In a heartening development, the Pakistan Army successfully located 14 passengers who had gone missing in the snow-covered Deosai region while traveling from Gultari to Skardu. Heavy snowfall had severed their land connection, leaving them stranded in one of the country’s most treacherous terrains.
The individuals, reported missing yesterday, were found taking shelter in an area known as Safaid Pani. A search team dispatched from Gultari located the group, confirming their safety. Deputy Commissioner Arif Ahmed while talking to The Nation, said “All individuals are safe and in good health.” The Deputy Commissioner commended the swift response of the rescue teams in overcoming extreme weather conditions to ensure the passengers’ safety.
The ordeal began when the passengers failed to arrive at their destination, prompting relatives and locals to appeal to the Pakistan Army for immediate assistance. The Army launched a coordinated air and ground rescue operation, deploying helicopters and a team of soldiers on foot. While adverse weather conditions hindered aerial efforts, the determination of the ground team proved pivotal in tracing the missing individuals.
The passengers had taken refuge at Safaid Pani, enduring freezing temperatures and challenging conditions. Rescue teams provided them with food, medical care, and warmth before preparing to transport them to safety.
“This incident underscores the dangers of traveling through high-altitude regions like Deosai during winter. Travelers must exercise caution and ensure adequate preparation,” remarked Deputy Commissioner Ahmed.
Locals have expressed immense gratitude to the Pakistan Army and district administration for their timely intervention. “Their relentless efforts saved lives under extremely harsh conditions,” said a Skardu resident.
The successful rescue of the passengers highlights the dedication and skill of the rescue teams while drawing attention to the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountainous terrain. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of weather awareness and safety measures for those traversing remote areas.
This rescue operation serves as a testament to the coordinated efforts of local authorities and the Pakistan Army in ensuring public safety, even under the most challenging circumstances.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif embarked on a one-day official visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, where he was warmly welcomed upon arrival by children dressed in traditional attire, presenting him with bouquets of flowers.
During the welcoming ceremony, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan presented the Prime Minister with a traditional Chugha and cap.
A key highlight of the visit was the Prime Minister’s stop at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he paid homage to the sacrifices of Gilgit-Baltistan’s heroes who liberated the region from Dogra rule in 1947. He laid a wreath at the memorial and stated, “The sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts in the 1947 Liberation War against Dogra rule, along with their continued efforts to maintain peace and protect lives and property in the region, will never be forgotten. The Federal Government remains committed to the development, prosperity, and well-being of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.”
Separate meetings were held with Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan. They expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for initiating and inaugurating various development projects in the region and assured him that these projects would be expedited to benefit the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also inaugurated a model village to provide housing for the people of Bubar Village in Gilgit’s Ghizer district, who had lost their homes due to the 2022 floods. The model village, covering 110 kanals, includes homes with two bedrooms each, as well as water supply, solar power, and road connectivity. The Prime Minister, after distributing allotment certificates, directed authorities to immediately build a school, dispensary, and playground for the village. He specified that the dispensary should be equipped with first aid, ultrasound, X-ray, and maternity care facilities.

He further called for third-party validation of the project to address potential shortcomings and suggested adding chimneys to the houses to prevent incidents during winter.
In addition to the model village, the Prime Minister inaugurated several major infrastructure initiatives, including the Naltar Expressway, the Greater Water Supply Project in Hunza, and a 54 MW hydropower plant at Attabad Lake, as well as the Harpo hydropower project.
Speaking to the media in Gilgit, former Chief Minister Hafeez-ur-Rehman mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has committed to a 100 MW solar power project for Gilgit-Baltistan. The Prime Minister also pledged an endowment fund of Rs. 1 billion for talented students at Karakoram International University (KIU) and Baltistan University, aiming to support needy students. Additionally, he assured judicial reforms and other initiatives to accelerate development in the region, along with a third-party audit for the Ghizer-Shandur Expressway project.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, Eiman Shah, provided further details, mentioning that a committee would be formed to deliberate on the constitutional rights for Gilgit-Baltistan. He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s visit marks a renewed focus on the region’s development, with an aim to improve quality of life and strengthen the region’s integration with the rest of Pakistan.

To commemorate the 77th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS) Islamabad, in collaboration with Karakoram International University (KIU), Gilgit, organized a seminar on “77th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan: A Tribute to Freedom Fighters of the 1947 War” at Musharraf Hall, KIU. The event brought together academics, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the region’s historical significance, strategic importance, and the sacrifices made by its freedom fighters.

Paying tribute to the valiant freedom fighters, Ambassador Ali Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director CISS, Islamabad, stated in his opening remarks that this day carries deep significance for the relationship between the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan. He highlighted Gilgit-Baltistan’s unwavering connection with Pakistan and its historical, legal, and cultural bonds. He paid tributes to the courage, determination, and sacrifices of those who secured Gilgit-Baltistan’s independence on 1 November 1947 and paved the way for its integration within Pakistan. He also mentioned the establishment of a CISS Center at KIU for focused research on strategic matters.

Adding to the discourse, Prof. Dr. Atta Ullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of KIU, in his opening remarks paid a fulsome tribute to the freedom fighters of Gilgit-Baltistan, honoring their bravery and sacrifice that paved the way for the region’s independence. He added that freedom is truly a divine gift. In Pakistan, we enjoy complete liberty to practice our religious beliefs, a contrast to the restrictions seen in India. He praised CISS Islamabad for its groundbreaking indigenous research on strategic matters. He also stated that there is an urgent need to counter anti-Pakistan narratives through rigorous and fact-laden research. In this regard, CISS Islamabad is playing a vital role in bridging the gap between academia and think tanks. Prof. Dr. Atta Ullah Khan further highlighted a crucial role of the newly established CISS-KIU Research Center in promoting indigenous narratives on national issues.

Offering a historical perspective, Dr Iftikhar Ali, HOD IR department KIU, stated that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan share a common history with Pakistan and dream of a bright future based on unity, resilience, and a shared destiny. The connection between Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan is not merely geographical; it is a deep bond rooted in shared values, traditions, and aspirations for a prosperous future. G-B is not just a region; it’s a symbol of courage, strength, and patriotism. Positioned at the crossroads of Asia, G-B’s strategic significance and natural beauty make it an integral part of Pakistan’s identity and defense. We must keep our hero’s legacy alive through research and academics, countering colonial narratives that marginalized them.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the region, Mr. Yasir Hussain, Associate Director CISS, explained the role of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan’s Security Calculus and stated that Gilgit-Baltistan, covering 8.22% of Pakistan’s territory, is more than breathtaking landscapes—it’s a region of immense strategic importance, serving as a gateway for CPEC and a crucial link in South Asia’s security landscape. Gilgit-Baltistan has increasingly become a focal point for Indian propaganda against Pakistan, which seeks to destabilize the region by spreading misinformation. These tactics not only aim to create internal divisions but also to distort the region’s rich history, identity, and unity with Pakistan. In this critical context, the youth needed to counter Indian-backed propaganda. Despite the Indian-led disinformation campaigns, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan stand firm in their commitment to Pakistan. EU DisinfoLab’s “Indian Chronicles” exposed India’s propaganda, but our resilience remains unshaken.

Moderating the panel discussion, Dr. Muhammadi, Associate Director of CISS, stated that it is the responsibility of the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan to carry an immense sacrifice rendered by our war heroes. He further highlighted the geo-political and geo-strategic importance of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The seminar was attended by a large number of students and faculty members of KIU. It was also attended online by the CISS research team in Islamabad.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving the legacy of Gilgit-Baltistan’s freedom fighters and highlighting the region’s strategic importance. Participants emphasized the need for continued research and advocacy to counter disinformation campaigns and ensure that the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten. By fostering a deeper understanding of Gilgit-Baltistan’s history and aspirations, the seminar aimed to strengthen the bond between the region and the rest of Pakistan.