GILGIT: The 76th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan was celebrated across the region on Wednesday, with rallies and functions, including cake-cutting ceremonies.

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 (GB) from Kashmiri Dogra rulers.

On November 1, 1947, the GB Scouts liberated the region from Dogra Raj and raised the flag of their freedom, declaring GB an independent state that later joined Pakistan.

The regional government announced a public holiday on November 1 to mark the occasion. Buildings were illuminated with lights, banners and national flags while pictures of national heroes were displayed on roads, streets, homes and offices.

People of all ages, including local residents wearing traditional caps and dresses, participated in the Independence Day celebrations during which the national anthem and traditional songs were played.

Flag hoisting ceremony was held at the historic Chinar Bagh Gilgit, which was attended by 10 Corps Commander Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz, GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, Speaker GB Assembly Nazir Ahmed Advocate, Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmad Mirza, Inspector General of Police Afzal Mahmood Butt, members of the GB cabinet and senior civil and military officials.

They laid flowers at the memorial of the martyrs of GB Independence heroes and recited Fatiha. The main function of the day was held at Army Helipad Gilgit.

The contingent of Pakistan Army, NLI Centre, GB Scouts, Women Police, GB Police, Punjab Rangers, SCO, Cadet College Skardu and Cadet College Chilas participated in the parade.

Commandos performed a heli-fly pass while free fall jumping was also part of the event. Students from all over GB presented various national and regional songs and cultural dances.

Addressing the ceremony, Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the brave soldiers, even after the GB War of Independence, played an unforgettable role in the defence of the geographical and ideological borders, including wars with India in 1965, 1971 and the Kargil War in 1999.

“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have not only created a history of courage and bravery for the survival and stability of the state of Pakistan, but they have also made equal sacrifices for the struggle of the deprived and subjugated Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir and the completion of Pakistan. This region will prove to be the guarantor of a bright and stable Pakistan,” he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan said in his special message on the occasion of Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan on November 1, that on November 1, 1947, our forefathers and ancestors, dedicated to determination, independence and a spirit of faith, fought hundreds of times more powerful and modern weapons than themselves.

Haji Gulbar Khan said GB people had set a rare example in military history by liberating a vast region from the GB without any external help against an armed enemy. Competition of polo, other games were also arranged in various areas, and stalls of foods and local handicrafts were displayed. The performance of paragliding enthralled participants.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023