Snowfall Stops in Northern Balochistan, Siberian Winds Intensify Cold Wave

The spell of snowfall in northern upper areas of Balochistan has come to an end; however, icy Siberian winds continue to grip the region, intensifying the cold wave and disrupting daily life.
Due to severe cold, water has frozen in household pipelines in Quetta, Kalat, Chaman and Ziarat, while ponds and water accumulated on roads have also turned to ice. Residents are facing an acute shortage of drinking water as a result of frozen supply lines.
The Quetta–Ziarat highway remains covered with snow at several points, prompting authorities to impose a ban on tourist travel to Ziarat for the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, the N-50 Zhob Highway has been closed at multiple locations due to hazardous conditions.
Life has come to a standstill in Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Ziarat, Pishin, Toba Achakzai and surrounding areas. In upper and Pak-Afghan border regions, temperatures have dropped as low as minus 12 degrees Celsius.
The local administration has launched an operation to clear snow using modern machinery and salt spreading. The National Highway Authority (NHA) stated that salt is being spread continuously in upper areas to prevent road slipperiness and ensure safer travel.