President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to those who fought against Dogra rule and secured the region’s freedom. In separate messages issued on Sunday, both leaders recalled the historic events of 1947. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan ended Dogra rule, declared independence and later wrote to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, seeking the region’s accession to Pakistan. President Zardari recognised the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development. He also extended his felicitations to the region’s residents on the occasion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the courage, determination and sacrifices of the leaders and people who took part in the struggle for freedom. He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the Gilgit-Baltistan government in addressing economic challenges and carrying out institutional and administrative reforms. Post navigation G24 Chairmanship: Pakistan takes leadership role as Muhammad Aurangzeb appointed chairman PIA Dreamliner: First Boeing 787-9 arrives in Islamabad from London
