President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday extended his best wishes to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and hoped that the region would continue to make progress.
In a message on the 79th Independence Day of the region, he said, “79 years ago, on this day, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan overthrew the colonial yoke of Dogra rule, declared independence and soon after, sent the letter to Quaid-e-Azam for accession to Pakistan.”
The flame for freedom has never been extinguished, and their loyalty to Pakistan has never been questioned all those decades and years.”
“On the occasion of Gilgit-Baltistan’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt felicitations to you, the people of GB and pay tribute to those who took part in the historic struggle against Dogra rule. Their courage, sacrifices and decision to join Pakistan remain an important part of our shared history,” he added.
He recalled that the late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had initiated a series of landmark reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan in 1972.
Following his 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, “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 system of administration.”
The president went on to say, “Benazir Bhutto went ahead through the Legal
Framework Order of 1994, which established the Northern Areas Legislative Council. This progress 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.”
“The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have made valuable contributions to Pakistan’s defence and development. Its strategic location, natural resources and a direct border with China also give the region considerable importance. Our priority must be to ensure that its people benefit from these opportunities through better roads, schools, healthcare, reliable energy and employment,” he stressed.
He said, “For ordinary families, development means access to good schools and hospitals, better opportunities for young people and improved access to markets for farmers and small businesses. These practical needs must remain central to our priorities, including in remote areas.”
“Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains, glaciers, rivers and cultural heritage are among Pakistan’s greatest assets. Tourism can provide livelihoods and support local economies, while its natural environment must be protected for future generations,” he concluded.
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