GILGIT-BALTISTAN:The 71st Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervor across the region on Thursday.
The day dawned with special prayers in mosques for solidarity of Pakistan, unity of Muslim Ummah. Different programs were chalked out in all districts of the region to pay homage to heroes of liberation struggle from Dogra rulers.
In Gilgit, the main function was held in Chinar Garden, where Governor Jalal Hussain, Chief Minister Hafeez-ur-Rehman and Force Commander Northern Areas Major Gen Ahsan Mehmood along with civil and military officials attended the flag hosting ceremony. They also laid wreath at the Yadgare-e Shahuda and offered Fateha.
A smartly turned contingent of Police presented guard of honor. On this occasion. A rally was staged in Skardu also. Here the main function was held at Yadgar-i-Shuhada where Chief Secretary Babar Hayat Tarrar was the chief guest.
On the occasion, children from various schools presented different items, highlighting sacrifices during the liberation war. National anthem was played on the occasion and children danced to national songs. The venue was decorated with national flags and banners inscribed with patriotic slogans.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Jalal Hussain and Chief Minister Hafeez-ur-Rehman paid tributes to the freedom fighters, who had shed their sweat and blood fighting the Dogra occupiers and liberated Gilgit-Baltistan after a yearlong war fought in 1947-48.
Expressing their views the officials said the people of Gilgit Baltistan had won the liberation from Governor Ghansara Singh of Dogra rule in 1947 on this day with assistance of Gilgit Scouts.
The liberation war started with the arrest of Dogra governor Ghansara Singh on Nov 1, 1947.
GB people liberated the region and annexed themselves with Pakistan unconditionally, they added.
The GB government had announced public holiday to celebrate the day. Office buildings, homes and markets were decorated with flags and banners.