GILGIT: The 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) was celebrated across the region on Sunday with traditional zeal and fervour, marked by military parades, cultural festivities, polo competitions and tributes to the heroes who liberated the homeland from Dogra rule.

On Nov 1, 1947, the GB Scouts liberated the region from the Dogra Raj and raised the flag of freedom, declaring an independent state that later joined Pakistan.

Government buildings were decorated with Pakistani flags. People from all walks of life wearing traditional dresses participated in events held in all 10 districts of GB to mark the day.

A morning flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the historic Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, attended by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain, Force Commander GB Maj Gen Tajdeed Mumtaz, ministers, elected representatives, and civil and military officials.

The governor, chief minister and force commander laid floral wreaths at the martyrs’ memorial and offered Fatiha, while a contingent of police and GB Scouts presented a salute.

At the Pakistan Army helipad in Gilgit, contingents from Pakistan Army, Northern Light Infantry Centre, GB Scouts, Women Police and GB Police participated in the parade. Paragliding performances and local sports competitions enthralled participants, while youngsters danced to national songs.

In his address, GB CM Amjad Hussain said Nov 1 is a glorious day in GB’s history when brave ancestors liberated the region from the Dogra Raj and showed their affiliation with Pakistan’s ideology. “The independence demands from us to remember the enduring sacrifices of our forefathers and to renew our commitment to realising their dreams,” he said. “Today, it is our responsibility to transform the spirit of freedom into a force for progress, prosperity, peace, justice and public service.”

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt felicitations to the people of GB and paid tribute to those who took part in the historic struggle, Radio Pakistan reported.

Also, Inter-Services Public Relations released a special song paying tribute to the brave sons of GB. Produced entirely by local artists, the song features poetry by Zeeshan Mehdi and vocals by JJ Ali Shina from Skardu, celebrating the region’s heritage and deep-rooted love for Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026