Gilgit-Baltistan is celebrating its 78th Independence Day today. On this very day in 1947, the people of Gilgit gained freedom from Dogra rule.
According to details, a flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the Martyrs’ Monument, and President Asif Zardari will be the chief guest at the central event.
Covering an area of 72,000 square kilometers, Gilgit-Baltistan gained independence on November 1, 1947, when, following the Maharaja of Kashmir’s decision to bring Indian forces into Kashmir on October 27, 1947, the Gilgit Scouts—led by Subedar Major Raja Babar Khan—took into custody Brigadier Ghansara Singh, the governor appointed by the Maharaja of Kashmir, on the night of October 31.
The next day, on November 1, Gilgit was liberated from the Maharaja of Kashmir and Indian control. Through the struggle of the Gilgit Scouts and local people, Gilgit-Baltistan was placed under the administrative control of the Government of Pakistan, where it continues to function today as an important administrative unit.
