Shani Khan DaoudZai

I extend my warmest greetings to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on Independence Day. I pay tribute to the men and women whose courage and sacrifice brought the region freedom from Dogra rule in 1947. We remember their struggle with gratitude and honour the place it holds in our shared history. Independence is a legacy we must carry forward with purpose. I want the young people of Gilgit-Baltistan to see a future in which their abilities can flourish, whether they choose to serve their communities, pursue higher learning, build an enterprise or develop new skills. I want its women and girls to have the confidence and opportunity to shape that future alongside them. Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountains, rivers and living traditions give the region a character found nowhere else. The Federal Government is carrying this commitment forward through the Public Sector Development Programme. In 2026–27, development allocations for Gilgit-Baltistan have been increased, with work focused on stronger power supply, connectivity and essential services. Among the initiatives under way are the Gilgit-Baltistan Regional Grid and distributed solar power projects. These investments must translate into more reliable services and greater opportunity for the people of the region. #GilgitBaltistan #IndependenceDay

✨