Panjeri

Panjeri (Urdu: پنجیری) is a village in Bhimber District of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, with a population of about 18,000 people. It is located halfway between Bhimber and Mirpur. The village is a Rajput stronghold, making up most of the population. It has a Union Council of 39 sub-villages and is the most important Union Council of Bhimber District. Panjeri is known within AJK as "the land of war heroes" for its long history of providing soldiers and military leaders to the Pakistan Army.

History
The inhabitants are descended from Baba Shadi Shaheed, who was the first Chib Rajput. The village was founded by Pir Taj-ud-Din Bukhari, with his shrine being the heart of Panjeri. The first primary school in Azad Kashmir was opened in Panjeri and was heavily influenced by Persian, the official state language during the Mughal reign. Panjeri was later split into dhoks (sub-villages) under the council of Panjeri. One dhok was named after Pir Taj-ud-Din. As its spiritual founder, many generations honor him.

Each tribe or group of the Chib Rajput was named after a Panjeri personality. For example, Pati Jatu Khan would be from Raja Gujarkhan.

Army
Panjeri has recruited many soldiers and high-ranking officials in the Pakistan Army, including 4 lieutenant generals, 2 major generals, and 14 lieutenant colonels. Panjeri is known as “the land of war heroes” and “the birthplace of soldiers” for its long history of providing military leaders, such as Raja Habib ur Rahman (World War II and 1947 Kashmir War). Gen. Abdul Rahman served as Prime Minister of Alwar State and First High Commissioner of Pakistan to India after Pakistani independence in 1947. Ghulam Rasul Raja was one of the first Lieutenant Colonels of the Pakistan Army and was awarded Sitara-e-Jurat, the third highest civilian award.

About 100 serving commissioned officers of the Pakistan Army hail from Panjeri. Major General Raja Kashif Azad was promoted in 2019, and along with Lieutenant General of Kashmir Regiment Raja Sher Afgun, is one of the Pakistan Army's most senior officers. Major Raja Asif Azad, the younger brother of Major General Raja Kashif Azad, was promoted in 2019.

Sub-villages
The Union Council of Panjeri is spread over 39 sub-villages. Many of the surrounding dhoks of Panjeri have historical links to Panjeri.

The major sub-villages are:


 * Nakkar South
 * Kas Kadora
 * Chani Raike
 * Sairi
 * Kalyal
 * Maryal
 * Chani Malkani
 * Kahmbi
 * Parli Channi
 * Maria Ghazi
 * Dhok Panjeri (Largest)

People
The village is predominately inhabited by Rajputs. The main professions are military service and local politics. Since the 1990s, many people have emigrated to the United Kingdom. Five people from Panjeri were awarded a military cross due to their service in World Wars.

Notable people

 * Raja Habib ur Rahman Khan, an army officer in the Indian National Army
 * Raja Abbas Kiani, Youth Leader
 * DIG Raja Irfan Saleem
 * Lieutenant General Raja Sher Afgun

Politics
Panjeri plays a role in district politics. Bhimber and Mirpur District politicians hail from the village. Capt. Fazal ur Rahman was a member of the Kasmir Assembly in 1947, and after the partition, became Minister of AJK Govt. Raja Imitiaz of PPP and Raja Abbas Kiani Former member of Parliament and advisor Raja Fida Hussain Kiani plays a role in the union council of Panjeri. Hailing from Panjeri is SSP of Mirpur Police Raja Irfan Saleem.

Education
The village is served by a government girls' degree college for women, a government higher secondary school for boys, and government high school for girls. Panjeri had the first primary school in Azad Kashmir. People from nearby villages used to come to study in Panjeri.