Tag: quetta

  • Another earthquake jolts Balochistan

    Another earthquake jolts Balochistan

    Earthquake tremors once again jolted different regions in Balochistan, including Quetta, early this morning.

    The earthquake was also detected at the Pak-Iran border areas including Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Nushki, Pashin and Dalbandin.

    According to the Seismological Center, the magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at 5.6, and the epicentre was 166 kilometres southwest of Quetta.

    The depth of the earthquake was recorded at 30 kilometres.

    No loss of life or property was reported.

  • 5.4 magnitude earthquake hits Quetta

    5.4 magnitude earthquake hits Quetta

    Earthquake measuring 5.4 has hit Quetta and its neighbouring regions in Balochistan.

    The Pakistan Met Department reported that an earthquake measuring 5.4 jolted the area at 5:35 am.

    The epicenter was located 150 kilometres southwest of Quetta with a depth of 35 kilometres.

    This was followed by another earthquake at 06:24 am – a magnitude of 4.5 with epicenter located 120 kilometer southwest of Quetta and depth of 136 kilometers.

    There have been no reports of casualties or damage.

  • Rain emergency in Rawalpindi, below zero in Quetta as cold wave takes over

    Rain emergency in Rawalpindi, below zero in Quetta as cold wave takes over

    The weather in Quetta became colder after rain and snowfall while a rain emergency has been imposed in Rawalpindi after heavy rains.

    The Department of Meteorology has stated that weather in Quetta Valley and its surroundings will remain partly cloudy today. After yesterday’s rain and snowfall, the temperature in Quetta has dropped to minus five, reports Geo.


    Due to severe cold in Quetta, rainwater has frozen on the sides of roads. Consumers are also facing a reduction in natural gas pressure.

    Additionally, the Meteorological Department has said that the weather will remain very cold and dry in the northern districts of Balochistan. Rain is expected at a few places in Ziarat, Zhob, Barkhan, including Quetta, and snowfall is expected in the mountains.

    The lowest temperature has been recorded as minus 7 in Kalat.

    In Punjab, intermittent rain is continuing in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. However, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has imposed a rain emergency in Rawalpindi.

    As per MD WASA, 25 mm of rain has been recorded in Rawalpindi. Teams are engaged in draining with heavy machinery while the flow of rainwater has been recorded as five feet at Katariyan in Nala Lai and four feet at Gawalmandi Bridge.


    Chief Meteorologist Sardar Faraz has predicted clear weather in Karachi with no expected rainfall, but cold and chilly winds are anticipated to lower temperatures, reports Hum News.

    Riders on a motorcycle wrap a plastic sheet over themselves to shelter as they make their way along a road amid rains in Karachi on March 1, 2024. — AFP

    The maximum temperature is estimated to range between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.


    Currently, Karachi is experiencing winds at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, with a humidity level of 49 percent.


    The met office also noted that Karachi’s weather today will be chillier compared to yesterday.

  • Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    Pakistan mein kab aur kahan barish hogi?

    As per the latest forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), several regions across Pakistan are on high alert as they anticipate rainfall and heavy snowfall starting from Thursday.

    The Met Office has issued a weather advisory indicating that a strong westerly wave is set to approach western parts of the country by February 29, likely affecting most areas by March 1. This weather system is expected to persist for approximately two days, potentially leading to disruptive conditions.

    Areas including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Gawadar, Quetta, Chitral, Abbottabad, GB, Kashmir, Multan, Faisalabad, and Sialkot are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms.

    In Sindh, Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur & Dadu, Jamshoro, Thatta, Tharparker, Badin, Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Naushahro feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar districts & Karachi division are bracing for heavy rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms on February 29 and March 1. PMD has also warned of the possibility of isolated hailstorms during this period.

    Similarly, Balochistan is expected to experience widespread heavy rain along with wind and thunderstorms in areas such as Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Chagi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah during the same timeframe.

    Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rain coupled with thunderstorms from February 29 to March 3, affecting areas like Chitral (Lower & Upper), Dir (Lower & Upper), Malakand, Buner, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Torghar, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan, North & South Waziristan districts.

    Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir are also expected to face heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain, along with windstorms and snowfall throughout the forecast period.

    In Punjab, cities including Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Bhakkar on 01st & 02nd March. Heavy snowfall is also expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding during the period. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar are gearing up for widespread heavy rain accompanied by windstorms.

    The Met Office has issued warnings regarding the possibility of flash flooding in various regions. In Balochistan and Dera Ghazi Khan, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs on February 29 and March 1. Similarly, hill torrents in KP, Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat, as well as local nullahs in Islamabad, could experience flash flooding on March 1 and 2.

    Moreover, the heavy rain and snowfall may result in road closures in popular tourist destinations such as Murree, Naran, Kaghan, and Swat, among others. Consequently, tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period.

    The PMD has urged all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate any potential risks or untoward situations arising from the forecasted severe weather conditions.

  • Flash floods wreak havoc in Gwadar

    Flash floods wreak havoc in Gwadar

    Unexpected floods have hit Pakistan once more as Balochistan bears the brunt of sporadic rainfall just before spring. The flooded area includes the provincial capital of Quetta but this time, Gwadar has been severely affected.

    The flood was prompted by heavy rains on February 27 in Gwadar where the highest amount recorded was 58 millimetres.

    According to the Commissioner of Makran, the rain persisted for nine hours while in Gwadar, the duration was more than 16 hours which also impacted the electricity system.

    Some of the other areas experiencing rains were Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Turbat.

    It has been forecast that heavy rains will continue across the province until March 2.

  • One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    One dead, four injured in multiple blasts in Balochistan

    At least one person was killed and four injured as multiple blasts occurred on Thursday in different areas of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, Quetta, the police confirmed.

    The blast took place in the Spinny Road area of Quetta. Police have cordoned off the area and are figuring out what caused the explosion.

    Blasts also happened in Turbat and Naseerabad district.

    According to the police, at least three people were injured when a hand grenade exploded at the Dera Allah Yar Bhatti gate area in Naseerabad, while one person was injured in a grenade blast in Turbat’s main market.

    Bomb disposal squads and rescue teams have arrived at the site of the blast in Quetta, where, according to police, at least one person has died in the explosion.

    According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Quetta, Tariq Jawad, eight to 10 kg of explosives were used in the blast in Quetta.

  • PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    PTI leader who was refused party ticket shot dead in Bajaur

    In a tragic turn of events, Rehan Zeb Khan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and independent candidate from NA-8 Bajaur, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants in the Siddiqabad Phatak Bazar area on Wednesday.

    The district police officer and SHO Rashid Khan have confirmed the news of the PTI leader’s murder.

    Khan, who was contesting as an independent, was also a candidate for the provincial assembly seat PK-22. Reports suggest that he had tried to get a PTI ticket but had been refused by the party.

    The official candidate for PTI from NA 8 is Gul Zafar Khan, as per a reply from Imran Khan’s Facebook page message, “Halqa: NA-8, Bajaur, Candidate: Gul Zafar Khan, Symbol: SHOWER شاور”

    The incident occurred when Khan was at Siddiqabad Gate, engaging in canvassing activities for the upcoming general elections. The assailants targeted him while he was in his vehicle, marking a disturbing incident of violence against a political figure.

    This unfortunate incident comes on the heels of another attack on PTI’s electioneering within the past 24 hours. A day earlier, a bomb detonated at a PTI rally in Sibi, claiming the lives of at least four people and injuring five others, as reported by both police and witnesses.

    Saddam Tareen, the PTI candidate for the National Assembly constituency of NA-253, who was leading the rally on Jinnah Road in Sibi, fortunately escaped unharmed. The injured individuals were promptly transported to the Sibi district headquarters (DHQ) hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Unidentified Persons shot dead Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed and injured another in a firing raid attacking the ANP office, in Chaman district, Balochistan as per officials.

    At least three were injured in a grenade attack on the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) election office in Quetta, ARY News reported.

    According to police officials, the attack occurred on Saryab Road Quetta where a hand grenade attack was launched on the PPP election office that injured three people.

    Reacting to the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took notice of the attack and sought a report from the chief secretary and IG Balochistan.

    The ECP spokesperson said that suspects involved in such incidents will be tried under the election laws.

    The incidents underscore the growing concerns over the safety of political candidates and campaigners as the general elections approach.

  • Why shouldn’t court try Qasim Suri for violating Constitution, asks CJP Isa.

    Why shouldn’t court try Qasim Suri for violating Constitution, asks CJP Isa.

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has asked why the Supreme Court (SC) should not proceed against former National Assembly (NA) deputy speaker and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Qasim Suri for violating the Constitution.

    “Qasim Suri did not hold [voting] on the no-confidence motion. He became the cause of the constitutional crisis in the country,” the CJP remarked while referring to the 2022 crisis related to the ouster of then-prime minister Imran Khan via parliamentary vote.

    The CJP also stated that it was suggested that a former NA deputy speaker should be tried under Article 6 for treason. “Then tell us, why we should not proceed against you on abrogation of the Constitution?”

    The CJP passed the remarks during the hearing of Suri’s 2019 petition challenging the election tribunal’s decision to declare his election from NA-265 (Quetta-II) unlawful on September 27, that same year.

    In 2019, a three-member bench of the apex court headed by Umar Ata Bandial rejected the petition of the election tribunal and restored Qasim Suri’s membership.

    Baloch leader Lashkari Raisani had challenged Suri’s victory in the Quetta constituency during the 2018 elections.

  • Quetta becomes even colder; Drizzle expected in Karachi

    Quetta becomes even colder; Drizzle expected in Karachi

    Cold weather has increased in different cities of Balochistan after rain spells while a drizzle is expected in Karachi tonight (Saturday). The cold wave in other parts of the country is likely to become stronger, the Meteorological Department has said, reports Geo.


    The coldest temperature during the last 24 hours was hit in Skardu, where the mercury dropped to minus 9 degrees Celsius.


    The federal capital, Islamabad, is shrouded in dense fog which is affecting the flight schedule. Three international flights to Islamabad have been grounded in Karachi and Lahore. Due to low visibility, more than 500 flights have been delayed in the first 20 days of 2024.


    The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy fog in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Upper Sindh during the next few days. Karachi is likely to remain partially cloudy during the next 24 hours, while the possibility of drizzle has also been indicated at some places this evening. On Sunday and Monday, the city is expected to be partly cloudy and cool at night.


    The minimum temperature of the coastal city is expected to be between 13 and 15 degrees Celsius, while winds will continue to blow from the northeast and southwest in the city throughout the day.

  • Nine, including four children and police official, injured in Quetta blast

    Nine, including four children and police official, injured in Quetta blast

    A locally made explosive device went off near the Civil Secretariat and Commissioner Office on Quetta’s Zarghoon Road, injuring nine people, including a traffic policeman and four children.

    Senior Superintendent of Operations has said that the explosion happened in a garbage heap under the bridge on Zarghoon Road, adding that an investigation into the blast has been initiated.

    The SSP also confirmed that the injured children were ragpickers.

    Commissioner Quetta Division Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat, took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge citizens to avoid the Zarghoon Road for the next few hours.

    Terrorist attacks in Pakistan have ratched up in 2023, particularly on security and military personnel, ever since the end of a tentative truce deal with the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ended in November of 2022.