Heavy Snowfall and Rain Hit Northern Balochistan, Multiple National Highways Blocked; PDMA Launches Rescue and Road Clearance Operations

**Quetta:** Severe winter weather continues to affect northern districts of Balochistan as heavy snowfall and rain, driven by western winds, sweep across the region. Areas including Quetta Valley, Mastung, Qalat, Chaman, Kan Mehterzai, and Muslim Bagh have experienced intermittent snowfall since last night, while low-lying areas are receiving light rainfall.

The snowfall has significantly intensified the cold wave in Quetta Valley and surrounding regions, with temperatures dropping several degrees below freezing. Following the snow, a large number of tourists flocked to nearby scenic spots, enjoying the winter weather with family and friends.

Meanwhile, heavy snowfall has led to the closure of several major national highways. The Quetta-Chaman Highway is blocked at Kojak Top, and the Quetta-Kan Mehterzai, Quetta-Muslim Bagh, and Quetta-Zhob highways are affected at multiple points.

Under the instructions of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) immediately launched rescue and road clearance operations. PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan visited Kan Mehterzai along with Director Planning and Rescue Naveed Ahmed Sheikh to oversee the ongoing efforts.

Jahanzeb Khan stated that, in line with the Chief Minister’s directives, relief operations are being carried out without interruption in all affected areas. PDMA teams equipped with heavy machinery are actively clearing snow from national highways to restore traffic flow. He urged the public to avoid non-essential travel due to the severe weather conditions.

According to DG PDMA, machinery and essential supplies were pre-positioned in affected areas prior to the snowfall to respond effectively to any emergency. The Meteorological Department has forecast that snowfall will continue for the next 24 hours, followed by an expected increase in cold intensity.