon banish from the map of the world I have only one sentence.”

“Pakistan – Love it or Leave it.”

Machiara National Park

Machiara National Park is one of the three significant national parks in the world chosen for Global Environmental Facility sponsored project. It is situated in The Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It covers an area of 13593 hectares. The region was declared a National Park in 1996 to save the vegetation (the mixed broad leaf coniferous forest) and wildlife of the area.

The most endangered specie of the area is the Western Tragopan Pheasant. The park provides a breeding ground to the birds whose number was fast dwindling in the past. The Himalayan griffon vulture and lammergeyer (large vulture) are also found here. The park also provides sanctuary to the Himalayan Brown Bear, Ibex and Snow Leopard.

The local community is very protective towards the past and is trying its utmost to save the threatened animals as well as their natural habitat.

Travel Pakistan – Attractions of Muzzafarabad valley and Chitral Valley

Rivers and valleys of Muzaffarabad:

Muzaffarabad is the capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. It is located on the banks of Jehlum River and Neelam River. It is famous for its scenery and wooden houses. It is also well known for its production of dry fruits.

The Muzafarabad has many beautiful valleys like Pirchinaasi, Neelam Valley, Leepa Valley, Jhelum valley and Chickar valley. These valleys are heavenly beautiful and are very green.

Muzaffarabad is surrounded by two rivers, Neelam and Jhelum Rivers. The Neelam River which is a tributary to river Jhelum is situated in both Kashmir i.e. Pakistan administered Kashmir and India administered Kashmir. This river has sky color water and it named after it.

The river Jhelum passes through India and Pakistan and it is the largest river among the five rivers of Punjab. It passes through the Jhelum valley of Muzaffarabad; it then passes through district Jehlum in Punjab and it is also a tributary to the Chenab River.

Chitral: Polo, Football and Music

Chitral valley is a beautiful valley which has rich culture of its own and a very charming local music. Polo is the main sport attraction that brings many tourists here. The hospitable people of Chitral valley gather around Shandur pass in the month of July to play and watch the Polo matches. The Shandur Polo tournament is watched by hundreds of tourists every year.

Football is another game that is in the blood of Chitrali people. Although Polo is what Chitral is famous for, Football is still the most played game in Chitral. There are many famous clubs and the current National Football team has three players that come from these clubs of Chitral.

 

And to add to the flavor of the festivity that is created by the games, Chitrali Sitar is played to take you on a magical flight. Chitrali Sitar is one of the oldest instruments that are still being played in the modern bazaars of Chitral. Its magical tone catches many people from all around the world and when they go back, they will talk about it for years. The sound of Tumba makes the Chitrali sitar like no other in the entire world.