ISLAMABAD, May 24: The government has put on alert all the public sector companies and civil institutions covering health, oil and gas, water and power, food, communications and railways to thwart any eventuality arising out of war posturing by India.

All the federal secretaries and heads of public sector organisations have been directed to go through the “war book” and make necessary arrangements accordingly as required.

They have also been asked to maintain sufficient stocks of commodities, spares and machinery keeping in mind the enemy mentality and short-and long-term requirements.

“All the secretaries have been advised to go through their respective ‘war books’ and prepare their demand and supply position to cover areas like sufficient stocks of essential commodities, machinery, equipment and spares,” said a senior government official here on Thursday.

This is second time since 1971, first being post-Sept 11 events last year, that Pakistani authorities had to refer to the war book that covers contingency plans and precautionary measures related to supplies and stocks.

Most of the precautionary measures taken in the post-Sept 11 events were continuing, the official said.