Other Kashmir stocks food for 2 months along LoC; Neelum Valley tourism crumbles amid tensions

Srinagar: Amid heightened cross-border tensions and fears of potential military escalation following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, authorities in Pakistan administered Jammu & Kashmir have intensified efforts to stockpile essential food supplies along the Line of Control (LoC), even as the region’s critical tourism economy shows signs of collapse.

According to reports in The Dawn the AJK Food Department has begun replenishing wheat flour stocks in forward and vulnerable areas bordering India, especially in snowbound and remote locations that face limited accessibility. Traditionally, these areas receive special wheat flour reserves with extended shelf life to last from December through May. However, new directives from AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq have prompted the department to expand reserves to cover at least two months of demand in response to the growing crisis, Dawn report said.

“We already had sufficient wheat flour stocks across all LoC depots,” Abdul Hameed Kiani, Director of the AJK Food Department was quoted as saying. “But in light of the prime minister’s instructions and current uncertainty, we are boosting our capacity. Contractors have been mobilized, and all deliveries are being directly supervised by our officers both at the mills and in the field.”

This emergency provisioning comes against the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead.

Tourism grinds to a halt

As security measures tighten, the picturesque Neelum Valley — one of the other Kashmir’s most popular tourist destinations — is experiencing a dramatic downturn at the start of what is typically peak tourist season.

Reports said hotels lie empty and roads deserted as security forces block tourist access at checkpoints, allowing only local residents into the valley.

“It’s been a really bad start,” said Muhammad Awais, a 22-year-old photographer at a scenic picnic spot. “The way things are unfolding is very slow, and it’s affecting our work badly.”

Tourism forms the economic backbone of Neelum Valley, drawing over 300,000 visitors each year. The district is home to around 350 guesthouses, supporting thousands of families through seasonal employment.

“Our livelihoods depend on tourism, and without it, we suffer,” Awais added.

Many tourists who had travelled from other parts expressed frustration over the lack of timely government warnings.