GBians celebrate Jashn-e-Azadi with zeal and fervour, rich tributes paid to freedom fighters
GBians will play role for integrity, solidarity and development of Pakistan: Governor Karam Ali Shah
PPP has included GB in the national mainstream: Chief Minister Mehdi Shah
PT Report
Islamabad/Gilgit/Karachi, November 1: Thousands of GBians celebrate the independence day of their region. Rallies, seminars, cultural shows and parties were held in all major cities of Gilgit – Baltistan and Pakistan.
Hero of the war of independence, Group Captain (r) Shah Khan, was present at the main ceremony held in Gilgit. Shah Khan had led the Eskimo Wing of Gilgit Scouts during the freedom war, which continued for one year, from 1947-48, and resulted in the ouster of Kashmir’s Dogra rulers from the Gilgit – Baltistan region.
Other dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Governor Syed Pir Karam Ali Shah, Speaker Wazir Baig, members of the cabinet, Commander of the FCNA, Chief Secretary, IG Police and other high government officials. The dignitaries and some more veteran heroes of the freedom war laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Monument of the Martyrs), located in Chinar Bagh, close to the Hanisara River and GB assembly building. The leaders laid floral wreaths on graves of the freedom fighters buried around the monument.
Speaking to the media, GB Governor said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will play their due role for integrity‚ solidarity and development of Pakistan.
In an interview at the occasion of Yaum-e-Azadi, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah has said that the PPP Government has included the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in the national main stream by giving them historic self-empowerment package which will be remembered long.
Special functions were also held in all seven districts to pay homage to martyrs and Ghazi’s of Gilgit Scouts.
Celebrations
A cultural event was held in Rawalpindi, attended by hundreds of students and professionals based in the win cities. GB Finance Minister, Muhammad Ali Akhtar, was the chief guest. In a separate event, supporters of the Karakuram Students Organization (KSO) and Balawaristan National Students Organization (BNSO) held a rally at the main Marri Road in Rawalpindi, to celebrate the day.
NASA held a gathering at Karachi University to celebrate the day. A cake-cutting ceremony was held in which teachers and officials of
the administration also participated.
Students at IQRA University Islamabad are planning a celebration party tomorrow, with the support of varsity administration.
Celebratory events were also held in Lahore, Peshawar and Abbottabad.
It is pertinent to note that the GB government had decided to observe the day with “simplicity”, in view of the death of former PPP chairperson, Nusrat Bhutto.
