Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their 79th Independence Day, being observed on November 1.
In his special message, the minister said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had the unique distinction of celebrating independence twice a year, on August 14 and November 1, with the latter marking the region’s liberation and accession to Pakistan.
He paid tribute to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their struggle and sacrifices and expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
Muqam said the people of Kashmir had been struggling for their right to self-determination for the past eight decades. He also appreciated the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in protecting the country’s borders and sovereignty, saying they had foiled attempts to destabilise Pakistan and effectively responded to acts of aggression.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the minister said the federal government attached great importance to the region’s development.
He said the government, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration, would continue development initiatives, particularly focusing on youth empowerment and the promotion of tourism.
Muqam observed that Gilgit-Baltistan had immense tourism potential and its development would remain a priority for the federal government.
He also highlighted development projects undertaken by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during its previous tenures and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the region’s progress and prosperity.
The minister called for collective efforts to ensure the sustainable development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan.
