Army relief operations underway as severe winter weather hits Balochistan, K-P
Army personnel are carrying out rescue, relief operations in several areas of Balochistan, K-P. Photos: Screengrab
The Pakistan Army is continuing rescue and relief operations in several areas of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) after severe winter weather and heavy snowfall have left people stranded and disrupted road links.
A statement issued on X by state broadcaster PTV News said the military had set up control centres in Hosri, Ziarat, Bolan, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Khojak Top, Lak Pass, Dukki, Kolpur and Muslim Bagh to coordinate the response.
Army troops and rescue teams were evacuating local residents and tourists trapped in the snow, the statements said. Those rescued were being provided with food, medical assistance and other basic necessities. The statement said the military remained ready to provide relief in extreme weather conditions.
‼️ بلوچستان اور خیبرپختونخوا کے مختلف علاقوں میں شدید برفانی موسم کے پیش نظر پاک فوج کا بروقت ریسکیو آپریشن
بلوچستان اور خیبرپختونخوا کے مختلف علاقوں میں شدید برفانی موسم کے پیش نظر پاک فوج امدادی سرگرمیوں میں مصروف عمل ہے
پاک فوج نے ہوسری، زیارت، بولان، ژوب، قلعہ سیف… pic.twitter.com/dSZlck6TMOSeparately, in Kurram district, it said security forces continued relief and rescue work amid heavy rain and unusually intense snowfall.
"Due to the severe snowy weather, the Pakistan Army immediately launched an emergency rescue operation to assist the local population and restore ground communications. By effectively utilising heavy machinery and manpower, all affected roads have been fully restored. The restoration of important ground communications has made it possible to supply essential goods to the area. Due to timely relief activities, local people have regained access to markets and health centres," the statement added.
It further said that troops also cleared snow from highways and moved stranded vehicles and passengers to safer locations.
"As a result of the Pakistan Army's professional measures, important ground routes have been restored, providing relief to the public from severe difficulties. Despite the severely bad weather and challenging conditions, officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army are personally overseeing the relief activities."
It added that troops in the Tirah Valley were also continuing assistance work during heavy snowfall.
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"The Pakistan Army remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the lives and property of the public and providing immediate assistance in natural disasters and emergency situations," the statement concluded.