History of Sudhan Tribe
The Sudhan tribe has a rich and distinguished history marked by courage, sacrifice, leadership, and dedication to the welfare of society. Throughout the history of the region, members of the Sudhan community have played an important role in political leadership, military service, education, and social development.
The people of the Sudhan tribe were among the foremost contributors in the struggle for the liberation of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in 1947. Thousands of trained soldiers from the region, who had earlier served in the British Army, participated in the freedom movement and made remarkable sacrifices for the cause of freedom.
Among the most prominent personalities of the tribe was Baba-e-Poonch Late Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, a visionary leader who devoted his life to the social, educational, and political uplift of the people of Poonch. His efforts led to the establishment of the Sudhan Educational Conference (SEC) in 1934, which became a powerful platform for promoting education and social reform.
Under his leadership, the slogan “Educate Your Children” spread across the region and transformed the outlook of the society towards education. This movement resulted in a significant rise in literacy and produced a generation of educated professionals, including military officers, judges, professors, doctors, civil servants, and political leaders.
The Sudhan community has produced distinguished personalities who have served as Presidents, Prime Ministers, Speakers of Assemblies, Chief Justices, senior military officers, diplomats, and academicians in Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
Today, the Sudhan Educational Conference continues to preserve the legacy of its founder and strives to promote education, unity, and social harmony among all communities.
Khan Sahib Educational Complex – Rawalakot
The Khan Sahib Educational Complex is one of the most significant projects undertaken by the Sudhan Educational Conference (SEC). The project has been initiated in honour of the founder of SEC, Baba-e-Poonch Late Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan, to continue his mission of promoting education and social development.
The complex is being constructed at Rawalakot at a prime location near the educational hub of the city, close to the University of Poonch and Poonch and Medical College/ polytechniquec College
The proposed building will consist of a modern five-storey educational complex that will include:
- Central Office of Sudhan Educational Conference
- Educational and training facilities
- Conference and seminar halls
- Offices for administrative activities
- Facilities for educational programs and community services
Construction of the complex started in June 2021, and significant progress has already been made. Approximately Rs. 50 million have been spent on construction so far. However, an estimated Rs. 60 million are still required to complete the project.
The complex is expected to become a major educational and social landmark in the region and will serve as a permanent centre for the educational and welfare activities of the organization.
This project has been made possible through the generous support of members, donors, and well-wishers of the community from Pakistan and abroad. The Sudhan Educational Conference remains grateful to all contributors for their continued support.
SEC invites philanthropists, community members, and well-wishers to participate in this noble project and contribute towards the completion of the Khan Sahib Educational Complex for the benefit of future generations.
Personalities like Khan Sahib Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan serve as guiding lights in the life of nations and also as milestones that show the destination. Khan Sahib never sought cheap fame. Instead of choosing politics, he devoted himself to the difficult yet lasting fields of knowledge and social reform in order to serve the nation. In every sphere of development in Poonch and among its people, his personality appears as a primary motivating force.
Realizing the fundamental importance of education, he dedicated his life to its promotion and laid the foundation of a balanced and effective educational system. The positive effects of this system illuminated not only Poonch but the entire region of Azad Kashmir like a beacon of light.
The long political and social activities and reformist struggles of Alhaj Khan Sahib Colonel Khan Muhammad Khan were mainly centered in the Poonch region of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, without understanding the turbulent recent history of Poonch, it is impossible to appreciate Khan Sahib’s determined efforts, selfless services, and commendable achievements. Likewise, it is difficult to understand the harsh oppression and tyranny faced by the people during the long era of Dogra rule, against which Khan Sahib struggled throughout his life.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Until 1924, Khan Sahib served as a Police Inspector in Poonch city. During this time, Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Kreelvi was also serving in the police alongside him. Later, both of them, through mutual cooperation and companionship, rendered remarkable and selfless services to the Muslims of the State of Poonch.
According to Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Kreelvi, as a police inspector Khan Sahib always tried his best to reconcile disputes between parties so that they could avoid the curse of prolonged litigation. In many cases he succeeded in bringing conflicting parties to settlement, thus saving them from endless cycles of conflict and hostility.
At that time, the main source of employment in Poonch was military service. After the end of the First World War, a large number of soldiers returned home upon retirement, which greatly increased unemployment. Unfortunately, around 1920, a severe famine struck Poonch. Due to unemployment, people could not afford to buy grain at high prices. The situation deteriorated to the extent that people had to eat leaves from trees, and many were forced to leave the area.
To overcome these difficult circumstances, Khan Sahib persuaded a British colonel in Poonch, who was also serving as the Resident, to initiate the construction of a road from Poonch to Azad Pattan. The estimated cost of the project was eight lakh rupees. A Hindu minister, who was strongly opposed to the project, argued that since there was no bridge over the River Jhelum and no road from Azad Pattan to Rawalpindi, the road would serve no purpose. However, due to Khan Sahib’s efforts the scheme was approved, and construction began in 1920 from Lachhman Pattan (present-day Azad Pattan).
During this time, he was appointed as a special officer in Tehsil Sudhnoti and actively dealt with the problems arising from the famine. His strategy not only resulted in the construction of the road but also provided employment to the people and helped save the community from the devastating effects of famine.
While living in Poonch, Khan Sahib became even more aware of the hardships faced by the public. He saw poor people suffering in courts and government offices. Many who came from distant areas had no place to stay in Poonch and were forced to spend nights under the open sky. To solve this problem, Khan Sahib purchased land near Poonch city and constructed Sudhan Sarai, where poor visitors from outside could stay.
During his military service, Khan Sahib did not have many opportunities to directly serve his people. However, his deep commitment to public welfare was evident through various incidents. On one occasion, just days before a battle, the commanding officer called a conference of officers and asked them about their last wishes. Most expressed personal desires, but Khan Sahib’s wish was entirely different. He requested that the schools of the State of Poonch be taken over by the Government of British India so that proper arrangements could be made for the promotion of education. The commanding officer was so impressed that he immediately sent a telegram to the General Headquarters in Delhi, requesting that the Raja of Poonch be instructed to establish a primary school and post office in Plandri.
On another occasion, Khan Sahib invited the Raja of Poonch to Rawalpindi for a dinner attended by many officers and dignitaries. During the gathering, the Raja asked him to request anything he desired. Khan Sahib asked only for two things: the abolition of forced labor (begar) in Poonch and the cancellation of the development tax. When the Raja suggested he ask for something personal, Khan Sahib replied that his tribe was dearer to him than his own life, and therefore his request remained the same. As a result, the Raja abolished the development tax and exempted people from unpaid forced labor.
These incidents clearly demonstrate that from the very beginning Khan Sahib deeply felt that his region was extremely backward in educational, economic, and political terms. The lives of its inhabitants were filled with severe hardships and suffering. The era in which Khan Sahib began his life was truly a turbulent one, during which the people of Poonch suffered under double and even triple layers of oppression and exploitative.
