Pakistan Army Ensures Safety of Travellers Amid Balochistan Snowstorm with Railway Security Deployment

The Pakistan Army has been deployed across key railway routes in Balochistan to secure passenger trains amid heavy snowfall and severe weather conditions. The Jaffar Express and Bolan Express are among the critical lines under protection, according to officials who provided this information on Monday.

Despite challenging terrain and freezing temperatures, army personnel remain vigilant in ensuring round-the-clock security for these vital rail routes. Security forces continue to confront terrorism threats alongside extreme weather challenges. Soldiers are braving harsh conditions such as snowfall and cold temperatures to safeguard passengers and critical infrastructure.

While widespread rain and snow have intensified the region’s already frigid climate and disrupted daily life, particularly in northern and upper districts of Balochistan, security concerns remain paramount. Injuries and fatalities from roof collapses due to weather-related incidents have occurred; one person died and four were injured when a house collapsed in Quetta.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that strong westerly winds from Iran triggered continued rain and snowfall, resulting in severe cold conditions and temperature drops across the province. Several roads have been affected by these weather phenomena, leading to travel disruptions on some routes.

Ziarat experienced a record low of minus 8 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place within Balochistan’s boundaries. In Quetta, one individual was killed and two others injured when a roof collapse occurred in an inhabited dwelling. In Duki district, four people, including a shopkeeper, were injured as their retail establishment’s roof collapsed.

Rainfall has been recorded at various stations across the province, with Qalat receiving 34 millimeters of rain, followed by Ziarat and Dalbandin, which received 17 and 15 millimeters, respectively. Snow accumulation significantly impacted traffic on the N-50 highway connecting Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Light to moderate snowfall persists in areas such as Quetta, Mastung, Qalat, Pishin, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, and Zhob, while rain continues in Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Turbat, Panjgur, Khuzdar, and Chagai. The National Highway Authority (NHA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), along with district administrations, are working to clear snow from major highways using heavy machinery.

Officials have advised travellers to exercise caution as slippery conditions continue on various routes connecting Balochistan with Sindh. Additionally, the PMD warns of possible flash flooding in southern Balochistan’s streams and continues monitoring for further weather developments, including potential snowfall continuing into the next day in Quetta, Ziarat, Qalat, Chaman, and Pishin.