GILGIT: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the freedom of Kashmir is the need of the hour, as Muslims in India continue to face severe oppression.
Speaking at the 78th Independence Day ceremony of Gilgit-Baltistan, President Zardari said that occupied Jammu and Kashmir has long suffered under Indian atrocities, and the genocide of Kashmiris has reached alarming levels.
Expressing his affection for the region, the president said, “Gilgit-Baltistan is my home, and your bravery will never be forgotten by history.” He recalled that in 1947, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan fought a jihad to join Pakistan, during which 1,700 local soldiers were martyred.
President Zardari praised former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for abolishing the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and noted that his own government gave the region a legislative assembly.
He emphasized the need for development in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that every valley should have a school. He highlighted the region’s mineral wealth and tourism potential, suggesting that Gilgit-Baltistan should have its own airline to boost connectivity.
Calling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a symbol of national progress, Zardari said the project’s second phase is advancing successfully and reaffirmed that China remains Pakistan’s trusted partner.
“Gilgit-Baltistan must develop like other provinces,” he said, adding, “When Gilgit-Baltistan prospers, Pakistan will prosper.”
Earlier, the president attended the Independence Day ceremony in Gilgit, where he was received by the governor and chief minister. He was presented with a traditional cap and inspected the parade.
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