GILGIT, June 9: The authorities on Wednesday gave a six-hour break in curfew in the city and permitted people to use ply their vehicles within the municipal limits. Curfew was relaxed from 10am to 4pm and stranded people allowed to leave the city during the break.

The administration evacuated five more foreign tourists stranded at Hunza because of curfew, sources said. They said the foreigners with 200 stranded local tourists were sent to Jaglote under police protection.

Sources said some vehicles carrying foodstuff and chickens were allowed to enter the city in view of shortage of essential items in the city. The authorities said they would consider further relaxation in curfew on Thursday if the situation remained calm.

A large number of patients were brought to the district headquarters hospital during the break and the treated patients were discharged, sources said. Security in the city has been strengthened and strict checking was carried out during the break.

The Pakistan International Airlines has suspended its flights to Gilgit since June 3. Sources said magistrates had been deputed in the markets to check hoarding and prices of essential commodities.