Pakistan is reeling from severe weather conditions, with blizzards and heavy snowfall causing widespread disruptions across the country. The northern regions of Balochistan have been particularly affected, with scores of tourists’ vehicles stranded on the Quetta-Ziarat Road.
Over a hundred tourists are stuck in their vehicles, as the blizzard has severely affected the N-50 road at various points, causing traffic disruptions from Balochistan to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least 27 people have been injured in various incidents.
The extreme cold weather has brought life to a grinding halt in the region, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -12 degrees Celsius in the Chaman-Karachi Road. Several vehicles were also involved in accidents, with two people losing their lives and seven injured.
The first snowfall of the season has hit Quetta, with the valley witnessing heavy snowfall throughout the day. The snow-covered mountains have been transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
The severe weather conditions have also disrupted traffic on major highways, including the NHA, PDM, and district administration have launched joint clearance operations to clear the roads.
In addition to the snowfall, light to moderate rain is also expected in various districts, including Khuzdar, Lasbela, and other areas. Skardu, Larkana, Ghotki, Khairpur, Nawabshah, Noorpur Feroze, and Jacobabad are also experiencing a significant increase in cold temperatures due to rain showers.
In Punjab, the cities of Sargodha, Multan, D.G Khan, Mianwali, Liaquatpur, Bannu, Kohat, North and South Waziristan, Karak, and Malakand are also experiencing heavy rain showers.
In Karachi, the second snowfall of the season has brought a chill to the city, with the skies clearing after the rain showers.
The severe weather conditions have also caused disruptions in various cities, including Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore.
In a separate development, the rubble removal operation is underway at the site of the collapsed Glades Plaza in Karachi. Pakistani Senator and PTI leader Ali Zafar has said that the country is burdened with a staggering debt of 80 trillion rupees.
In a related development, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the home of firefighter Farhan Ali, who lost his life in the Glades Plaza fire.
The government has released an initial report on the land allocation for the Glades Plaza, which caught fire in a tragic incident. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that the winter festival Baisakhi, which is 500 years old, has brought joy to the people of Punjab.
In a separate development, a meeting was held between Federal Minister for Finance, Ahsan Iqbal and the Saudi Minister for Investment. The meeting focused on the ongoing cooperation and economic partnerships between the two countries.
The rescue operation is ongoing at the site of the collapsed Glades Plaza, while investigations into the incident have also made significant progress. ANP leader Hayatullah Hotti has criticized the government for selling university lands.
In a related development, Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Sameeha Tahir has said that 71 bodies or human remains have been recovered from the site of the collapsed Glades Plaza so far. Federal Minister for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry’s comments on the plight of the men who lost their lives in the incident have sparked ridicule.
In a separate development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has criticized the government for its handling of the situation. A committee has been formed to probe the incident.
In a related development, the Glades Plaza Management Committee has estimated that the damage to the property is over 10 billion rupees.
In a separate development, Federal Minister for Interior, Ahsan Iqbal has defended the government’s decision to join the Gaza Peace Board. In a related development, the rescue operation is ongoing at the site of the collapsed Glades Plaza, while investigations into the incident have also made significant progress.
In a separate development, a dispute has erupted among PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly.
