MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Kashmir government has stockpiled a minimum two-month food supply in vulnerable areas near the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Kashmir, days after AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq ordered to take such measures to tackle any emergency.
The steps have been taken amid heightened tensions with India and fears of a possible incursion from across the border.
As per details, Muzaffarabad Division requires 5,300 tons of wheat flour monthly, and currently, there are 7,800 tons of flour available besides the daily supply in the food department’s supply depots, the state-run APP reported, citing the government official.
“There is no risk of food shortage in areas near the LoC. Daily grain supply continues to meet everyday needs, and preemptive measures are already in place to tackle emergencies,” the official maintained.
There are around three depots in Muzaffarabad district, six in Jhelum Valley district, and 227 in Neelum district along the Line of Control (LoC). All these food storage facilities were fully operational, and a mechanism was in place between district administrations and food controllers across all districts to ensure the availability and supply of food items.
All major market traders keep the administration informed about the status of their stores, the district food controller Muzaffarabad Abrar Mir said.
Considering weather conditions, the Food Department traditionally stores wheat flour supplies with an extended shelf life for December through May in snowbound and remote areas of the state. In comparatively safer areas, routine storage is limited to a 15-day supply due to easier accessibility.
In line with government policy, department officials, in collaboration with local administrations, have established a mechanism to ensure the availability of food grains in all areas adjacent to the LoC.
In response to a question, the food controller said that the Food Department procures wheat from PASCO, and at present, the department has sufficient wheat stock, and new procurement is also underway, denying any possibility of a food shortage.
Earlier on May 1, AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq announced several measures in the wake of possible Indian aggression amid the rising tensions between the two countries.
Addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly, the premier announced the establishment of a one billion rupee Emergency Response Fund, along with instructing the concerned authorities to ensure the provision of essential food, medicines, and other basic facilities for the residents of 13 constituencies located on the Line of Control.
The premier also said that the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Rescue 1122, and Civil Defense will remain active and work with the Pakistan army to deal with any possible aggression by India. Haq has also announced that police stations adjacent to the LoC will remain active, and two hundred volunteers will be recruited.
