Zardari, Shehbaz felicitate Gilgit-Baltistan on Independence Day

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their 79th Independence Day, paying tribute to those who fought against Dogra rule to secure the region’s freedom.

In separate messages on Sunday, both leaders recalled the historic struggle 79 years ago, when the people of Gilgit-Baltistan overthrew Dogra rule, declared independence and subsequently sent a letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah seeking accession to Pakistan.

President Zardari said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the determination, courage and sacrifices of the region’s leaders and people in achieving freedom.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to extending full support to the Gilgit-Baltistan government in addressing economic challenges and introducing institutional and administrative reforms.