25th Anniversary of Cadet College Palandri. (2026-15)

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.