Independence Day Celebrations with National Spirit and Enthusiasm

The Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan, organized a series of cultural, recreational and sporting activities across Gilgit-Baltistan to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day with national spirit, enthusiasm and pride. The celebrations were held in accordance with the directives of the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, who had directed the Department of Tourism & Culture to ensure that Independence Day was celebrated across the region in a befitting and grand manner, with maximum participation of youth, students, athletes and the general public. Under the theme **“Jashan-e-Azadi, Through Sports,”** a diverse range of activities were organized on 14th August, including national song competitions, cricket, cycling, polo, football and other sporting events. The Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board also facilitated and supported sports activities in various districts. The celebrations aimed to promote patriotism, national unity, healthy recreational activities and a strong sense of belonging among the people, particularly the younger generation. ## National Songs Competition As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Department of Tourism & Culture, in collaboration with **Army Public School Jutial Gilgit**, organized a National Songs Competition at the school auditorium. Students from Army Public School Jutial, Public School & College Jutial and various private educational institutions participated enthusiastically. The students showcased their talent through patriotic performances and expressed their love and devotion for Pakistan. Prizes and certificates were distributed among students who delivered outstanding performances, encouraging young talent and promoting the spirit of patriotism among students. ## Under-13 Intra-Provincial T20 Cricket Tournament A series of sporting activities was launched at **City Park Gilgit** under the theme “Jashan-e-Azadi, Through Sports.” The **Under-13 Intra-Provincial T20 Cricket Tournament** commenced as part of the Independence Day celebrations and is being held from **14th to 18th August**. Teams representing all ten districts of Gilgit-Baltistan are participating in the tournament, providing young cricketers with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and compete at the provincial level. The tournament was formally inaugurated by **Secretary Tourism & Culture Gilgit-Baltistan, Sardar Asad Haroon**, who played the first ball at the City Park Cricket Ground. Representatives of the Department of Tourism & Culture, Sports Department and other relevant institutions were also present on the occasion. ## Independence Day Cycle Rally An **Independence Day Cycle Rally** was also organized, beginning from City Park Gilgit and proceeding along KIU Road towards Karakoram International University. The rally was formally inaugurated by Secretary Tourism & Culture Gilgit-Baltistan, Sardar Asad Haroon. Children, youth, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, representatives of various institutions and members of the general public participated enthusiastically. Carrying national flags, the participants expressed their love for Pakistan and demonstrated a strong spirit of national unity, patriotism and community participation. ## Football Training Camp for Young Players A special **Under-17 Football Training Camp** was organized at the football ground of Hayat Shaheed Public School, Gilgit, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board. The camp provided young footballers with an opportunity to enhance their technical and sporting skills through structured training. It also encouraged young people to participate in healthy, constructive and positive sporting activities. ## Independence Day Activities Across the Districts The Independence Day celebrations were extended to communities across Gilgit-Baltistan through a range of sporting activities organized in different districts. In **District Astore**, polo events were organized with the support of the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board. In **District Skardu**, a Martial Arts and Taekwondo event provided young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their skills and talent. Similarly, a **Futsal Tournament** was organized in **District Ghizer** with the sponsorship and support of the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board, further promoting youth participation in sports and healthy recreational activities. These district-level activities brought the spirit of Independence Day closer to communities throughout the region and provided young people with meaningful opportunities to participate, compete and celebrate. ## Special Independence Day Polo Match in Gilgit A special **Polo Match** was organized at the historic **Royal Polo Ground Gilgit** to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. A large number of polo enthusiasts and spectators attended the event. The Home Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan attended the match as the Chief Guest, while Secretary Tourism & Culture Gilgit-Baltistan, Sardar Asad Haroon, participated as the Guest of Honour. The traditional sport of polo added colour, cultural richness and excitement to the Independence Day celebrations, highlighting the region’s distinctive sporting and cultural heritage. ## Celebrating Unity, Youth and National Pride The series of activities organized by the Department of Tourism & Culture, in collaboration with the Gilgit-Baltistan Sports Board and other partner institutions, extended Independence Day celebrations across different districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The enthusiastic participation of children, students, youth, athletes, educational institutions and the general public reflected a strong sense of national pride, unity and patriotism. The celebrations were designed not only to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence but also to actively engage the younger generation in national activities, promote sports and culture, provide opportunities for young talent to flourish, and encourage healthy and positive recreational pursuits. The Independence Day celebrations across Gilgit-Baltistan reflected the region’s deep love for Pakistan and reaffirmed a collective commitment to **unity, peace, brotherhood, national pride and a prosperous future for the country**.