HISTORY honours individuals who dedicate their lives to their people and homeland. Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, popularly known as Khan Sahib and revered as Baba-e-Poonch, was one such visionary leader. Remembered as the Sir Syed of Poonch, he made remarkable contributions to education, politics, social reform and the Kashmir freedom movement. Born in 1882 in Chhe Chhan, now Khanabad, Sudhanoti, he joined the British Indian Army in 1902, participated in the First World War and retired with the rank of Colonel. He subsequently devoted himself to public service and educational advancement.
Education: His greatest mission: His greatest legacy was promoting education in a region afflicted by illiteracy and poverty. Through the Sudhan Educational Conference, he mobilized communities around education as an instrument of social progress. His innovative Muthi Bhar Atta (a handful of flour) initiative encouraged households to contribute flour to support deserving students and educational institutions, making education a collective responsibility. He also championed female education, establishing a girls’ school at Chhe Chhan on November 17, 1939. His commitment to religious education led to the establishment of Dar-ul-Uloom Taleem-ul-Quran in Palandri, with Sardar Feroz Ali Khan’s support, under Maulana Yousaf Khan, a graduate of Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband. His family’s educational commitment continued through subsequent generations, notably his granddaughter Mrs Riffat Mushtaq and her husband, Colonel (Retired) Mushtaq Khan, who contributed to developing the Roots System of Education.
Military traditions and national service: His military experience developed the discipline and organizational skills that later benefited the Kashmir freedom movement. This tradition continued in his family, including General Muhammad Aziz Khan, who served as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from 2001 to 2004, and the late Colonel (Retired) Naqi Khan. Political leadership and freedom movement: Elected to the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly in 1934, he represented Bagh and Sudhanoti until 1946. Demonstrating political maturity, he supported Barrister Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan for the Assembly seat in 1946, prioritizing the national cause over personal ambition. During the 1947 freedom movement, despite his advancing age, he led the War Council and subsequently became associated with the Defence Council. His leadership and military experience strengthened the struggle. He passed away on November 11, 1961, leaving an enduring legacy.
His legacy and responsibilities today: The elevation of his grandson, Dr Muhammad Najeeb Naqi, to the presidency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in September 2026 represents a significant continuation of this family legacy. At a challenging time for Poonch and Sudhanoti, the President and Prime Minister Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani must prioritize dialogue, public confidence, peace and stability. Public rights, essential services, government accountability, uninterrupted education, business activity and completion of the electoral process deserve serious attention. Reconciliation must prevail over confrontation.
Khan Sahib’s life teaches today’s youth that lasting progress comes through education, unity, tolerance and collective responsibility. His anniversary should inspire us to preserve his achievements and carry forward his mission. His finest monument is not a building bearing his name, but the educational opportunities, enlightened society and united generations he envisioned. May Almighty Allah grant his departed soul the highest place in His eternal mercy. Ameen.
—The writer is a Supreme Court lawyer and former member & Chairman Standing Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. Islamabad
