GILGIT, July 8: The Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Gilgit-Baltistan Wazir Shakil has demanded of the federal government to give the GB lawmakers powers to make amendments to the Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 to make the order more amenable to the local needs.

Talking to Dawn here on Sunday, the minister said the elected representatives of GB should have the powers to amend the Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009.

“There are a lot of difficulties in disposing of day to day and many administrative affairs due to amendment power vested with the federal government whereas the AJK enjoys the power to amend its constitution,” he said.

“We want the power with GB Legislative Assembly as well as upper house of the region, which is the GB Council, to amend the order 2009 to suit the needs and requirements of the local community,” he maintained.

The minister was of the view that there will be no effect on Kashmir cause as well as Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir if such powers were delegated to the GB Legislative Assembly as well as the Council.

ROAD BLOCKED: An avalanche blocked the Chitral-Gilgit road in Phandar valley, stranding hundreds of people intending to reach Shandur, administration officials said.

The officials said the avalanche also destroyed the standing crops. Police said there was no loss of life.

Meanwhile, following fast snowmelt‚ water level has risen in Gilgit River causing erosion at a number of places along the river bank.

Traffic between Ghizer and Chitral via Shandur pass was also suspended due to landslide and flood at Sost Nullah. Officials said floods caused by glacial melt have destroyed some houses and submerged one and half kilometer road in Ghizer district.

The Ghizer administration has directed the concerned departments to expedite work on reopening of the road.