How safe is it to have pantry within the air-conditioned space?
Bad idea. Placing pantry within the airconditioned space will lead to higher electricity bills as more the heat generated, more the air-conditioning required. And if there are stoves, there is a lot of heat. But if you have an office pantry with a microwave oven and a small electric kettle, it should be OK. Keep the refrigerator away from the air-conditioned space.