QUETTA: Heavy snowfall and rain transformed northern and western districts of Pakistan’s Balochistan province into winter landscapes just hours before the arrival of the New Year 2026.
Snow blanketed the mountainous areas of Ziarat, Toba Achakzai, Kan Mehtarzai, Chaman, Qila Abdullah and Kalat. Valleys, hills and trees lay covered in white. Rain fell in the plains, bringing pleasant but sharply colder weather.
Intermittent rain continued in Quetta, Pishin, Mastung, Noshki and Zhob. The downpour intensified the cold across the region.
The Meteorological Department said temperatures in some areas dropped to minus 2 degrees Celsius. Cold winds forced many residents indoors, though visitors continued to head to hill stations to enjoy the scenery.
A strong western weather system entered Balochistan on the night of Dec. 29. It is expected to persist through the night of Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. Forecasters said more snowfall is likely in the hills, with rain expected in low-lying districts.
Experts said the system will deepen the cold but bring relief to water resources after a prolonged dry spell.
Ziarat’s famed juniper valleys, known worldwide for their natural beauty and historical value, are now fully covered in snow. The scenes have drawn locals and tourists from across the country.
Large numbers of visitors reached Ziarat and Kan Mehtarzai to capture snowfall on camera. Images and videos from the areas spread rapidly on social media, with users calling it nature’s New Year gift.
White peaks, snow-laden trees and cloud-covered roads revealed a rarely seen side of Balochistan.
The weather also caused disruptions. Slippery roads slowed traffic on routes linking Quetta with Ziarat and Chaman. Water accumulated in low-lying areas, creating difficulties for residents.
In Quetta, rain caused multiple power feeders to trip, leading to temporary outages in several neighborhoods.
Also Read: Rain and snowfall forecasted in many parts of Pakistan
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions during journeys to prevent accidents.
