GB marks 79th Independence Day as CM Amjad Hussain pays tribute to freedom fighters

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan marked the 79th anniversary of its liberation from Dogra rule on Sunday, with official ceremonies held across the region as national and provincial leaders paid tribute to those who fought for freedom and pledged continued efforts for its development.

The main ceremony was held at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Amjad Hussain raised the national flag. A contingent of Gilgit-Baltistan Police presented a guard of honour, while the two leaders visited the memorial of the martyrs of the 1947 independence movement, laid floral wreaths and offered prayers.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain described November 1 as an important and memorable day in Gilgit-Baltistan’s history, saying it represented freedom, sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain pledged to transform the region into a developed area, calling for unity, better governance and collective efforts to overcome the challenges facing the region.

Addressing a ceremony marking, Hussain described November 1, 1947, as an important and memorable day in the region’s history and a bright chapter in the country’s national history.

He said the day represented freedom, sacrifice, unity and love for the homeland, paying tribute to the people who waged a determined struggle against Dogra rule.

Hussain said Gilgit-Baltistan acceded to Pakistan after gaining freedom, describing the accession as an expression of the people’s love for the country.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, saying the entire nation stood with them.

The chief minister said the challenges facing Gilgit-Baltistan could be addressed through unity, sustained efforts, effective planning and good governance.

He called for working beyond sectarian, linguistic and group-based prejudices, stressing the need to promote tolerance, harmony and brotherhood in society.

Hussain said efforts were needed to discourage elements spreading hatred, mistrust and division.

He identified quality education, improved healthcare and dignified employment as key priorities of his government.

The chief minister also pledged to provide women with equal opportunities in education, skills development and economic activities.

Hussain said the region’s accession to Pakistan reflected its people’s attachment to the country. He also paid tribute to the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, saying the entire nation stood with them.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Governor Shah said the region’s freedom was the result of the sacrifices made by its martyrs.

He said the occasion called for renewed commitment to the country and efforts towards the development of the region, adding that safeguarding freedom was a collective responsibility.

Mehdi Shah described November 1 as a historic and joyful occasion, paying tribute to the region’s freedom fighters for their struggle against Dogra rule.

He said the region’s freedom was the result of the struggle and sacrifices made by its forefathers.

In a message marking the anniversary, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, paying tribute to the courage, determination and sacrifices of the leaders and residents who took part in the independence movement.

He described November 1, 1947, as a historic day that marked the end of Dogra rule in the region and its accession to Pakistan, saying the people’s longstanding attachment to the country was a source of national pride.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the freedom fighters, veterans and martyrs whose sacrifices shaped the region’s history.

Highlighting Gilgit-Baltistan’s strategic geographical importance, Shehbaz said the region had significant potential for economic growth, particularly 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.

On energy, the prime minister said the 16-megawatt Naltar hydropower project had been completed, describing it as a significant step towards addressing the region’s electricity shortages.

He said work had also been initiated on a 100-megawatt solar power programme to provide affordable energy to residents. Under the initiative, solar panels with a combined capacity of 58 megawatts were being distributed free of charge through a digital balloting process. Around 100,000 solar panels had so far been distributed, according to the prime minister.

In education, Shehbaz said the foundations of four Danish schools had been laid in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche and Skardu at a combined cost of Rs12.46 billion.

The schools would provide quality education and residential facilities to talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, he added.

Under the prime minister’s laptop scheme, 4,245 laptops had been distributed among young people in Gilgit-Baltistan, while students from the region were also included in the distribution of Chromebooks.

On investment and employment, Shehbaz said the federal government had approved the designation of Maqpoon Das as a special economic zone.

Spread over 250 acres, the proposed zone is expected to accommodate 155 industrial and commercial enterprises and generate around 5,000 jobs, he said.

The prime minister also highlighted initiatives to improve public security, saying the second phase of the Gilgit-Baltistan Safe City project had been inaugurated, while a similar initiative was being launched in Skardu.

He pledged federal support to help the regional government address financial constraints and introduce institutional and administrative reforms to improve public services and accelerate development.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, describing November 1 as a symbol of their courage, determination and struggle for freedom.

She paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the region’s people and described Gilgit-Baltistan as an integral part of Pakistan and a symbol of national unity.

Maryam said the region’s rich traditions, culture and natural beauty made it an important attraction for tourists, adding that its development, prosperity and public welfare were a shared responsibility.

BACKGROUND

Gilgit-Baltistan’s independence movement dates back to November 1947, when local forces rose against Dogra rule following the partition of British India.

On November 1, 1947, local revolutionaries overthrew the Dogra administration in Gilgit, ending its control over the region. The development came amid the wider conflict in Jammu and Kashmir following the partition.

The region subsequently came under Pakistani administration. November 1 is commemorated annually as Gilgit-Baltistan’s Independence Day in recognition of the uprising and the sacrifices of those who took part in the struggle.