The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are celebrating their 78th Independence Day today (Saturday) with great enthusiasm, marking the historic day when the region gained freedom from Dogra rule.

On November 1, 1947, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, despite limited resources, rose in rebellion against the Dogra regime and liberated an area spanning 28,000 square miles.

For 15 days, the region existed as an independent state on the world map, with Raja Shah Raees Khan serving as its first president.

Fifteen days later, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan decided to accede to Pakistan.

Until 2009, the region was known as the Northern Areas. Responding to public demand, the then Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government renamed it Gilgit-Baltistan and upgraded its Legislative Assembly to the status of a provincial assembly.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s unique geographic location continues to make it a strategically significant region.

Marking the occasion, residents reiterated their demand for the constitutional recognition of Gilgit-Baltistan as a province and for representation in the National Assembly and Senate to end the sense of deprivation among the people.

The people of the region remain hopeful for a prosperous future and urge the Government of Pakistan to grant full constitutional rights to the 28,000-square-mile territory.

November 1, 1947, stands as a symbol of courage and determination for the brave people of Gilgit-Baltistan who fought to liberate their land from the Dogra regime.

On August 14, 1948, the people of Baltistan also freed their area from Indian control.

The victory over Dogra forces remains a defining chapter in the region’s history, widely celebrated as a remarkable military and patriotic achievement.