GILGIT, Dec 6 Gilgit district is in the grip of cold waves that has paralysed life in the upper parts of the region.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday forecast light rain together with snowfall. The change in weather has affected routine life in high-altitude villages.

Snowfall has already suspended traffic on the Chilas-Kagan and Ghizer-Chitral roads. “The weather will remain cloudy and snowfall in some areas of the region is expected on Monday,” said an official of the Met Office. Isolated thunderstorm and rain could occur in hilly areas, he added.

With the arrival of winter, the prices of firewood and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have soared in Gilgit-Baltistan. Locals complained that they were compelled to pay Rs100 for per/kg of LPG and Rs400 for per 40kg of firewood.

The inclement weather has affected schedule of flights as the PIA has suspended its operation to Gilgit, sources said.