President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have extended felicitations to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the region’s 79th Independence Day. In separate messages, they paid tribute to those who took part in the historic struggle against Dogra rule.
Both leaders said that seventy-nine years ago, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan overthrew Dogra rule, declared independence and soon afterwards sent a letter to Quaid-e-Azam seeking accession to Pakistan.
Leaders credit the region’s contribution to Pakistan
President Zardari said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development. Prime Minister Sharif praised the determination, courage and sacrifices of the region’s leaders and people, saying they deserve the highest tribute.
Federal support pledged for provincial reforms
Sharif said the federal government is committed to fully supporting the provincial government in tackling economic challenges. It is also committed to introducing institutional and administrative reforms, he said.
