Gilgit-Baltistan's 79th Independence Day: flag hoisted in Gilgit as Zardari and Shehbaz salute 1947 revolt against Dogra rule

Gilgit-Baltistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Sunday 1 November 2026, the anniversary of the day in 1947 when the people of the region rose against Dogra rule and declared independence, before seeking accession to Pakistan. The main ceremony was held at the Martyrs' Monument in Chinar Bagh, Gilgit, ARY News reported.

The ceremony in Gilgit

Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Amjad Hussain hoisted the national flag in Gilgit. Addressing the ceremony, the governor said the day asked everyone to renew their loyalty to the country and to play an active part in the region's development, and that freedom was a blessing it was everyone's duty to protect.

What the President and Prime Minister said

In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and paid tribute to those who took part in the struggle, ARY News reported. Both recalled that 79 years ago the people of the region overthrew Dogra rule, declared independence and soon after wrote to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah asking to join Pakistan.

• The President said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had made valuable contributions to Pakistan's defence and development.
• The Prime Minister said the courage and sacrifices of the region's leaders and people deserved the highest tribute, and that the federal government was committed to giving the GB government full support in tackling economic challenges and bringing in institutional and administrative reforms.

Why 1 November matters

The uprising of 1 November 1947, led by local fighters and the Gilgit Scouts, ended Dogra control of the Gilgit Agency within days of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India. For people in the region it is the founding date of modern Gilgit-Baltistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan this month

The anniversary comes during a busy autumn for the region. Its assembly passed an amended Local Government Act in October that creates mayors for Gilgit and Skardu (our report), and the administration has tightened security checks for foreign visitors, including NOC requirements (our report). Travelling north this month? Snow can close the high passes from November; check road status locally before setting off, and plan fuel costs with our fuel cost calculator.