President, PM pay tribute to G-B on 79th Independence Day

In separate messages posted on X, both leaders recalled the events of 1947, when the people of G-B overthrew Dogra rule and the region subsequently acceded to Pakistan. President Zardari said the people of G-B "overthrew the colonial yoke of Dogra rule, declared independence and soon after, sent the letter to Quaid-e-Azam for accession to Pakistan" 79 years ago.

Message from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, on the 79th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan. Seventy Nine years ago on this day, the heroic people of Gilgit Baltistan overthrew the colonial yoke of Dogra rule, declared independence and soon…pic.twitter.com/u.

Yku. LhYzrc— The President of Pakistan (@Pres. OfPakistan)October 31, 2026"The flame for freedom has never extinguished and their loyalty with Pakistan has never been questioned all those decades and years," he added.

The president extended his "heartfelt felicitations" to the people of the region and paid tribute to those who took part in the historic struggle against Dogra rule, saying their "courage, sacrifices and decision to join Pakistan remain an important part of our shared history".

He also highlighted the political and administrative reforms introduced in the region over the years, recalling that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had initiated a series of landmark reforms in 1972.

Following Bhutto's visit to the region in August that year, the Frontier Crimes Regulation and Jagirdari system were abolished, the old Agency system was dismantled, and a new administrative and judicial framework was introduced, he said.

President Zardari added that the reform process continued in 1974 with the abolition of the remaining princely states, including Hunza and Nagar, bringing the region under a more unified administrative system. He also credited former prime minister Benazir Bhutto with advancing the process through the Legal Framework Order of 1994, which established the Northern Areas Legislative Council.

The president said the process continued in 2009 under the PPP government, which introduced the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, gave the region its present name and established a legislative assembly, an elected chief minister and a governor. Read:Delivery test.

Highlighting the region's strategic location, natural resources and direct border with China, President Zardari said its people had made "valuable contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development". "Our priority must be to ensure that its people benefit from these opportunities through better roads, schools, healthcare, reliable energy and employment," he said.

He stressed that development should translate into tangible improvements in people's lives, including access to quality education and healthcare, better opportunities for young people and improved market access for farmers and small businesses. "These practical needs must remain central to our priorities, including in remote areas," he added.

President Zardari also highlighted the region's mountains, glaciers, rivers and cultural heritage, saying tourism could provide livelihoods and support local economies, while its natural environment needed protection for future generations. He wished the people of G-B continued progress in peace and prosperity.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government remained steadfastly committed to the development and prosperity of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as ensuring a bright future for its youth.

In a message on the 79th anniversary of G-B's National Day on November 1, 2026, the prime minister extended his "heartfelt congratulations" to the people of the region, saying the "exemplary resolve, courage and sacrifices" of its leaders and people in securing freedom deserved the highest tribute.وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا گلگت بلتستان کے قومی دن کی 79 ویں سالگرہ، 1 نومبر 2026 پر پیغام.آج گلگت بلتستان کی آزادی اور پاکستان سے الحاق کی 79 ویں سالگرہ کے موقع پر گلگت بلتستان کے عوام کو دِلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں۔ اس خطے کی آزادی میں رہنماؤں اور غیور عوام کا مثالی عزم، جرات…— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO)October 31, 2026He said November 1, 1947, which marked the end of Dogra rule in Gilgit-Baltistan and the region's accession to Pakistan, stood as a "luminous and unforgettable day" in its history.

"This day serves as a testament to our shared national resolve, bravery and valour," he said, adding that the people's "profound and unwavering commitment to Pakistan", demonstrated across generations, was a source of national pride.

The prime minister also paid tribute to the "mujahideen, ghazis and martyrs" who had etched their names in history through their sacrifices during the struggle for freedom.

Highlighting the region's geographical significance, Shehbaz said it held a distinguished position in Pakistan's national landscape and had considerable potential for regional trade and economic development, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said the federal government had undertaken several initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan across various sectors, including energy, education, healthcare, employment and public safety.

The 16-megawatt Naltar Hydropower Project had been completed, which he described as a transformative initiative to address the region's energy challenges. He added that the federal government had launched a 100MW solar energy project to provide affordable and accessible energy to the people of G-B.

A transparent digital balloting process had been adopted for the free distribution of solar panels with a combined capacity of 58MW, with approximately 100,000 panels distributed so far, he said. On education, PM Shehbaz said the foundation stones for four Daanish Schools had been laid in Sultanabad, Bunji, Ghanche and Skardu.

Valued at Rs12.46 billion, the projects would provide talented children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with access to quality, modern education and residential facilities, he added.

Under the Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme, 4,245 laptops had so far been distributed among young people in Gilgit-Baltistan, while students from the region had also been included in the Chromebook distribution programme, on a par with the rest of the country.

To boost investment and employment opportunities, approval had also been granted to designate Maqpoon Das as a special economic zone (SEZ). Spread over 250 acres, the zone was expected to host 155 industrial and commercial enterprises and generate approximately 5,000 jobs, the prime minister said.

On public safety, PM Shehbaz said the second phase of the Gilgit-Baltistan Safe City Project had been inaugurated to strengthen security and maintain law and order, while a similar project was also being initiated in Skardu.

He said the federal government was fully committed to supporting the regional government in addressing its financial challenges and implementing institutional and administrative reforms to improve public services and development initiatives. "Let us work together towards our shared national goal of progress and prosperity," he said.

The prime minister also called for a renewed commitment to ensuring quality and equitable access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities across the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan. "On this historic occasion, while paying tribute to the sacrifices and achievements of our forefathers, let us renew our pledge to work collectively," he said, concluding his message with the slogans: "Long live Gilgit-Baltistan!

Long live Pakistan! "