Muhammad Hayat Khan (Azad Kashmiri politician)

He was born on December 20, 1928 in the house of Sardar Sher Ali Khan in Chhota Gala, a village in Tehsil Rawalakot, District Poonch, Azad Kashmir. He received his education from Government High School Rawalakot and was commissioned into the Pakistan Army on November 15, 1958. He demonstrated excellent decision-making skills in the wars of 1965 and 1971. On many battlefields, due to his excellent performance he was awarded with Sitare-Imtiaz and Sitare Bisalat.

In 1977,with the advice of all political parties, the Legislative Assembly of AJK and AJK Council had been dissolved while Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan was the president. Major General Habib Ur Rahman was appointed as the president of AJK. Shortly after, he resigned due to illness.

On November 5, 1977, Marshal Law was announced in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. General Muhammad Hayat Khan, a brigadier at the time, was appointed as the Caretaker, and later the president of AJK.

Albeit, having no prior experience of working in a political capacity, General Muhammad Hayat Khan showed unparalleled skills in administration. In his reign, there were no political restrictions like in Pakistan. It was a time of prosperity, development and construction for AJK. With no political aspirations, he worked towards transforming AJK into a welfare state. He pioneered many projects in the AJK state and built infustruture, such as schools and roads.

Some of his works enlist:

- Establishment of University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-campus and multi-discipline university established in 1980. It consists of three main campuses consisting of the Main campus located in Muzaffarabad, Neelum campus located in Athmuqam, and Jhelum Valley campus located in Hattian Bala.

- Construction of Goe Nala road which connects Azad Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan and reduces the travel time between them from 7 hours to just 3.

‘Dastan-e-Hayat’, autobiography of former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Major General (R) Mohammad Hayat Khan was launched in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

AJK's former president General (R) Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan, former Prime Minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, and many other leaders were present on the occasion. While addressing the gathering Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob said that Major General (R) Mohammad Hayat Khan is an idol of his and that he has learned a lot about how to serve the people from him

He stated that Major General Muhammad Hayat Khan has contributed a lot for the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and that this is one of the main reasons that he is as respected and well known as he is. “ Major General Hayat is a fortunate and hardworking person and we can learn from his experience,” he said and added that the autobiography of the Major General is a gift for the young generation of Kashmir.

Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan in his address congratulated the Major General Hayat for his effort and said that this autobiography would be the best source for the new generation to learn about politics, economics, and other related issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said that General Hayat has spent his life to improve the living standard of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He constructed many roads and completed many projects during his tenure. “By writing this autobiography, Major General Hayat has given direction to new generation on the role that they can play in the development of their country,” he said. General (R) Hayat Khan thanked all of the guests for their participation in the event, saying, “ I feel very lucky that my people still love me. I have written all of my life experiences this book. Our new generation can learn many things from this book.”