GILGIT – The people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) today celebrated the 76th Independence Day of GB with full swing as they gathered across the region to mark this historic liberation of Gilgit-Baltistan from Dogra Raj on November 1, 1947.
Ceremonies were being performed in Gilgit, Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar, Kharmang, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza, and Nagar district where people were paying tribute to the martyrs who gave up their lives for freedom in the region. Rallies, traditional shows, and cake-cutting were done on this occasion for marking GB’s special history and its martyrs.
The regional government declared it a public holiday for the day. Buildings all across Gilgit-Baltistan were decorated with flags, banners, and lights while portraits of national heroes are placed on roads, streets, homes, and offices. Locals of every age group wore traditional garments, and many participated in events that included the national anthem and regional songs.
The flag-hoisting ceremony, the grand finale of Independence Day celebrations in Gilgit’s historical Chinar Bagh, had all the top dignitaries in attendance: Corps Commander Lt Gen Shahid Imtiaz, Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, Speaker GB Assembly Nazir Ahmed Advocate, and other top officials in the government. They placed floral wreaths on the martyrs’ memorial to GB martyrs and prayed a Fatiha for them who lost their lives fighting for this region’s freedom. The major function of the day was held at the Army Helipad in Gilgit, and contingents of the Pakistan Army, NLI Centre, GB Scouts, Women Police, and other contingents participated in a ceremonial parade.
The most exciting moments were witnessed through a helicopter flyover by commandos, a thrilling free-fall jump, and lively performances by students from different parts of the region who entertained the masses with national and regional music and dance performances.
