POONCH, Aug. 16 -- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today praised and acknowledged the services of Maulana Ghulam Qadir Banday, a towering figure of Pir Panjal region who contributed immensely in socio-educational reforms.

Addressing a distinguished gathering of civil society members, educationists and religious scholars at the Jamia Zia Ul Uloom Group of Institutions in Poonch, the Minister described Maulana Banday as a visionary reformer and spiritual guide whose transformative contributions to education have left an indelible mark on generations.

"Maulana Ghulam Qadir Banday Sahib is not just a religious scholar; he is the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan of Pir Panjal," said Rana, invoki...