GB has secured 95 per cent of its rights: Amjad

By Shabbir Mir

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan has secured 95 per cent of its rights, while the remaining demands will be pursued through political struggle, Chief Minister Amjad Hussain said while addressing ceremonies held on Saturday to mark the region's Independence Day.

Gilgit-Baltistan gained freedom from Dogra rule on November 1, 1947, and subsequently acceded to Pakistan. The chief minister also announced plans for a 500-bed provincial headquarters hospital, the launch of classes at Gilgit Medical College next March and an end to the region's electricity crisis within two years.

Paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans of the November 1, 1947 liberation movement, he said their sacrifices against Dogra rule remained a source of inspiration for future generations.

He also expressed support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and pledged to continue raising their demand for the right to self-determination at every available forum.

On healthcare, the chief minister said a 500-bed provincial headquarters hospital would be inaugurated within a year to provide improved medical facilities to the people. He announced that classes at Gilgit Medical College would commence next March, adding that the government would subsequently work towards establishing medical colleges in Baltistan and Diamer.

Regarding the region's persistent electricity shortage, he said the government was working on both short- and long-term plans aimed at overcoming the crisis within the next two years.

The chief minister said improving education, healthcare and economic conditions remained among the government's foremost priorities. Acknowledging concerns about educational standards, he said the administration was in contact with international universities to explore the establishment of campuses in Gilgit-Baltistan and would extend all possible support for the initiative.

He also pledged special attention to the educational needs of underdeveloped areas, particularly Diamer, saying the government would work to provide better learning opportunities for the district's growing youth population.

Addressing a ceremony at Government Girls High School No. 2, Amjad Hussain announced that the institution would be upgraded to Fatehabad Model Higher Secondary School. He directed the secretary of school education to prepare a PC-I and submit it to the relevant forum at the earliest.

He also announced the provision of a bus for the school's students through his Annual Development Programme.

At Government Girls High School No. 1, the chief minister announced the installation of a solar power system and directed authorities to expedite completion of the higher secondary school building. He further announced the upgradation of Haider Pura Girls Middle School to high school level.

Urging young people to focus on higher education and acquire modern knowledge and skills, he said the future of Gilgit-Baltistan depended on its youth. He stressed that sustainable peace was essential for development and warned that incidents rooted in prejudice and sectarianism could tarnish the region's image.

The chief minister also highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the issues faced by vulnerable segments of society, particularly widows, persons with disabilities and orphans.

The Independence Day ceremonies also featured an exhibition of student projects under the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiative, implemented through a partnership between the Rupani Foundation, Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme and the provincial education department.

Students showcased innovative projects related to science, technology, entrepreneurship and computer education, demonstrating creativity, practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

The chief minister appreciated the students' efforts and encouraged them to continue developing innovative ideas and practical solutions through science, technology and entrepreneurship.