SKARDU, July 7: The federal government is considering to restore the Skardu-Kargil road. A decision to this effect is expected soon, an official of Northern Areas said.

After the improvement of Pakistan, India relations it is hoped that the two countries would soon agree to reopen Skardu-Kargil road to facilitate the divided families on both sides of the Line of Control to unite again, Northern Areas chief secretary said while talking to newsmen here the other day.

About the controversial syllabus issue the chief secretary said the curriculum wing of the federal ministry of education is already working on it. He said in view of the recent crisis in the Northern Areas, I have taken an interim decision.

To implement this decision, the Northern Areas administration is discussing with different schools of thought and segments of society, he added. He regretted over the recent crisis and said that he tried his best to maintain law and order in the region.

He further said, it had been noticed that some government servants belonging to Shia and Sunni sects were also involved in polluting the atmosphere in Gilgit.

SECTION 144 IMPOSED: The district magistrate, Skardu, has imposed section 144 on the district and banned entry of non-local religious leaders in the district, says a press release issued here on Monday.

It said that in view of the recent situation in Gilgit the district administration has taken this decision to maintain law and order in the district as well as to maintain peace and harmony and tranquillity among various schools of thought in the region. Imposition of section 144 in the district would be continued for two months.