GILGIT - Baltistan : The central ceremony marking the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan was held at the Army Helipad Ground in Gilgit, with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest.

Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari said that Gilgit-Baltistan is his second home, and the brave people of this region gained their freedom through their own efforts and chose to join Pakistan. He paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of the Gilgit-Baltistan freedom movement.

The President said that since the era of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has always given special importance to Gilgit-Baltistan. Bhutto abolished the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and introduced the system of a legislative assembly, governor, and chief minister. He added that Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in minerals and tourism potential that must be fully utilized. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said, has further strengthened the friendship between Pakistan and China and created new avenues of development.

President Zardari said that the PPP has always prioritized health and education. Criticizing India’s policies, he said that efforts are being made in India to turn Muslim-majority areas into minorities.

He stated that for the past 70 years, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan. “This region is not only the crown of our heads but also a vital land route linking Pakistan with China, bringing prosperity to the nation,” he remarked. He added that November 1 is not only the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan but of the entire Pakistan. The President also inspected the parade during the ceremony.

Earlier, upon his arrival at Gilgit Airport, President Zardari was warmly received by Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan thanked President Zardari for attending the Independence Day celebrations. He said that the PPP gave Gilgit-Baltistan its identity in 2009, for which the people would always remain grateful. The Chief Minister further said that integrating Gilgit-Baltistan into the constitutional framework without affecting the Kashmir issue would foil India’s malicious designs.

He paid tribute to the martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces and lauded the leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, stating that Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs has further enhanced the prestige of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Cultural floats representing all three divisions of Gilgit-Baltistan were also presented at the ceremony and received great applause from the participants. The event was attended by Commander X Corps Lieutenant General Ahsan Amir Nawaz, Force Commander Northern Areas Major General Syed Imtiaz Gilani, other senior civil and military officials, and a large number of citizens.