MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Sunday directed the administration to remain on high alert amid harsh winter conditions in upper Neelum Valley, following the death of a pregnant woman allegedly due to limited healthcare access.

He issued these directives after reports surfaced on social media, claiming that a 21 years old pregnant woman from Taobutt Bala village, who was being carried to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Kel, by her relatives on foot on Saturday night succumbed due to the alleged unavailability of healthcare services in the area.

The woman’s family blamed the death on blocked roads and inadequate health facilities.

Local journalist Hayat Awan told Dawn that the woman’s relatives and neighbours protested by placing her body on snow, accusing the government of negligence.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Ahmed Janjua said: “Continuous snowfall and frost make the main artery and link roads impassable.

Even heavy machinery struggles in these conditions.”

He dismissed claims of inadequate healthcare, stating that upper Neelum had several health facilities, including a THQ Hospital equipped with specialist doctors, gynaecologists, and medicines. Additionally, the Pakistan Army also operated health facilities in the area, he added.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2025