GILGIT: People across Gilgit-Baltistan are observing the region’s 79th Independence Day on Sunday, with commemorative events planned and national leaders paying tribute to the freedom fighters of 1947.
Organisers have scheduled the main ceremony at the Army Helipad in Gilgit. The programme includes tributes to those who fought against Dogra rule.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended greetings to residents in separate messages. Both praised the sacrifices of local freedom fighters.
Zardari recalled the November 1, 1947 uprising that ended Dogra rule. He said local leaders later sent Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah a letter seeking accession to Pakistan.
The president praised residents’ contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development. He called for better roads, schools, healthcare, reliable energy and employment, particularly in remote communities.
Zardari also recalled administrative reforms introduced in 1972 and 1974. He cited subsequent changes in 1994 and 2009 that expanded the region’s political and administrative structures.
Read: Pakistan Independence Day Celebrations Begin Nationwide
Sharif pledged federal support for the Gilgit-Baltistan government. He called for action on economic challenges and institutional and administrative reforms.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam congratulated residents on the anniversary. Muqam said the region’s people celebrated independence twice each year, on August 14 and November 1.
Read: Independence Day Message: Zardari Calls for Reforms
He promised continued federal cooperation with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration, particularly on development, tourism and opportunities for young people.
Gilgit-Baltistan is observing its 79th independence anniversary on November 1, with commemorative events and messages from Pakistan’s political leadership.
