Poonch is a town located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Poonch has witnessed many historical events and has been ruled by outsiders and locals at different junctures till it became a part of independent India. As per 2001 census Poonch has a population of 23,442. Males comprise 56 percent of the population and females 44 percent. Poonch has an average literacy rate of 79 percent, higher than the national average of 59.5 percent. Male literacy is 84 percent, and female literacy is 72 percent. In Poonch, 11 percent of the population is under 6 years of age. Muslims form 87 percent of the total population, Hindus 6 percent and Sikhs 7 percent.

Poonch has witnessed many past era. Around 326 BC when Alexander the Great invaded the lower Jhelum belt to fight with Porus, this region was known as Dravabhisar. In 6th Century AD, the famous Chinese traveller Huien Tsang passed through this area. According to his inspection, this region was known as a Part of Kashmir. Around 850 AD Poonch became a sovereign state ruled by Raja Nar, who was basically a horse trader. In the year 1596, Mughal Emperor Jahangir made Raja Siraj-Ud-Din Rathore, the descendant of Rao Jodha and Rao Suraj Singh, new ruler of Poonch. Siraj-Ud-Din and his descendent Raja Shahbaz Khan Rathore, Raja Abdul Razak Rathore, Raja Rustam Khan Rathore and Raja Khan Bahadur Khan Rathore ruled this region up to 1798 AD. In 1819 this area was captured by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and it remained under the domain of Sikh Empire until 1850.

Poonch is located between 33 degree 25 minutes to 34 degree 01 minutes north latitude and between 73 degree 58 minutes to 74 degree 35 minutes east longitude. Poonch is entirely hilly and mountainous barring few-low laying valleys. In winters all the areas height are covered with snow. The town has an average altitude of 981 metres (3218 feet). Pir Panjal range of mountains separates Poonch valley from Kashmir valley. For a long time the only road connection between the two valleys was from Jammu. But now with the completion of Mughal Road there will be a direct connectivity between the two.

People of diverse faiths, caste and creed are living calmly in the town. Races like Gujjars, Bakerwals, Punjabis, Kashmiris and Rajputs-mostly Muslims live in accord nourishing their composite culture lavishly. Poonch is rich in folk songs. Family feuds, women, battles, love, marriage ceremonies, social rituals, social evils and superstitions are the popular theme of the songs. Poonch is an enthralling hunting ground for trekkers and nature lovers. The lush green meadows and coniferous forests display rich wealth of flora and fauna.