Gilgit-Baltistan celebrates 77th Independence Day with fervour

GILGIT: The 77th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan was celebrated on Friday with traditional zeal and fervour as the region commemorated its liberation from Dogra rule in 1947.

On this day, the Gilgit Scouts famously ousted the Dogra Raj and arrested the then-Governor, Ghansara Singh. Events were held in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, and Nagar districts which highlighted the importance of the day and paid tributes to national heroes who had sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan from Kashmiri Dogra rulers.

The day began with a formal flag-raising ceremony at the historic Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan served as the chief guest. Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, FCNA Commander Major General Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, and other high-ranking civil and military officials attended the event.

The officials laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Memorial) and offered prayers for those who sacrificed their lives for the independence of Gilgit-Baltistan. Speaking at the event, Governor Mehdi Shah emphasized the day as a tribute to those who fought for freedom, underscoring the importance of preserving their legacy. “This day not only commemorates the heroes of the past but calls upon future generations to understand and value the meaning of freedom,” he stated.

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The Pakistan Army organized the main Independence Day celebration at the FCNA helipad in Jutial, Gilgit. The event featured a showcase of regional dances and songs performed by students from schools and colleges across the region. Cultural floats representing divisions including Gilgit, Baltistan, Astore, and Diamer added vibrancy to the event, showcasing the region’s rich diversity.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Maqam, extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their “77th Independence Day,” calling the occasion a unique honor as the people celebrate their liberation on both August 14 and November 1. He remarked, “This day is a significant milestone in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan—a day when the people won their freedom and joined Pakistan.”

Reflecting on global solidarity, the minister conveyed his thoughts to those in Occupied Kashmir and Palestine, who continue to fight for self-determination. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding the nation’s borders and sovereignty and underscored the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing development in Gilgit-Baltistan. “This region plays a pivotal role in CPEC and is globally renowned for its tourism potential. The federal government will take steps to develop Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism sector on a priority basis.”

Amir Maqam reiterated the government’s pledge to work closely with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration to enhance the region’s infrastructure and foster unity for the progress of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan as a whole.