Tag: quetta

  • 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.

  • 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.