[Pictorial] Defense Day celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit: Defense Day of Pakistan, like other parts of the country, was also celebrated in different areas of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Speakers paid rich tributes to the valor and sacrifices of the defenders of the nation, who have shed their blood and sweat to guard the frontiers.

Programmes were held in all district headquarters in which government officials, local notables, students and representatives of political parties and social organizations participated, to express solidarity with the armed forces.

In Gilgit, the Chief Minister of GB, Syed Mehdi Shah, said that the sacrifices of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for the glory of Pakistan are uncountable. He, however, also said that the region’s constitutional deprivations are spreading negative feelings in the region. He said that without giving representation to the region in the national parliament, the feelings of deprivation and exclusion cannot be overcome.

Speaking at the occasion General Masroor of FCNA praised the loyalty and patriotism of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that the armed forces cannot become successful if they are not supported by the public.

Rallies and other programmes were also held in different parts of the region, in which the sacrifices of the martyrs and the war veterans were highlighted.

Army and government officials visited the graves of martyrs and laid floral wreaths on them. A large number of people gathered in Hundur, the village of Havildar Lalik Jan, the only GBian to win the Nishan-e-Haider, to remember his sacrifice and pray for his soul.