Summary Gilgit-Baltistan celebrates its 79th Independence Day as leaders pay tribute to freedom fighters, while PM Shehbaz highlights development projects and economic opportunities.
GILGIT (Dunya News) – Gilgit-Baltistan is celebrating the 79th anniversary of its liberation from Dogra rule with national enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, commemorating the historic struggle and sacrifices of those who secured freedom for the region on November 1, 1947.
The main ceremony was held at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Amjad Hussain hoisted the national flag. A contingent of Gilgit-Baltistan Police presented a guard of honour on the occasion.
Following the ceremony, the governor and chief minister visited the memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 1947 freedom movement, laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha for those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain described November 1 as an important and memorable day in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying it symbolised freedom, sacrifice, unity and patriotism.
He paid tribute to the people who struggled against Dogra rule and said Gilgit-Baltistan's accession to Pakistan after independence reflected the people's love and commitment to the country.
Expressing his resolve to transform Gilgit-Baltistan into a developed region, the chief minister said addressing the challenges facing the area required unity, consistent efforts, effective planning and good governance.
He stressed the need to work beyond sectarian, linguistic and group-based divisions and called for promoting tolerance, harmony and brotherhood among communities. He said elements spreading hatred, mistrust and division must be discouraged.
Gilani pays tribute to historic struggle, patriotism of Gilgit-Baltistan
Amjad Hussain identified quality education, improved healthcare facilities and dignified employment opportunities as key government priorities. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing women with equal opportunities in education, skills development and economic activities.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces in the war against terrorism, he said the entire nation stood firmly with them.
Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, addressing the ceremony, said Gilgit-Baltistan's freedom was the result of the sacrifices made by its martyrs. Describing November 1 as a historic and joyous occasion, he paid tribute to the heroes of the freedom movement and said protecting freedom was a collective responsibility.
PM Shehbaz highlights economic potential of Gilgit-Baltistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their Independence Day, appreciating the courage, determination and sacrifices of the leaders and people who participated in the freedom movement.
He described November 1, 1947, as a historic day marking the end of Dogra rule and Gilgit-Baltistan's accession to Pakistan.
Highlighting the region's geographical significance, the prime minister said extensive opportunities for economic development existed through regional trade and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He said the federal government was committed to improving living standards and creating opportunities for young people through investments in energy, education, healthcare, employment and public safety.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, the 16-megawatt Naltar hydropower project has been completed, while work has also begun on a 100-megawatt solar power programme to provide affordable electricity to the region.
Under the initiative, solar panels with a cumulative capacity of 58 megawatts are being distributed free of charge through a digital balloting process. Approximately 100,000 solar panels have been distributed so far.
In the education sector, the foundations of four Daanish Schools have been laid in Sultanabad, Bunjai, Ghanche and Skardu at a combined cost of Rs12.46 billion.
The prime minister said these institutions would provide quality education and residential facilities to talented students facing financial difficulties.
He added that 4,245 laptops had been distributed among young people in Gilgit-Baltistan under the laptop scheme, while students from the region had also been included in the Chromebook distribution programme.
Shehbaz Sharif further said the federal government had approved the designation of Maqpoon Das as a Special Economic Zone.
The proposed economic zone, spread over 250 acres, would have the capacity to accommodate 155 industrial and commercial establishments and was expected to generate approximately 5,000 employment opportunities.
Regarding public safety, the prime minister mentioned the inauguration of the second phase of the Gilgit-Baltistan Safe City Project and the launch of a similar initiative in Skardu.
He reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to extending cooperation to address financial difficulties, introduce institutional and administrative reforms, and improve public service delivery across the region.
Maryam Nawaz extends Independence Day greetings
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their Independence Day, describing November 1 as a symbol of their courage, determination and struggle for freedom.
She paid tribute to the sacrifices made for independence and described Gilgit-Baltistan as an integral part of Pakistan and a symbol of national unity.
Maryam Nawaz said the region's distinctive traditions, rich culture and natural beauty made it an important destination for tourists.
She added that the development, prosperity and welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were a shared responsibility.
What happened on November 1, 1947?
The freedom movement in Gilgit-Baltistan began in November 1947, when local people launched a struggle against Dogra rule following the partition of British India.
On November 1, 1947, local revolutionaries overthrew the Dogra administration in Gilgit, bringing its rule in the region to an end.
The development took place amid the wider conflict in Jammu and Kashmir following the partition of the subcontinent. Subsequently, the region came under Pakistani administration.
November 1 is celebrated every year as the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, with the people remembering and paying tribute to those who participated in the historic struggle and made sacrifices for the region's freedom.
