Khojak Pass, Ziarat cross closed for traffic after heavy snowfall
Sardar Muhammad Khondai, Manan Mandokhail, Web Desk :
QUETTA: Authorities closed Khojak Pass and Ziarat cross for traffic after heavy snowfall on Friday night. Quetta, Kalat, Kan Mehtarzai, and other parts of Balochistan received heavy snowfall. Snow clearance operation launched by concerned departments in the affected areas.
“Ziarat-Sanjavi and Ziarat-Domiara roads closed for traffic after heavy snowfall”, Habib Naseer, Deputy Commissioner Ziarat said in a statement. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has already put the administration of Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Kalat, Mastung, Kachhi, and Killa Saifullah districts on high alert to tackle any emergency situation.
Snow cleaning operation launched in the affected areas
“All departments are on high alert”, Captain (R) Jumadad Mandokhail, Deputy Commissioner Chaman said. The administration has also launched a snow cleaning operation at the main Khojak pass near the Afghan border to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Traffic between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains suspended after the closure of the main Khojak Pass.
The PDMA has also advised the people to avoid unnecessary traveling in the snow-affected areas of Balochistan. Heavy machinery and technical staff have been deployed at all affected areas to cope with any emergency situation.
NHA also engaged in snow cleaning from highways
The authority had predicted heavy snowfall and rainfall in various parts of central and northern Balochistan. The provincial government had also contacted the National Highway Authority (NHA) to step up efforts to make sure smooth flow of traffic on highways.
The PDMA has also established a helpline center and control room to monitor the situation 24 hours a day.
Tourist trying to reach Ziarat
Tourists from various parts of the country in general and Karachi in special were trying to reach Ziarat, the country’s famous tourist town. However, the authorities stopped tourists from visiting Ziarat because of heavy snowfall.
