The Poonch River is a river in Jammu and Kashmir, India and Azad Kashmir in Pakistan. It originates in the western foothills of Pir Panjal range, in the areas of Neel-Kanth Gali and Jamian Gali. It is called 'Siran' in this area. It flows to the north west. At first flowing southwards it enters Mangla Lake near Chomukh. The towns of Poonch, Sehra, Tata Pani and Kotli are situated on the banks of this river. It has two tributaries, Betaar and Suwan.

Poonch (also referred to as Punch) is a town and a municipal committee in Poonch District in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Based on the Mahābhārata evidence, and the evidence from 7th Chinese traveler Xuanzang, the districts of Poonch along with Rajauri and Abhisara had been under the sway of the Republican Kambojas during epic times.

Poonch is located at 33°46′N 74°06′E / 33.77°N 74.1°E / 33.77; 74.1. It has an average elevation 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 (connecting Bufliaz in Poonch to Shopian in Kashmir) there will be a direct connectivity between the two. It consist of 4 tehsils viz Haveli, Mendhar Surankote and Mandi.

The Climate of Poonch is somewhat cooler than rest of the areas of Duggardesh plains.Summers are short and pleasant while sometimes they may be irritating.The summer temperature generally doesnot cross 31 degrees.Winters are cool and chilly characterized with rainfall due to western disturbances.Snowfall is uncommon but may occur in cool months like that of Dec 2012.Rainfall is 669 millimetres (26.3 in) in the wettest months. ‎

Waqar Younis Maitla (Punjabi: وقار یونس, born 16 November 1971) is a former Pakistani right arm fast bowler in cricket and widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. As of 2012, he holds the record for the youngest Pakistani Test captain and the third youngest Test captain in history (22 years 15 days). He played 87 Tests and 262 One Day Internationals (ODIs) matches for Pakistan during his international cricket career from1989 to 2003.

Younis' trademark was his ability to reverse swing a cricket ball at high speed. He took 373 Test wickets and 416 One Day International wickets during his career. Together with bowling partner Wasim Akram, he formed one of the subcontinent's most feared bowling attacks. He is considered to be the best exponent of the swing bowling delivery. Younis has the best strike rate for any bowler with over 350 Test wickets. He worked as a bowling coach with the national side from 2006 to 2007. Waqar was appointed as the coach of the Pakistan cricket team on 3 March 2010. He resigned as Pakistan's Cricket Coach on 19 August 2011 citing personal reasons.