Gilgit-Baltistan celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Sunday across all 10 districts, marking the region’s liberation from Dogra rule on 1 November 1947 and its accession to Pakistan. Aaj English and the Express Tribune reported the ceremonies.
The day began with special prayers and a 21-gun salute, and the main ceremony was held at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah hoisted the national flag as chief guest. Chief Minister Haji Amjad Hussain, the Force Commander Northern Areas, senior officials, families of martyrs and large numbers of citizens attended. The governor, chief minister and force commander later visited the Martyrs’ Memorial, laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha.
Similar ceremonies, flag-hoisting events, march-pasts and sports activities were held in Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Astore and Shigar. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent messages congratulating the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and paying tribute to the freedom fighters of 1947.
Sources: Aaj English, Express Tribune. Written in our own words for information only.