Syed Ali Shah,News Desk:
QUETTA — A biting cold wave has gripped Quetta and surrounding districts following snowfall in the nearby mountains and continuous rainfall, pushing temperatures to near-freezing levels and making daily life increasingly difficult for residents.
Heavy snowfall was reported in areas surrounding Khojak Pass, Kan Mehtarzai, Toba Kakarai, Ziarat, and parts of northern Balochistan, while chilly winds continued to sweep across Quetta on Thursday. The prolonged cold spell has intensified the ongoing dry—and now damp—cold conditions across the region.
However, what has frustrated citizens most is the unannounced and prolonged gas and electricity load-shedding, which has compounded hardship at a time when heating is essential. Residents in Sariab Road, Pashtunabad, Satellite Town, Jinnah Town, Brewery Road, Kandahari Bazaar, and Western Bypass complained that stoves and heaters remain useless for most of the day.
“We can tolerate the cold — but how do we cook for our families when there is no gas?” asked Abdul Rahman, a shopkeeper in Pashtunabad. Others echoed similar concerns, accusing the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) of failing to ensure supply despite repeated assurances.
Frequent power outages have added to the misery. Students preparing for exams said they could not study at night, while small businesses reported financial losses. Citizens criticized the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) for what they described as mismanagement and poor communication.
“Both SSGC and QESCO disappear when people need them the most,” said a resident of Satellite Town. “We deserve at least a proper schedule and transparency.”
Authorities say efforts are underway to stabilize supply, but residents insist relief has yet to be seen. With the cold wave expected to continue, frustration is growing — and so are calls for accountability.
