[1][2] The force has the distinction of not having been raised by any government order, but "raised itself" when bands of armed World War II veterans along with locals including women, including Mujahida Hussain Bibi, organized themselves into disciplined ad hoc platoons, companies and battalions led by retired officers, JCOs and NCOs, and went out to fight in Kashmir against the Indian Army in 1948.

To quote the words of Pakistan Army's Official Portal "They liberated over 34,000 square miles of the State's territory that is now called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Northern Areas."

Being well aware of aspirations of the people of State, Pakistani Government under the leadership of Governor General M A Jinnah and Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan decided to support the Lashkars.

India meanwhile managed to get the Instrument of accession signed by the Hindu Maharaja of state and landed its Military forces in the valley using massive air lifts.

Fierce fighting continued for over a year but AKRF with the assistance of Pakistani tribals and regular army managed to capture Districts of Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Bagh, Rawlakot, Muzaffarabad and Neelum.

On 27th Sept, after insistence by the HQ 12 Div Pakistan, Ghaznavi Force exfiltrated with a heavy heart back to their base in Azad Kashmir [10] Maj Munawwar was later awarded Sitara-e-Jurat and given the title of 'King of Rajouri' by Field Martial Ayub Khan.

5 AKRF provided firmbase along CFL Line in Padhar to facilitate Phase 1 of the Operation and through skilled fighting captured Lalleal and cleared initially bypassed Indian positions of Pir Jamal, Dalla, Paur, Maira and Moel, while 19 AKRF which was on point for 4 Sector in a gallant attack with armour support (due to be provided by 11 Cav) arriving late, captured Patrara and Dewa, being held by the 3 Mahar Regiment and 8 Jammu and Kashmir Militia.

Despite severe limitations due to a lack of reserves and a tough defensive role, Maj Gen Akbar, GOC 12th Infantry Division made an ambitious plan to capture the town of Poonch.

Seven battalions from the AKRF took part in this operation and gallantly faced regular Indian army units that were superior in numbers, weapons, equipment, and training.

35 AK Regt, fought one of the toughest battles of the war on terror, Operation Brekhna, the mission to capture Walidad feature in Mohmand Agency.

The International duties include Bosnia, Haiti, DRC (Congo), Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Burundi, Sudan and Bahrain.

[17] This award is equivalent of Britain's Victoria cross and the United States' Medal of Honor When not engaged in operations of war, the Regiment continues to train.

8th Battalion of the Azad Kashmir Regiment won gold medals and secured 1st position in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, considered to be the toughest military training competition of the world.

[18] Erstwhile AKRF also conducted relief and construction operations making and maintaining several road links in rough terrain of Azad Kashmir.