Pakistan is navigating uncertain times. From global conflicts disrupting trade to rising food and fuel prices, everyday life is becoming increasingly unpredictable. In Gilgit-Baltistan, these challenges are magnified due to our remote location, harsh terrain, and reliance on supplies that are often imported or transported from faraway regions. For many in the younger generation, the concept of survival in times of scarcity or conflict is almost foreign, but it’s crucial to be prepared. Here’s a guide to understanding the risks and taking practical steps to stay safe, healthy, and self-sufficient.

The most important part of survival is being vigilant of the country’s situation and understanding the risks a potential war could bring:

1. Supply Chain Disruptions Global conflicts and rising fuel costs can disrupt imports of essentials like wheat, rice, sugar, and cooking oil. For example, in 2022, Pakistan imported over 4.7 million metric tons of wheat and 1.3 million metric tons of edible oil. Gilgit-Baltistan depends heavily on goods transported mainland land of Pakistan from Punjab, Karachi, or international sources such as the Khunjarab pass. If these routes are blocked or delayed, local markets may face shortages quickly. While some locals can grow their own food, like vegetables, grains, and dairy, this can only meet limited needs during long-term crises. The region’s harsh climate, limited arable land, and water shortages mean that homegrown supplies can’t replace imports for long. Strategic planning, storage, and community cooperation are key to surviving extended shortages.
2. Rising Prices
   Inflation is already hitting everyday necessities. The prices of food, fuel, and medicine can rise without warning, making it increasingly difficult for families living on fixed incomes to afford even the basics. For instance, in 2023, the cost of basic food items like wheat and rice saw increases of over 50% compared to previous years. Fuel prices have also surged, with the price of petrol reaching Rs. near to 350 per liter in some areas, up from Rs. 150 a few years ago. These rising costs make it harder for families on fixed incomes to afford the basics.
3. Environmental Vulnerabilities
   Over the past two years, floods and droughts have caused extensive damage. These floods affected over 33 million people across Pakistan, causing $30 billion in damages, with agriculture being one of the hardest-hit sectors. Local agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, already struggling due to harsh weather conditions, is still recovering from these events. More extreme weather, like flooding and drought, could further reduce food production.
4. Limited Knowledge of Emergency Preparedness
   Many young people today have grown up in relatively stable conditions and have never experienced war-like situations or severe shortages. Because of this, they often lack practical survival knowledge that earlier generations once considered essential. This gap in experience and preparedness can become a serious vulnerability if a major crisis occurs, when knowing how to cope with scarcity, disruption, and uncertainty suddenly becomes critical.

Practical Steps for we should be ready to take for staying Safe and Healthy

1. Food Security at Home

• Grow what you can. Even small terraces, backyard plots, or container gardens can produce useful food. Crops like potatoes, carrots, spinach, onions, and other hardy local vegetables can grow well in limited spaces. Simple herbs such as mint, coriander, and parsley are also easy to grow and can add both nutrition and flavor to everyday meals.
• Preserve what you produce or buy. Learning simple methods like sun-drying fruits, pickling vegetables, fermenting dairy, and storing grains in airtight containers can greatly extend how long food lasts. Foods such as dried apricots, walnuts, local beans, and maize can be kept for months when they are properly dried and stored, helping families maintain a steady food supply during difficult periods.
• Stock food wisely. Keep a small emergency reserve of basic essentials such as rice, flour, pulses, sugar, and cooking oil. Even a modest amount can help during supply disruptions or sudden price increases. It is also important to rotate these supplies regularly, using the older items first and replacing them, so nothing spoils or goes to waste.
• Plan with the long term in mind. It is important to recognize that small gardens or local production alone may not be enough to support a family indefinitely. A more sustainable approach is to combine different sources, home-grown food, carefully stored supplies, and support from community networks, so that families have multiple ways to meet their needs during periods of scarcity.

2. Water and Hygiene

• Store water in clean, covered containers.
  
• Boil, filter, or use simple sedimentation methods to ensure safe drinking water.
  
• Maintain hygiene to prevent disease: handwashing, safe food preparation, and proper waste management are critical if healthcare access is limited.

3. Health Preparedness

• Maintain a first aid kit with antibiotics, painkillers, and medicines for chronic conditions.
• Learn basic first aid skills.
• Use locally known herbal remedies for minor ailments, but rely on modern medicine when possible.

4. Energy and Cooking

• Fuel shortages may affect heating and cooking. Stock firewood, dried dung, or small propane cylinders.
• Solar lamps or small solar panels can provide light and limited electricity, reducing dependence on unreliable grids.

5. Community and Local Networks

• Build relationships with neighbors and local farmers. Mutual support networks are vital during crises.
• Share knowledge about food preservation, medical care, and alternative energy solutions.
• Work together at the community level. Pooling resources through small local stores or cooperative reserves can help ensure that essential goods are available when shortages occur. By sharing and managing supplies collectively, communities can reduce the risk that any one household faces a complete lack of basic necessities during difficult times.

6. Mental Preparedness

• Uncertainty and fear can be as dangerous as scarcity. Stay informed from credible sources, practice stress management, and maintain routines.
• Encourage younger family members to learn practical skills: gardening, cooking from scratch, and basic repairs.

7. Financial Readiness

• Keep a small amount of cash on hand, preferably in smaller denominations. During severe crises or disruptions, banking systems, ATMs, or digital payment networks may not function normally. Having physical cash available can make it easier to purchase essential goods or handle everyday transactions when electronic systems are unavailable.

8. Transportation and Mobility

• Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan can be blocked by landslides or snow. Keep spare tires, chains, and essential tools for vehicles.
  
• Know alternate routes and nearby safe shelters or community centers in case of emergencies.

Life in Gilgit-Baltistan has always needed people to be strong and tough, but rising prices and global conflicts are making things even harder. The best way to cope is to be prepared, rely on yourself, and stay connected with your community. Growing your own food helps, but it can’t completely replace what comes from outside during long crises.

By growing what you can, keeping essential supplies, learning basic survival skills, and helping each other, families in Gilgit-Baltistan can get through food shortages, natural disasters, and health emergencies. Being prepared isn’t just about surviving, it’s about staying healthy, strong, and keeping your dignity even in tough times.

By Aleena Abuzar