GILGIT, Nov 6: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah on Wednesday formed a number of parliamentary committees to maintain peace in the region during the month of Muharram, official sources said.

They said these committees were formed at a meeting chaired by the chief minister at his office and attended by all the members of the Legislative Assembly, including those from the opposition.

The officials said Deputy Speaker Jamil Ahmed would head the committee for Gilgit district and minister for planning Raja Azam would chair the committee for Skardu district, respectivley.

They said for Ghanche district, the committee would be headed by senior minister Mohammad Jaffar, minister for works Basahir Ahmed would lead the committee for Diamer district, minister for education Dr Ali Madad Sher would head the committee for Ghizer district; minister for excise and taxation Mohammad Nasir would be at the helm of the committee formed for Astor district and minister for finance Muhammad Ali Akhtar would chair the committee for Hunza/Nagar district, respectively.

The officials said the chief minister asked the heads and members of the peace committees to remain present in their respective areas and maintain peace during the holy month of Muharram.