Kotli, (Parliament Times) : An accident on November 21, 2024, in Kotli, a district of Mirpur Division in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJ&K), resulted in significant damage to public property.
The District Magistrate of Kotli reported that the fire destroyed a police prison van, a Rescue 1122 pickup truck, a parked motorbike, and a vehicle belonging to an NGO. In addition to this incident, numerous state-owned vehicles have been damaged in previous road accidents and similar events, causing a cumulative financial burden.
These recurring incidents have reignited critical discussions about the need for insurance of “public property” to mitigate such financial losses. Experts emphasize that the lack of adequate insurance coverage for state-owned property leaves local governments ill-prepared for unforeseen events, compounding the strain on limited public resources. Addressing this issue is imperative, as it concerns the welfare of the public at large.
Global frameworks, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), advocate for public asset insurance as a cornerstone of disaster risk reduction and financial resilience. Such measures align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which emphasize protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring sustainability. Despite clear statutory requirements of the Insurance Ordinance, 2000, and the AJ&K Insurance Act, 2007, mandating the insurance of public property, compliance has remained inconsistent. This negligence continues to expose public assets to unnecessary risks, underscoring the urgency of action in this regard.
As AJ&K strives for progress, policymakers must take tangible steps to prioritize the insurance of public assets. Proactively addressing this gap will not only protect vital infrastructure but also contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the region. The government is urged to take practical measures to ensure that all public properties are insured, reinforcing their commitment to public welfare and fiscal responsibility.