Overview
- At the central ceremony in Gilgit, President Asif Ali Zardari inspected the parade, paid tribute to 1947 martyrs, and was received by the governor and chief minister.
- Gilgit-Baltistan observed a public holiday with flag-hoisting events across districts, including tributes at Chinar Bagh and wreath-laying for the liberation movement’s heroes.
- Zardari said G-B’s freedom underscores the unfinished struggle in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, condemning repression there and reaffirming support for Kashmiri self-determination under UN resolutions.
- He highlighted tourism, hydropower and mineral potential, called the Karakoram Highway a symbol of Pakistan–China partnership, touted CPEC’s economic openings, and floated a possible regional airline to improve access.
- Citing the 1947 struggle’s toll of around 1,700 killed and 30,000 wounded, he vowed to integrate G-B more fully into the national mainstream, a commitment echoed in a separate congratulatory message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.