Quetta Turns into “Problem City”: Gas Explosions Claim Lives, PMAP Vows Protests Against Sui Southern and QESCO

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PMAP) has expressed grave concern over the worsening situation in Balochistan, particularly in Quetta, citing severe shortages of gas, electricity, and clean drinking water, alongside rising crime and insecurity. In a press release, the party condemned the provincial government, describing it as ineffective and oblivious to public suffering, turning Quetta into what they termed “Masailistan” (City of Problems).

The statement highlighted that in Quetta, Pishin, and Ziarat, low gas pressure and complete shutdowns have left citizens struggling in extreme cold. Over the past week, three to four gas explosions have occurred, injuring women and children and resulting in multiple fatalities. PMAP criticized Sui Southern Gas Company for failing to ensure proper gas supply despite repeated warnings and meetings with party leaders. The party emphasized that timely arrangements during the summer could have prevented gas shortages and pressure issues during winter, but the company failed to act.

In addition to gas shortages, QESCO’s frequent power outages, unannounced load-shedding, low-voltage supply, transformer failures, and malfunctioning newly installed meters have caused widespread distress among citizens. Rising theft, robbery, and insecurity in Quetta city have further intensified public anxiety, with police allegedly failing to ensure safety and instead harassing citizens under the pretext of law enforcement.

PMAP demanded immediate measures to provide citizens with gas, electricity, clean drinking water, and employment opportunities. The party warned that if the situation persists, all PMAP regional units in Quetta, including the four tehsils and the district level, will organize strong protests against Sui Southern Gas Company, holding the provincial government and the company responsible for any resulting consequences.