Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment Order 2009 endrosed

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has announced the Federal Cabinets decision of Gilgit Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009 which will replace the earlier Northern Areas Legal Framework Order 1994. The Cabinet approved a self governance reforms package for the countrys Northern Areas to give full internal autonomy and a new name of Gilgit Baltistan is given to the northern areas. The specially convened meeting of the Cabinet unanimously approved the Orders draft after being discussed with all the stake holders. Giving briefing to the media after the meeting the premier said that a high powered Committee under the chairmanship of Minister for Kashmir and Northern Areas (KANA) prepared the reforms package to provide autonomy to the area. Giving details of the Orders salient features, Gilani revealed the Gilgit Baltistan Assembly would formulate its own Rules of Procedures, while legislation on various subjects pertinent to governance would be done by the Council and Assembly in their respective jurisdiction. The area will be given full rights as Azad Jammu and Kashmir however it can not be given provincial status as per the Constitution, the premier maintainedA new Supreme Court will also be established in the areas and current Appellate Court will work under it. Northern Areas include Hunza, Gilgit, Baltistan, Sakardu, Chilas and some other areas. Historically the area is called Gilgit Baltistan.