GILGIT, Sept 15: The government will soon buy and operate new planes to replace the outdated Fokkers for flights to Gilgit and Skardu cities of the Northern Areas.

"This will not only put an end to woes of passengers, but also help foreign tourists to travel in bad weather," Senator Nisar A. Memon announced here on Tuesday. He was speaking at a PML election rally.

Mr Memon said he would pursue the case of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) which needed immediate attention. He announced that the local administration would be empowered to decide and settle local issues by minimizing the involvement of the federal government.

Mr Memon, PML chief organizer for forthcoming NALC polls, said the judiciary of the region would be made independent and an appellate court would be set up. He assured the people that the telecommunication system of the region would be equipped with advanced technology.

Party additional secretary Iqbal Dar on the occasion said the PML would form committees and sub-committees to monitor and evaluate the performance of different government departments.