"I want to pay tribute to GB scouts and those shahada (martyrs) who gave sacrifices and freed this region. I wanted to congratulate the people of GB on another thing: our decision to give GB provincial status. This decision has been taken while keeping in view the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," Khan said while announcing the decision.

Residents of Gilgit-Baltistan have been wanting to merge with Pakistan for over seven decades, however, the Indian government has always opposed the move contesting that the region is a disputed territory between the two countries.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday had hinted that the federal government had decided to elevate the status of Gilgit-Baltistan to a province.

PM addresses Azadi Parade:

During his visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan attended and addressed the 73rd Azadi Parade of Gilgit-Baltistan. In his speech Khan said:

"I am very happy that I am here for a second time to celebrate this day with you and it will be my effort for as long as I am a prime minister to spend this day with you."

Khan appreciated the sacrifices of the Gilgit Scouts to liberate the region from Dogra rule and said that a strong army is indispensable for a country to protect its sovereignty and solidarity.

He also said that the Modi-led Indian government has been working on the Hindutva agenda and they have introduced discriminatory laws against Muslims in India.