Freezing Winds Grip Quetta and Balochistan, Gas Supply Vanishes; Residents Forced to Burn Wood as Illnesses Rise by 50%

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat):** Freezing and dry winds have tightened their grip on Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan, while the disappearance of natural gas has pushed residents into severe hardship. The intense cold combined with dry weather has not only worsened living conditions but has also led to a sharp rise in seasonal illnesses.

According to public sources, the lack of rainfall this year compared to previous years has contributed to a **50 percent increase in diseases**, including throat, ear, chest infections, cough, typhoid, and respiratory ailments. Citizens who turned to government hospitals for treatment expressed deep frustration, reporting an acute shortage of **doctors and essential medicines**, leaving patients without proper care.

Residents also complained that repeated visits to the **Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC)** offices yielded no response, with no officials available to address their grievances. People say the situation reflects a “might is right” environment, where there is no accountability or relief for ordinary citizens.

As in previous years, gas pressure remains extremely low and prolonged gas loadshedding continues. However, this year the situation is described as even worse, with many areas experiencing what residents claim is a **complete absence of gas supply**. As a result, households have been forced to shut down gas heaters and stoves, turning instead to **burning wood** for heating and cooking—methods reminiscent of decades-old practices.

Public circles have criticized the government’s development claims, particularly those made by Prime Minister **Shehbaz Sharif**, stating that instead of moving forward, the province appears to have gone **50 years backward**. Citizens say that despite severe cold, they are unable to light even basic heaters or stoves due to gas shortages, worsening the impact of the harsh winter.

Despite protests, media statements, and repeated appeals at the doors of concerned officials, residents say their voices remain unheard and there is no clear path to resolution. Public representatives and citizens have urged the authorities to **show mercy on Balochistan** and immediately review gas loadshedding policies to provide relief to the people during the ongoing cold wave.