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Tag: quetta

  • Shehbaz asks ‘younger brother’ Bilawal to be politically mature

    Shehbaz asks ‘younger brother’ Bilawal to be politically mature

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and former prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has described Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as a “younger brother”, a day after Bilawal advised PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to “focus on Lahore”.

    While mentioning the coalition government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Shehbaz said that “Bilawal Bhutto is like a younger brother. [We have] worked together for 16 months.”

    Shehbaz Sharif’s comment came during a press conference in Quetta where the other PML-N leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, were gathered.

    The PML-N president’s statement was a response to Bilawal’s advice to Nawaz Sharif to “focus on Lahore”.

    “We should move towards mature politics. Crying and blaming will do nothing,” the PML-N president said.

    “Mian sahib has been advised to go to other provinces. I suggest he should stay in Lahore,” said the former foreign minister while addressing a presser in Mithi.

    Bilawal also said that Nawaz Sharif should focus on Punjab and address issues within the party.

  • Emergency declared amidst Congo fever outbreak in Quetta

    Emergency declared amidst Congo fever outbreak in Quetta

    Authorities in Balochistan have declared a health emergency in the province amidst an outbreak of the deadly Congo fever. An outbreak of the viral disease has claimed the life of one doctor while 44 cases have been reported.

    The decision was made by Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki in Quetta to prevent the further spread of the disease. Local administration has been asked to stay alert, a ban has been imposed on private slaughterhouses in Quetta under section 144 and a directive has been issued to the livestock department to immediately spray disinfectants in cattle markets.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Congo fever is caused by a tick-borne virus called “Nairovirus”, transmitted via tick bites or through infected animals’ blood. It causes Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a severe viral haemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate of 10 to 40 percent.

    Dr Shukrullah Langove, who got infected with the virus, died on Sunday while he was being moved to Karachi by road. It was claimed by the Young Doctor’s Association that his life could have been saved, had swift action been taken. About 11 more healthcare providers including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, have also tested positive. The caretaker setup has declared the deceased doctor a martyr and announced benefits for his family. As for the other patients, it has been decided that they will be shifted to Karachi via air ambulance.

  • Names of politicians not paying their electricity bills made public

    Names of politicians not paying their electricity bills made public

    In a shocking revelation, the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) has unveiled a roster of prominent individuals who have failed to meet their obligations regarding electricity payments. 

    According to Samaa, this list comprises former Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), Senators, and individuals associated with the transportation industry, thereby bringing to light the substantial unpaid dues of these notable figures. 

    According to a QESCO spokesperson, the most significant defaulter on this list is none other than the former Federal Minister, Mir Hamayoun Aziz Kurd, who is currently indebted to the tune of an astounding Rs4.95 million. 

    Following closely behind, we find former Provincial Minister Asim Kurd with an outstanding balance of Rs2.06 million, while former Interior Minister Mir Zia Ullah Langau’s dues are accounted for at Rs1.57 million. 

    Among other noteworthy entries on this list, former Provincial Minister Zafar Zehri is recorded with unpaid bills totaling Rs1.16 million, former MNA Abdul Qahar Uddin with an outstanding amount of Rs916,253, and former Provincial Minister Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran showing Rs468,770 in unsettled bills. 

    This compilation also reveals that Feroz Lehri, a prominent transporter, owes QESCO a sum of Rs493,310, while Senator Naseeb Ullah Bazai has failed to clear Rs447,810 in unpaid bills. Additionally, former MPA Haji Ahmed Nawaz’s dues amount to Rs179,009, and tribal leader Wadera Sheeren Marri has an unsettled bill of Rs86,953. 

    KESCO, in response to the rampant issue of electricity theft across Balochistan, including Quetta, has undertaken rigorous measures. According to the spokesperson, a total of 322 cases have been registered against electricity thieves, resulting in the apprehension of 122 individuals.  

    Quetta leads with the highest number of cases at 64, followed by Loralai with 75, Khuzdar with 65, Sibi with 88, and Pishin with 25 cases. In addition to these, 5 cases have been filed in Makran. 

    Read more: Govt considers substantial gas tariff hike as energy concerns loom 

    The stringent crackdown on electricity theft has culminated in the collection of approximately Rs75 million in fines from the culprits, with Rs42.6 million already successfully recovered.  

    In response to non-payment issues in Balochistan, authorities have seized 15 transformers, and an additional 6 illegal transformers have been confiscated. Furthermore, 435 defaulters in Quetta, Loralai, Khuzdar, Pishin, Sibi, and Makran have had their connections disconnected due to their persistent outstanding bills. 

  • Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Mysterious closure: Kia Lucky Motors Pakistan closes four showrooms despite rising sales

    Lucky Motor Corporation Limited (LMC) shocked the automotive industry in Pakistan with a surprise announcement on Monday. In a press release issued on the same day, LMC revealed its decision to close four of its dealerships in the country, effective immediately.

    The affected dealerships include Kia Motors Hanna Lake in Quetta, Kia Motors Chenab in Gujrat, Kia Motors Avenue in Dera Ghazi Khan, and Kia Motors Gateway in Mardan. While the announcement was unexpected, LMC emphasized its commitment to transparency and customer-centric practices by informing all its customers promptly.

    Curiously, the press release did not provide a specific reason for the abrupt decision. It comes as a puzzling move for LMC, considering the company’s positive performance in 2023. In contrast to its competitors experiencing declining sales, LMC saw a significant boost in sales during the same period.

    According to Mettis Global, Kia Sportage, one of the company’s popular models, saw a notable 4 per cent increase in total sales Month-over-Month (MoM). Furthermore, LMC managed to sell impressive numbers of other models, with 163 Picantos, 53 Stonics, and 72 Sorentos sold in February 2023 alone.

    The closure of these dealerships raises questions among industry experts and customers alike, as the company’s sales figures seemed to indicate a flourishing business. However, without a clear explanation from LMC, speculation continues to circulate regarding the true motives behind this unexpected decision.

  • Attack on police station in Quetta leaves one police officer injured

    Attack on police station in Quetta leaves one police officer injured

    A police officer was wounded on Saturday when an unidentified assailant hurled a hand grenade at the Smart Police Station, Civil Lines, in Quetta.

    The injured officer has been identified as Abdul Saboor.

    According to the police, an unidentified motorcyclist carrying a hand grenade attacked the police station located in the White Road area of Quetta.

    The hand grenade resulted in a powerful explosion. As per local authorities the attacker managed to flee the scene.

  • Basic necessity becomes luxury in Quetta: Flour shortage drives prices up to Rs2,800 per 20kg bag

    Basic necessity becomes luxury in Quetta: Flour shortage drives prices up to Rs2,800 per 20kg bag

    In Balochistan’s capital of Quetta, a shortage of flour has led to skyrocketing prices for 20kg bags of the commodity. According to reports, profiteers are taking advantage of the situation and selling flour bags for between Rs2,640 to Rs2,800 in Quetta and surrounding areas.

    The residents of Quetta are frustrated that they are unable to obtain flour at the government’s fixed rate and are instead forced to pay an excessive price. They are calling on the provincial government to take action against the profiteers and ensure the availability of flour.

    According to ARY News, the President of Flour Mills Association Balochistan, Nasir Agha, has also weighed in on the crisis. He stated that the supply of wheat to the mills has been suspended for the last ten days, and he blamed the incompetence of the Balochistan food department for the current situation.

    With prices for flour continuing to rise, it remains to be seen how the provincial government will respond to the demands of the residents and the Flour Mills Association.

  • Qalandars vs Gladiators; who will win today?

    Qalandars vs Gladiators; who will win today?

    Tournament favourites Lahore Qalandars will face a team in trouble on Thursday. Quetta Gladiators are at the bottom of the points table while Qalandars are right on top.

    Lahore Qalandars fans are excited to watch Lahore vs Quetta in their home ground, but they are likely relaxed too after their team performed extraordinarily well in their first 4 games.

    Last time Lahore palyed against Quetta at the National Stadium, Qalandars thrashed the Gladiators, winning the match by 63 runs. Now Quetta Gladiators are ready to take revenge.

    Experts say that there is a strong chance of Lahore Qalandars maintaining their winning streak, with a complete batting and bowling line up. Spinner Rashid Khan can change the game single handedly, Shaheen Afridi is famous for grabbing first over wickets and the king of seam, Haris Rauf.

    Their batting line up is also strong in term of hitting in power play, with powerful hitters Fakhar Zaman and Kamran Ghulam.

    Shaheen Afridi’s team heads into the fixture after thumping Islamabad United by 110 runs in their previous outing. Quetta Gladiators have managed to win just one match in the tournament so far, with their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition looking increasingly bleak with each passing game.

  • Gang allegedly forced nurses, other staff into prostitution at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, investigation ongoing: report

    Gang allegedly forced nurses, other staff into prostitution at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, investigation ongoing: report

    An inquiry committee has gathered testimony from at least 10 victims during its investigation into the alleged existence of an organised gang that reportedly forced nurses and other staff members at the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Quetta into prostitution, SAMAA has reported.

    Atiq Ullah Khan, the additional secretary for health in Balochistan, stated that some women had offered to testify over the phone in order to safeguard their identities and to share their experiences with the vicious cycle that was being controlled by a strong group.


    Atiq said that he was taking the situation very seriously and that he had visited the hospital to reassure the employees that action would be taken against the offenders.


    He claimed that girls who complied with the gang’s demands while retaining their control were believed to receive unusual privileges from the group which is accused of running the hospital’s prostitution network. Those who disobeyed were subject to the gang’s wrath in one way or another.


    “We have submitted the initial report to the secretary health with several recommendations,” he stated.

  • Azam Swati finally released from jail for talking against army

    Azam Swati finally released from jail for talking against army

    Senator Azam Swati of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has finally been released from sub-jail after remaining behind bars for more than a month.

    The senator had been in the custody of law enforcing agencies since November 27 last year, after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) booked him in Islamabad over a “campaign of intimidating tweets against state institutions”, including the former chief of army staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa.

    On Monday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to Swati after he filed a petition seeking post-arrest bail.

    In December, PTI chief Imran Khan had said that Swati had been “taken away by Quetta police” from Islamabad despite health concerns.

    According to media reports, the arrest was made over different cases registered against the senator across Balochistan. However, Balochistan High Court (BHC) later ordered that no more cases should be registered against him.

    Later, Swati was brought to the capital via a special plane from Sukkur.

    Swati had criticised persons within the establishment in tweets posted from his account.

  • Balochistan High Court orders cancellation of all FIRs against Azam Swati

    Balochistan High Court orders cancellation of all FIRs against Azam Swati

    The Balochistan High Court (BHC) on Friday ordered that all first information reports (FIR) registered against Senator Azam Swati of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for his controversial tweets against senior military officers should be cancelled.

    Five FIRs were registered in Balochistan against Swati for tweeting against army officials.

    Balochistan police had arrested the PTI senator last week from Islamabad, detaining him in their custody after a local court in Quetta approved the law enforcement agency’s request for a physical remand.

    The court has directed police to quash all FIRs registered against the senator in the province and release him if he was not booked in any other cases.

    Swati was first arrested by the FIA on charges of posting controversial tweets about the armed forces in October and was later released on bail.

    The senator has since alleged that he was tortured in custody and demanded the removal of two military officials, one of whom he used foul language against in his tweet on November 26.

    On November 27, the FIA arrested Swati for the second time over a “highly obnoxious campaign of intimidating tweets […] against state institutions”.