Quetta and large parts of Balochistan witnessed the second snowfall of winter, bringing scenic views, biting cold and operational challenges. As residents enjoyed the weather, provincial and federal authorities swung into action to keep roads open and manage emergencies.
The second spell of snowfall covered Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Chagai and Noshki, with several inches of snow reported in many areas. Citizens were seen enjoying the snowfall despite freezing temperatures.
Intermittent rain was also recorded in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran and Khuzdar, adding to the overall cold weather conditions across the province.
National highways cleared
The National Highway Authority (NHA) deployed heavy machinery to clear snow and maintain traffic flow on key routes. According to officials, highways connecting Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Chaman, Taftan and Rakhni have been cleared for traffic.
NHA staff remained on duty throughout the snowfall to prevent road blockages and ensure safe travel.
Snowfall continues in Quetta
Quetta and surrounding areas continued to experience intermittent light to heavy snowfall, accompanied by icy winds that significantly increased the intensity of the cold. Snowfall also resumed at Kozhak Top in Chaman district, prompting the PDMA to dispatch heavy machinery to restore road connectivity.
Snowfall persisted in Mastung, Muslim Bagh, Khanozai and nearby areas, keeping district administrations and emergency services on alert.
More rain and snowfall expected
According to the Met Department, rain and snowfall are expected to continue on Monday and Tuesday in various parts of Balochistan, including Quetta. Mountainous areas of northern Balochistan are likely to remain under snowfall, while most districts will experience cold and partly cloudy weather.
Rain is forecast in Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki and Harnai, while Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Bolan, Mastung, Jhal Magsi and Sherani are also expected to receive rain.
Similarly, Khuzdar, Washuk, Kharan, Panjgur and Chagai may see rainfall, while strong winds with rain are predicted in Kech, Turbat, Gwadar, Jiwani and Awaran and surrounding areas.
PDMA on high alert
On the instructions of Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has been placed on high alert. PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan said all units are active in the field to respond to any emergency.
He added that the chief minister has directed PDMA to submit hourly weather and situation reports, while the Provincial Emergency Operation Center will remain operational 24 hours a day. Snow clearance and rescue teams have been alerted for immediate response.
Authorities have urged citizens to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.
Heavy rain and snowfall disrupted electricity supply from 24 feeders in different areas of Quetta, according to Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO). The utility said staff are present in the field and restoration work will begin once weather conditions improve.
KESCO expressed hope that power supply to affected feeders will be restored soon.
