Sardar Muhammad Khundai, Nafeh Kakar, Qaseem Shah, Munir Shahwani:
Heavy snowfall across Balochistan brought traffic to a halt on several key routes, leaving passengers stranded and disrupting movement in multiple districts. The Quetta–Ziarat Road was closed due to intense snowfall, while reports confirmed that a number of vehicles remained stuck in areas affected by both heavy rain and snow.
Adviser to the Chief Minister for Political and Media Affairs Shahid Rind said the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan successfully carried out a large-scale rescue operation to assist those trapped in harsh winter conditions.
“Saving lives remained our top priority throughout the operation,” Shahid Rind said. “Despite freezing temperatures and difficult terrain, rescue teams remained on the ground, recovered stranded vehicles and shifted passengers to safer locations.”
He stated that hundreds of travelers, including women, children and the elderly, were rescued in time. “Effective coordination and prompt action by PDMA and allied departments helped prevent any loss of life during the severe weather,” he added.
Officials said prolonged snowfall caused major traffic disruptions on the Ziarat Road, prompting continuous clearance and rescue efforts until all stranded motorists were safely assisted.
Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the performance of PDMA and the commitment shown by officers and field teams. “Their dedication under extreme conditions reflects the government’s determination to protect its people,” the Chief Minister said, announcing certificates of appreciation for teams overseeing and conducting the rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the National Highway Authority (NHA), in coordination with PDMA, worked to restore traffic flow at critical points including Lakpass, Khojak and other key mountain passes.
The snowfall has also triggered a sharp decline in temperatures across the province, adding to public hardship. Ongoing gas load-shedding has further worsened the situation, particularly in remote and snow-affected areas.
