Remembering the heroes: G-B celebrates 66th Independence Day

Governer laid wreaths on graves of war heroes who liberated the region from Dogra rule in 1947.

GILGIT:

Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) observed its 66th Independence Day on Friday, paying rich tributes to its war heroes.

Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah hoisted the national flag at Chinar Bagh, Gilgit in a ceremony attended by force commander Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed, G-B assembly speaker, ministers, and senior civil and military officials.

The governor and others laid wreaths on the graves of war heroes who liberated the region from Dogra rule by means of an armed struggle in 1947 and announced accession of G-B to Pakistan on November 1 the same year.

“Our forefathers led us to independence from Dogra Raj 66 years ago, and today we are proud Pakistanis,” said the governor.

The governor paid tribute to all those who laid down their lives for liberation and called on the people to respect their sacrifices. “It is our responsibility to make this new system of self-governance successful,” he said. “For this purpose we need to be united.”

Later, a contingent of police presented the guard of honour. A number of citizens and students also participated in the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2013.