The story of the journey of the Jhelum River, one of Pakistan’s famous rivers. I hope readers will enjoy it.
Muzaffarabad is that unique place on the Jhelum River where the river takes a complete U-turn and changes its direction.
Yes, until now you may have heard of U-turns in traffic or associated with politicians — but today, let me show you a river’s U-turn. This place is located in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir.
The most beautiful and largest valley of Azad Kashmir is the Neelum Valley. Its beauty is enhanced by the Neelum River, which before entering Azad Kashmir is known as the Krishna Ganga River. Upon reaching Neelum Valley and reflecting its beauty, it takes the name Neelum River. Along its journey, countless streams from rainfall and glaciers join it, further increasing its flow. The waters of Kundal Shahi Waterfall also merge into it, and the Neelum–Jhelum Hydropower Project is built upon it — a project for which the entire Pakistani nation contributed for years through electricity bills.
The river roars and twists, irrigating the valley — at times flowing along the Line of Control and at times through the heart of the valley — continuing onward.
Eventually, it reaches Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir. It seems that changing colors after seeing the atmosphere of a capital city is not just a human trait — even a river is not immune.
Meanwhile, the river that originates from Anantnag in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir gains the title of the Jhelum River and, gathering many streams and tributaries along the way, enters Azad Kashmir through the Chakothi sector. It is welcomed by the district of Hattian Bala (now called Jhelum Valley District). Flowing and irrigating the valley, it moves toward Muzaffarabad.
At a place called Domel in Muzaffarabad, it meets the icy waters of the Neelum River coming from Neelum Valley. Here, the Neelum River merges into the Jhelum River and becomes eternal within it. In that joy, the Jhelum takes its beautiful U-turn and sets off on the next phase of its journey.
Gradually spreading its wings, a river that was only a few meters wide becomes significantly broader as soon as it enters Pakistani territory — expanding from just a few meters to several hundred meters in width.
The Jhelum River then reaches the Mangla Dam. From there, it continues onward, passing above the city of Sargodha and reaching the land of Jhang. At the Head Trimmu point, it meets the mighty Chenab River. Thus, in the district of Jhang — famous for the legendary love story of Heer Ranjha — the Jhelum merges into eternity within the Chenab.
The Chenab continues its journey and at the Chenab–Sindh confluence surrenders itself to the majestic Indus River. Carrying with it all the rivers and countless streams that join along the way, the Indus flows past Sukkur, near Mohenjo-daro and Mithi. Near Sehwan Sharif, the sweet waters of Manchar Lake blend into it like nectar. Entering the boundaries of Hyderabad, it flows onward, passing at a suitable distance from Keenjhar Lake, moving calmly and steadily.
Finally, passing through Kotri and Allah Rakhio, it reaches the coastal region of Keti Bandar, where it loses itself in the waves of the Arabian Sea.
A drop met the ocean and became the ocean itself…
A lover who met death became a Qalandar.
0 Comments