Under the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009 signed by President Asif Ali Zardari on September 7, 2009 - the identity of the region was restored by changing the name from 'Northern Areas' to 'Gilgit-Baltistan'. As part of its administrative and legislative decentralisation, the offices of Governor, Chief Minster, and Ministers have been created.
On the pattern of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Council, a Gilgit-Baltistan Council headed by the Prime Minister has been introduced. The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly is delegated with the powers of approving budget. The concept of a Consolidated Fund has been introduced and legislative powers of the Assembly have been increased from 49 to 61 subjects, along with powers to legislate on all other subjects not in the domain of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Council has the power to legislate on 55 subjects. Detailed functions and procedures of running various organs of the Gilgit-Baltistan Government in the light of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, 2009 have been laid down in the Gilgit-Baltistan Rules of Business, 2009 and system of Financial Management and Budgeting in accordance with Article 22 of the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self- Governance Order, 2009.
The GB Assembly will formulate its own Rules of Procedures, while legislation on various subjects pertinent to governance will be done by the Council and Assembly in their respective jurisdiction.