GILGIT: Pakistan Day celebrated across Gilgit-Baltistan on Saturday with a renewed pledge to work for the progress and stability of the country.

Rallies, functions were organised in ten districts to highlight importance of the day, speech competitions held among students.

Officials, politicians, students, people from all walks of life participated in the functions.

The main event organised by Pakistan Army was held in Gilgit.

Governor Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, hoisted the flag on the occasion. GB ministers, special assistants to the chief minister and civil and military officials participated in the ceremony.

Speakers paid rich tributes to the father of the nation Mohammad Ali Jinnah and said that the day will always be remembered.

GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan in his special message regarding Pakistan Day said this day reminds of the great day when the Muslims of South Asia decided to break the chains of slavery and establish an independent Muslim state.

Later Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah on behalf of the President of Pakistan awarded presidential awards to ten residents of Gilgit-Baltistan who have rendered valuable services in various fields.

The following individuals were awarded the presidential awards:

1. Sher Baz Khan (late), Chairman of Ceena Health and Welfare Services, Sitara-i-Imtiaz; Amjad Hussain Nadeem, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz; Ifrah Wali, Pride of Performance; Ghulam Hussain Anjum (Late): Pride of Performance; Usman Wazir Tajur: Tamgha-i-Imtiaz; Mumtaz Akhtar: Tamgha-i-Shujaat; Maulana Mohammad Muaz: Tamgha-e-Imtiaz; Dr Usama Riaz (Shaheed): Tamgha-i-Imtiaz; Zulfigar Younas: Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Muhammad Usman (Late): Tamgha-i-Imtiaz.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2024