President Asif Ali Zardari, Saturday, stressed upon renewing their collective resolve of making Gilgit Baltistan a model of development, justice and equality.
Addressing a ceremony here to mark 78th Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan from Dogra Rule, the president said over the last seven decades, people of Gilgit Baltistan had marched shoulder to shoulder, with the rest of Pakistan.
“You have guarded the borders, advanced the progress and carried flag of Pakistan to the world’s highest peaks. This region is not only a crown of Pakistan but also our northern gateway; a symbol of lasting friendship with China,” he added.
The president said Karakorum Highway was a living memento to this partnership, adding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had brought new opportunities of livelihood, trade and connectivity for the people of GB.
He further emphasized that it should be their collective task that its dividends reached every valley and village, creating shared prosperity for all.
The president opined that the region offered best to the rest of the country and to the world at large.
President Zardari said that freedom of Gilgit Baltistan people also reminded them of the unfinished journey of their brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
“While you enjoy liberty and rights under the flag of Pakistan, they continue to face occupation and repression.
We stand with them too till they get freedom in accordance with the UNSC resolutions and their aspirations,” he added.
Terming Gilgit-Baltistan his “second home”, President Zardari said the brave people of this region gained their freedom through their own efforts and chose to join Pakistan.
He paid glowing tribute to the martyrs of the Gilgit-Baltistan freedom movement in his address at the central ceremony marking the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, held here at the Army Helipad Ground.
The President said for the last 70 years, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan. “This region is not only the crown of our heads but also a vital land route linking Pakistan with China, bringing prosperity to the nation,” he remarked. He added that November 1 is not only the Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan but of the entire Pakistan.
The event was attended by the governor, chief minister, members of the legislative assembly, military, civil officials and a large number of people.
President Zardari also expressed his pleasure at witnessing the affection and love of the gathering and said that the region was like a home to him.