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.
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.
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.
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.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that protecting human lives and ensuring the delivery of relief goods to affected areas remain the government’s foremost priority.
He emphasized that all relevant departments are working round the clock to respond to the crisis and provide immediate assistance to vulnerable communities.
The Chief Minister warned that protests and road blockades at this critical juncture are not acts of political expression but pose serious risks to human lives. He stated that such actions directly hinder rescue and relief efforts and are tantamount to sabotaging emergency operations.
“Political differences can be addressed later, but human lives cannot wait,” Bugti stressed, reaffirming that the provincial government will not allow any diversion from its focus on public safety.
Sarfraz Bugti urged all political and social stakeholders to cooperate fully with the government and appealed to the public to stand alongside affected communities rather than create obstacles during rescue operations.
“At this moment, saving lives is the foremost priority. Everyone must act responsibly and support relief efforts instead of becoming a hindrance,” he added.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency response teams remain deployed across affected regions of the province, ensuring continuous rescue and relief operations.