Zardari, Shehbaz pledge development on GB Independ...

Summary

• President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the region’s 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to the sacrifices of those who liberated the territory from Dogra rule in 1947.
• In separate messages, both leaders highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan’s historic association with Pakistan and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the region’s development, economic growth and prosperity.
• Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to accelerating development in Gilgit-Baltistan and creating better opportunities for its younger population.

AI Generated Summary

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the region’s 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to the sacrifices of those who liberated the territory from Dogra rule in 1947.

In separate messages, both leaders highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan’s historic association with Pakistan and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the region’s development, economic growth and prosperity.

November 1 marks the historic day in 1947 when local freedom fighters and residents ended Dogra rule and subsequently announced the region’s accession to Pakistan. Special celebrations are being organised in Gilgit, including a ceremony at the Army Helipad to honour those who participated in the liberation struggle.

President Zardari said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had demonstrated exceptional courage by overthrowing Dogra rule and choosing to join Pakistan. He described their sacrifices and longstanding loyalty to the country as an important part of shared national history.

He also recalled the political and administrative reforms introduced in the region over several decades.

The president highlighted former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s reforms in 1972, which included abolishing the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), the Jagirdari system and the old Agency system. Further changes followed in 1974 with the abolition of the remaining princely states, including Hunza and Nagar.