The establishment of Cadet
College Palandri represents the culmination of centuries of historical
continuity, martial tradition, and intellectual aspirations rooted in Sudhnoti
District, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Palandri, the district
headquarters, holds a distinguished place in the history of the Poonch region,
tracing its origins to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries when the Sudhan
tribe settled in the area. Though historical narratives vary regarding their
precise origins, the Sudhans are widely believed to be of Pashtun descent,
linked to the Sadozai lineage, and are recognized for their strong sense of
honour, independence, and resistance to foreign domination.
The political and social
foundations of Sudhnoti were laid by Nawab Jassi Khan, a legendary warrior
statesman whose rule established Sudhan authority in the region. His legacy of
bravery, justice, and leadership shaped the collective identity of the tribe.
This tradition of resistance continued through figures such as Shams Khan, who
led the historic Sudhan Revolt of 1837 against the Sikh Empire and Dogra rule,
and Sardar Ibrahim Khan, a pivotal leader of the Kashmir freedom movement and
the first President of Azad Kashmir. Over generations, the Sudhans earned
recognition as a martial race, producing soldiers who served with distinction
in the British Indian Army and. later in the armed forces of Pakistan.
This rich historical and martial
legacy, combined with the region's immense contributions to the Kashmir
struggle, formed the ideological foundation for establishing a cadet college in
Palandri. The vision was translated into reality through the untiring efforts
of two eminent personalities: Late Colonel (Retd) Muhammad Naqi Khan and
General Muhammad Aziz Khan. Lt Col Nagi Khan, a proud son of Palandri and
descendant of the renowned freedom leader Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, played a
decisive role by personally inviting the then Prime Minister of Pakistan,
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, to Palandri. At the helipad, he presented war
veterans of the region and formally requested the establishment of a cadet
college. Acknowledging the historic sacrifices and strategic importance of the
area, the request was immediately approved and announced.
The formal decision to establish
Cadet College Palandri was made in 1973 by the Government of Pakistan,
alongside similar institutions in Larkana and Mastung. In 1976, an initial
allocation of Rs. 1.525 million was approved for surveys, soil testing, and
architectural planning. The following year, 60 acres of land were acquired at a
cost of Rs. 2.434 million, and the project design was entrusted to M/S Allied
Engineering Consultants, Lahore. Despite early progress, financial constraints
led to a temporary suspension of the project.
The revival came in 1987, when Lt
Col (Retd) Muhammad Naqi Khan was appointed as Project Director. His
determination and administrative vision restored momentum to the initiative,
while General Muhammad Aziz Khan utilized his institutional influence to ensure
progress through various governmental channels. Their efforts were strongly
complemented by the support of the then Prime Minister of the Azad Government
of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhary. On
January 22, 1990, he laid the foundation stone of the college, marking a
historic milestone in the educational development of Azad Kashmir.
Following sustained development,
the Board of Governors approved the commissioning of the college on July 9,
1998, and Cadet College Palandri was formally inaugurated on September 15,
1998. With the commencement of academic activities, a long-cherished aspiration
of the people of Sudhnoti was finally realized.
Today, Cadet College Palandri
stands as the first and premier cadet college of Azad Kashmir, symbolizing a
bridge between centuries-old heritage and modern education. The college
operates on a house system comprising Jinnah House, Iqbal House, Khan House,
Sher House, and Kerailvi House, each reflecting national ideals and the legacy
of freedom. Guided by its vision to impart quality education and prepare youth
for national security and defense, and inspired by its motto, "Serve with
Valour," the institution emphasizes academic excellence, discipline,
leadership, physical fitness, and character building.
Beyond academics, Cadet College
Palandri has revitalized the socio-economic stature of the region by generating
employment, supporting local livelihoods, and offering opportunities to
students from all provinces of Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis, and Kashmiris
from both sides of the Line of Control. We owe this enduring institution to the
foresight and dedication of its founding fathers, and we solemnly pledge to
uphold their vision by nurturing generations of disciplined, enlightened, and
valiant citizens in the service of Pakistan.
On 25th Anniversary of Cadet College Palandri, Pakistan Post is issuing a set of three Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs.30/- each denomination on September 15, 2026.
.jpg)








.jpg)




.jpg)


