GILGIT - Curfew in the violence-hit city was relaxed Sunday for six hours on 13th day of its imposition, however ban remained imposed on wearing jackets and shawls and assembly of two or more persons.

The meeting of the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly scheduled for Sunday was postponed owing to curfew, while the cell phone service also remained suspended. According to announcements made by authorities, the relaxation commenced from 12pm, asking people to get daily-use items and food stuff.
Shortage of food items in parts of Gilgit have also surfaced following suspension of traffic on Karakoram Highway due to recent killings. “The break in curfew will be expanded gradually before it is finally lifted,” said Usman Ahmed, a senior government official. However, he did not give a timeframe of permanent lifting of the curfew and restoration of cellular service. Security remained tight all over the city, with the army still manning dozens of security pickets and conducting body searches of suspected people. Security forces continued search operations on Sunday in various residential areas of the city and arrested dozens of suspects. The citizens have demanded the government to take effective action against those involved in target killings and terrorism.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Rehman Malik could not make it to Gilgit on the second consecutive day due to rough weather.