AQA OF PUNIAL

The title of Aqa of Punial has a rich historical significance, traditionally held by the Ismaili rulers of Punial, which is part of the Ayasho Dynasty in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. This title is formally conferred during a ceremonial event known as "Takht Nisheeni," which signifies the coronation of a new Aqa. The eldest son of the Aqa is designated as the Prince of Punial, establishing a clear line of succession within the royal family. During the British colonial era, the title of His Royal Highness was bestowed upon the head of the ruling family in acknowledgment of his contributions to the region and his cooperative relationship with British authorities. The Aqa holds a pivotal role in both political leadership and the preservation of cultural heritage in Punial. The first Aqa of the Ayasho Dynasty was His Royal Highness Colonel Aqa Akbar Ali Shah, while the last was His Royal Highness Aqa Mayoon Shah. This dynasty, closely associated with the Ismaili sect of Islam, played an essential role in fostering power, peace, and education throughout the region. The leadership of the Aqa significantly contributed to the development and stability of the community, promoting social progress and the preservation of cultural identity throughout the valley.

LIST OF RULERS

  • Father of the Ayasho Dynasty in Punial

    • Reign: 1857 - 1885
    • Military Designation: Major in the British Indian Army
    • Aqa of Punial: Prince Bakhtawar Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Garrison city of Gahkuch

  • Aqa Shah I

    • Reign: 1885 - 1899
    • Military Designation: Honorary Colonel and Founder of Punial Levies
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Akbar Ali Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial

  • Aqa Shah II

    • Reign: 1899 - 1914
    • Military Designation: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of Punial Levies
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Ismail Ali Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial and Ishkoman

  • Aqa Shah III

    • Reign: 1914 - 1999
    • Military Designation: Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of Punial Levies
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Zulfiqar Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial, Ishkoman, Gupis, Yasin, and Kuh (Phander)

  • Aqa Shah IV

    • Reign: 1919 - 1930
    • Military Designation: Honorary Colonel of Gilgit Scouts
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Karim Ali Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander), Nagar, and Gilgit

  • Aqa Shah V

    • Reign: 1930 - 1945
    • Military Designation: Honorary Colonel of Gilgit Scouts
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Zarrar Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander), Nagar, and Gilgit

  • Aqa Shah VI

    • Reign: 1945 - 1970
    • Military Designation: Air Vice Marshal of the Pakistan Air Force
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Iskandar Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander), and Gilgit

  • Aqa Shah VII

    • Reign: 1970 - present
    • Military Designation: Never enlisted
    • Aqa of Punial: His Royal Highness Aqa Mayoon Shah
    • Territory Occupied: Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, and Gupis

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