Gilgit-Baltistan marks 79th Independence Day with parades in ten districts

Gilgit-Baltistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Sunday with a 21-gun salute, ceremonies in all ten districts and a main event at Chinar Bagh in Gilgit where Governor Syed Mehdi Shah hoisted the national flag, Daily Times reported.

The day commemorates the end of Dogra rule in the region on November 1, 1947. Mosques held special prayers in the morning for the country's peace and progress and for those killed in the fighting, according to the report.

Chief Minister Haji Amjad Hussain, the Force Commander Northern Areas, senior civil and military officials, families of martyrs and a large number of residents attended the Chinar Bagh ceremony. Contingents of police and the security forces presented a salute after the flag was raised.

The Governor, the Chief Minister and the Force Commander later visited the Martyrs' Memorial, laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha.

In his address, Syed Mehdi Shah paid tribute to the region's freedom fighters, saying their courage and sacrifices had allowed the people of Gilgit-Baltistan to live in freedom. The defeat of Dogra rule, he said, came from the struggle and sacrifices of local heroes.

The Governor said the armed forces had always responded effectively to enemy aggression and foiled hostile designs. Referring to the recent military confrontation with India, he claimed that Pakistani forces had shot down more than seven Indian aircraft during the clashes, and that the response had let people sleep peacefully in their homes. The figure was attributed to the Governor in the report and has not been independently confirmed.

Haji Amjad Hussain said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had overthrown the Dogra regime through their own efforts despite limited resources and then taken the decision to accede to Pakistan. The patriotism of their forefathers would keep inspiring future generations, he said.

A second ceremony at the Helipad Ground in Jutial, where the Governor was again chief guest, featured a march past and parade by the Pakistan Army, the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, police and other security institutions. Students from schools and colleges sang national songs and presented tableaux on the freedom struggle.

Flag-hoisting events, silent walks and sports activities were held in Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Ghanche, Astore and Shigar and in other district headquarters, the report said.