The Pakistani Spectator

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said more democracy would be brought about in Northern Areas, which have been re-named as Gilgit-Baltistan, Geo News reported Saturday.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the northern areas have been given complete autonomy.

The PM said a committee has been constituted for the Northern Areas, adding all the stakeholders have been taken in confidence on Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment Act.

He said the budget of the Gilgit-Baltistan would be approved by their assembly, adding the cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan will approve their budget.

The Gilgit-Baltistan assembly will have three technocrat seats and two women seats, he said.

The administrative structure in the form of that at the provincial level would be installed in Gilgit-Baltistan, the PM Gilani said.

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Parliamentary leader of the MQM Dr Farooq Sattar said the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan would be held in next three months to install Asad-Kashmir like government there.

Addressing a news conference, he said a cabinet committee would be constituted to remove hurdles for merging Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations.

Source: News