G-B’s 65th Independence Day: Shehzad Roy rekindles the spirit of independence

Police contingents present guard of honour.

GILGIT:

It was a pleasant surprise for the people of Gilgit to see famous singer and social activist Shehzad Roy at a ceremony held to mark the 65th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Thursday.

The pop singer enthralled the people by singing some popular numbers and dedicated it to the veterans who fought against the Dogra rule to liberate the region.

“My friends told me not to come to Gilgit because of the law and order situation, but I’m glad I did, because now I know how beautiful Gilgit is and how hospitable are its people,” said Shehzad before his performance.

The ceremony was held at the Chinar Bagh, in which G-B Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister Mehdi Shah, senior military and civil officials, students and a large number of people participated.

Later, a smartly turned out contingent of police presented guard of honour. Shah Khan, one of the veterans of the war of independence, was also present on the occasion.

The governor and others laid wreath on the graves of war heroes who liberated the region from the Dogra rule through an armed struggle in 1947 and announced succession of G-B with Pakistan.

“This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our forefathers to liberate the land and we are here to defend it,” said the governor at the ceremony.

He said that the integrity of G-B and Pakistan is interlinked and urged the people to shun sectarianism differences and work for the development of the state.

The day was also marked in Skardu where the war heroes were paid homage to the war veterans.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2012.