Balochistan is freezing as icy winds from Kandahar cause temperatures to drop below zero. Quetta recorded -4°C, while water began freezing in Ziarat and Kalat.
According to the Meteorological Department, the cold is expected to intensify this week, with temperatures likely to dip further in the next few days.
The freezing weather has caused water to freeze on roads and streets. Meanwhile, unannounced gas load-shedding and low gas pressure have left residents struggling to stay warm.
In Ziarat, locals complained about the lack of gas, while angry residents in Mangchar, Mastung, and Kalat blocked the Quetta-Karachi highway in protest. In Quetta, people burned tires and blocked roads to demand relief from the ongoing gas crisis.
In this month, a powerful hailstorm shattered a 42-year record in Duki, Balochistan, increasing the region’s cold intensity.
Coldest night in Balochistan
Earlier this year, Balochistan’s capital, Quetta experienced its coldest night recording a temperature drop to -5 degrees Celsius.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), water in pipelines and roads started to freeze.
Snowfall in other areas of Pakistan
The season of snowfall has begun in the country.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a traffic advisory for tourists heading to Murree District after heavy snowfall.
The tourist influx is expected to begin during the winter holidays which are likely to start after December 20.
The district authorities closed Naran, situated in the Kaghan Valley, and the road leading to the Babusar Top for tourists due to heavy snowfall in the region.
