“Battling the chill: Residents huddle around a fire to stay warm as severe cold grips the region.” Photo Muhammad Ismail

Syed Ali Shah: 

Quetta, Ziarat, and Kalat districts are grappling with freezing temperatures, as severe cold and dry weather disrupt routine life.

The harsh conditions have confined residents to their homes, with many struggling to cope with prolonged power outages and unannounced load-shedding by the power utility company, QESCO.

The lack of uninterrupted electricity and gas supply has compounded the difficulties faced by the people. Residents report a dire need for heating to battle the extreme cold. Mohammed Aslam from Quetta expressed frustration, stating, “The ongoing load-shedding has made life unbearable in this freezing weather.”

Similarly, Bilal Ahmed from Ziarat urged authorities to address the crisis, emphasizing, “CASCO’s failure to provide stable power supply is making survival extremely challenging for families.” Sarath and Kala residents have also joined the call for uninterrupted electricity and gas, warning that prolonged neglect could escalate public grievances.

Local markets and schools remain largely empty, while small businesses are bearing the brunt of reduced customer footfall due to the severe weather. The absence of essential utilities has further aggravated the situation, with many households unable to use electric heaters or gas stoves.

Authorities have yet to issue a response to these growing concerns, leaving citizens to endure worsening conditions. Immediate action is needed to restore electricity and gas supplies, ensuring relief for the affected districts.

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Quetta Voice is an English Daily covering all unfolding political, economic and social issues relating to Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area. QV's main focus is on stories related to education, promotion of quality education and publishing reports about out of school children in the province. QV has also a vigilant eye on health, climate change and other key sectors.