President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their 79th Independence Day.

Both leaders paid tribute to those who led the struggle against Dogra rule and secured the region’s freedom.

In separate messages issued on Sunday, they recalled the historic events of 1947. During that period, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan ended Dogra rule and declared independence.

They later wrote to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, seeking the region’s accession to Pakistan.

President Zardari acknowledged the important contributions of Gilgit-Baltistan’s people to Pakistan’s defence and development. He also extended his felicitations to the residents on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the courage, determination and sacrifices of the region’s leaders and people during the independence struggle.

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He also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the Gilgit-Baltistan government. In particular, he pledged full support in addressing economic challenges and implementing institutional and administrative reforms.

The messages marked the 79th anniversary of the events through which Gilgit-Baltistan ended Dogra rule in November 1947.