Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day Region marks 79th anniversary of liberation from Dogra rule

Gilgit-Baltistan is celebrating the 79th anniversary of its liberation from Dogra rule with patriotic enthusiasm, paying tribute to the people who fought for freedom on November 1, 1947.

The main ceremony took place at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Amjad Hussain hoisted the national flag. A contingent of Gilgit-Baltistan Police presented a guard of honour.

After the ceremony, the governor and chief minister visited the memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 1947 freedom movement. They laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha in memory of those who lost their lives during the struggle.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain described November 1 as a historic day symbolising freedom, sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

He paid tribute to those who resisted Dogra rule and said Gilgit-Baltistan’s accession to Pakistan reflected the people’s commitment and attachment to the country.

The chief minister said his government was determined to transform the region into a developed area. He stressed that achieving this goal required unity, effective planning, consistent efforts and good governance.

He urged people to rise above sectarian, linguistic and group-based divisions and promote tolerance, harmony and brotherhood. He also called for discouraging elements that spread hatred and mistrust.

Amjad Hussain identified quality education, better healthcare and dignified employment opportunities as key government priorities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing women with equal opportunities in education, skills development and economic activities.

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

Governor Syed Mehdi Shah said the region’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifices of its martyrs. He described November 1 as a historic and joyful occasion and said protecting freedom was a collective responsibility.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, praising the courage and determination of those who took part in the freedom movement.

He described November 1, 1947, as the day Dogra rule ended in Gilgit and the region’s accession to Pakistan began.

Highlighting Gilgit-Baltistan’s geographical importance, the prime minister said regional trade and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor offered significant opportunities for economic growth.

He said the federal government was committed to improving living standards through investments in energy, education, healthcare, employment and public safety.

Shehbaz Sharif said the 16-megawatt Naltar hydropower project had been completed, while work had begun on a 100-megawatt solar power programme to provide affordable electricity.

Under the programme, solar panels with a combined capacity of 58 megawatts are being distributed free of charge through digital balloting. Around 100,000 panels have been distributed so far, according to the prime minister.

In education, the foundations of four Daanish Schools have been laid in Sultanabad, Bunjai, Ghanche and Skardu at a combined cost of Rs12.46 billion.

The institutions are expected to provide quality education and residential facilities to talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The prime minister added that 4,245 laptops had been distributed among young people in Gilgit-Baltistan under the government’s laptop scheme. Students from the region have also been included in the Chromebook distribution programme.

He further announced that the federal government had approved the designation of Maqpoon Das as a Special Economic Zone.

The proposed zone will cover 250 acres and have the capacity to accommodate 155 industrial and commercial establishments. It is expected to create around 5,000 jobs.

On public safety, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted 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 helping the region address financial challenges, introduce administrative reforms and improve public service delivery.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

She described November 1 as a symbol of courage, determination and the struggle for freedom. She paid tribute to the sacrifices of the freedom movement and called Gilgit-Baltistan an integral part of Pakistan and a symbol of national unity.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the region’s distinctive traditions, rich culture and natural beauty, describing it as an important destination for tourists. She said the region’s development and prosperity were a shared responsibility.

The freedom movement in Gilgit-Baltistan took place in November 1947, following the partition of British India and amid the wider conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.

On November 1, local revolutionaries overthrew the Dogra administration in Gilgit, ending its rule in the area. The region subsequently came under Pakistani administration.

Since then, November 1 has been observed annually as Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day, commemorating the historic struggle and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom.