ISLAMABAD: The 74th independence day of Gilgit-Baltistan is being celebrated with traditional zeal and fervor today Monday.

Social, political and literary circles are organizing various events to celebrate the historic event in a befitting manner. The main function of the Independence Day is being held at Chinar Garden. The Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan is marked on 1st November every year as the Gilgit Scouts had liberated their homeland from the Dogra Raj in 1947 and arrested the Dogra Governor Ghansara Singh.

Meanwhile, in his message on Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, Minister for Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur said it was after immense sacrifices, the people of the region got independence from Dogra Raj.

He said the present government has initiated development projects worth billions of rupees in Gilgit Baltistan which will usher in a new era of progress and development in the region. He said Gilgit Baltistan is the base camp of China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and it will become an economic hub of Pakistan.

Amin Khan Gandapur said progress has been made on granting provisional provincial status to Gilgit Baltistan saying this will fulfill the longstanding demand of the local people. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister, in his message on the occasion, said we should not forget our martyrs who had rendered unprecedented sacrifices to liberate the region from a reign of oppression and cruelty. He said unity and tolerance are inevitable for swift development and prosperity of the area.