PTV starts news service in Shina and Balti languages
GILGIT: The Pakistan Television on Sunday launched news service in Shina and Balti languages as a gift to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan on the occasion of the Independence Day.
The people welcomed the move saying it would lead to promotion of local languages at the local, national and international level.
The bulletin to be aired at 3:45pm daily will cover regional, national as well as international news to keep updated the speakers of the language both locally and globally.
The people said the landmark step would help eradicate backwardness in the region.
Talking to media the Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah said start of the news service in Shina and Balti languages by the PTV would further contribute towards elimination of sense of deprivation among the people of the region.
Speaker Wazir Baig said the news service would promote soft image of the area and also help exploit the tourism potential.
Deputy Speaker Jamil Ahmed was of the view the PTVÂ’s step would let the outside world know about the Gilgit-Baltistan. The step was also hailed by students, traders and government workers.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: First time in the history of Gilgit-Baltistan the Independence Day was celebrated with a salute of 21
gunshots the sound of which echoed in the mountains. Special prayers were offered in mosques for the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan.
A number of functions were organised by the political, social and religious organisations. The main function was held in historic Chinar Bagh in which Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah was the chief guest.The governor hoisted the national flag and later he along with Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah laid floral wreath on the graves of the martyrs of the liberation movement of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Speaking on occasion chief minister and governor paid glowing tributes to those who took part in the independence of the country and shed light on the importance of the day.
They asked the people to get united to develop the country and make it a strong and prosperous state.
Speaker Assembly Wazir Baig, Deputy Speaker Jamil Ahmed, cabinet members, ministers, senior civil officers and elders attended the ceremony. Police contingents also performed guard of honour.
Functions were also organised by the army where national flags were hoisted.
The education department organised quiz shows, debate contests and poem recitation by the students.
Various political parties took out rallies and organised functions paying tributes to those who rendered sacrifices for creation of Pakistan.
Independence Day functions were also held in Skardu, Khapulo, Chilas, Astor, Hunza, Nagar and Gahkuch.
Radio Pakistan aired special transmissions highlighting the importance of the day in Skardu and Gilgit and newspapers brought out special supplements on the occasion. Main buildings both public and private were illuminated.
Source: Dawn
Date:8/15/2011
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