ISLAMABAD, Oct 31 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the occasion of their 79th Independence Day, 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, the latter marking the region’s liberation and its accession to Pakistan.
He paid tribute to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for their struggle and sacrifices and also expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.
He said the people of Kashmir had been struggling for their right to self-determination for the past eight decades.
The minister appreciated the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s borders and sovereignty, saying they had foiled attempts to destabilize Pakistan and responded effectively to acts of aggression.
He said the federal government attached great importance to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan, given its strategic significance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He added that the government, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan administration, would continue to take measures to promote development, with particular focus on the region’s youth and tourism sector.
Muqam said Gilgit-Baltistan had significant potential for tourism and its development would remain a priority for the federal government.
He also highlighted the development projects undertaken by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during its previous tenures and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the progress and prosperity of the region.
He called for collective efforts to ensure the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
