Diplomat Correspondent
Poonch, DD, The Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom, Poonch, were held with great enthusiasm and reverence today, in a grand ceremony attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tribal Affairs Minister Ch. Javed Ahmed Rana and senior Cabinet Minister including Sakeena Ittoo, Javed Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma. Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani Sogami was also present.
The event marked 50 years of exemplary service in education, community development and nation-building by one of the region’s most respected institutions.
In a significant highlight of the ceremony, the Chief Minister honoured prominent tribal activist and Chairman of the Sarimastaan Tribal (Gujjar) Welfare Foundation, Ch. Muhammad Asad Noomani, in recognition of his outstanding contributions in healthcare, women empowerment and tribal welfare.
His tireless advocacy for marginalized and economically vulnerable communities earned heartfelt appreciation from the Cabinet, other dignitaries and the audience alike.
Noomani received special commendation for his proactive and dynamic role in advancing pro-poor and tribal-centric policies at the governmental level.
His sustained engagement, policy interventions and community outreach have played a pivotal role in strengthening welfare systems and expanding essential services to remote tribal regions.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of grassroots changemakers in shaping an inclusive and progressive society. Tribal Affairs Minister Ch. Javed Ahmed Rana also praised Mr. Noomani’s contributions, describing him as “a beacon of commitment, compassion and transformative leadership whose work continues to inspire tribal communities across the region.”
Maulana Ghulam Qadir, Chief Patron of Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom, expressed satisfaction in the institution’s enduring efforts in fostering education, social harmony and community empowerment throughout the Pir Panjal region.
A number of other distinguished personalities from Pir Panjal were also felicitated for their notable achievements in diverse fields, adding to the celebratory spirit of the institution’s historic milestone.
The Golden Jubilee event concluded with a renewed collective resolve to strengthen educational, social and developmental initiatives and to uphold the institution’s legacy of service and enlightenment.DD
