Day: July 15, 2026

Quetta: Chief Engineer Canals Balochistan Qurban Ali Jatoi paid an emergency visit to Sukkur Barrage amid the continued non-provision of Balochistan’s rightful share of water in the Kirthar Canal.

He separately met Commissioner Sukkur Abid Saleem Qureshi and Chief Engineer Sukkur Barrage Mukhtiar Ahmed Abro, expressing serious reservations over the situation, said a news release received here.

He was accompanied by Executive Engineer Pat Feeder Canal Fareed Ahmed Pindrani and Executive Engineer Kirthar Canal Ghulam Muhammad Badini, while Commissioner Nasirabad Division Salahuddin Noorzei remained in constant contact.

Commissioner Sukkur assured that Balochistan would be provided its due share of water in the Kirthar Canal. Chief Engineer Abro also briefed Jatoi on the current water situation.

Qurban Ali Jatoi said unequivocally that Balochistan is not receiving the 2,400 cusecs of water mandated under IRSA regulations, leaving thousands of farmers in Kirthar Canal areas in severe distress and placing the irrigation department under immense pressure. He emphasized that despite shortages, irrigation authorities in Sindh and Punjab are legally bound to provide Balochistan its rightful share, which is already minimal compared to the overall allocation.

He warned that failure to provide timely agricultural water could devastate Balochistan’s green belt. He further stressed that, under the directives of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, all possible measures will continue to protect farmers’ rights and ensure water supply, affirming that Balochistan’s farmers will not be left alone.

Quetta: Advisor to the Chief Minister for Environment and Climate Change Naseem Rehman Khan Malakhail met with delegations comprising political, social, tribal, and civic representatives at his residence to discuss Balochistan’s overall political situation, public issues, development priorities, law and order, environmental protection, and the impacts of climate change.

Delegates highlighted challenges faced in their respective areas, presented suggestions, and emphasized the need for sustainable development. Detailed discussions were held on environmental conservation, efficient water resource management, afforestation, sanitation systems, and strategies to counter climate change.

Malakhail assured the delegations that all public concerns would be addressed through coordinated efforts with relevant departments.

He expressed confidence that Balochistan’s situation would improve further, noting that the provincial government is working diligently for public welfare, political stability, peace, and comprehensive development.

He stressed that the government’s top priorities include providing basic facilities, ensuring timely completion of development projects, and establishing lasting peace in the province. Addressing climate challenges such as drought, low rainfall, and shifting weather patterns, he underscored the urgent need for careful and wise use of water resources.

Malakhail highlighted that the government is enforcing eco-friendly policies to safeguard natural resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate risks. He pointed out that the province has already banned plastic bags and activated modern incineration units for safe disposal of hospital waste.

He further noted that practical steps are underway to improve urban sanitation and solid waste management systems, including waste segregation, recycling, upgrading dumping sites, and strengthening tree plantation campaigns.

The advisor emphasized that government efforts alone are not enough, urging citizens, social organizations, and all stakeholders to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles, avoid water wastage, reduce plastic use, and actively participate in afforestation drives to make Balochistan greener, cleaner, and safer against climate threats.

Quetta: The Regional Meteorological Center Quetta has forecast mainly hot and dry weather across most districts of Balochistan over the next 48 to 72 hours, with very hot conditions expected in Nokkundi, Washuk, Panjgur, Kech, Dalbandin, Kharan, Noshki, Sibi, Naseerabad, Sohbatpur, Jhal Magsi, and Usta Muhammad.

In last 24 hours, Turbat recorded the maximum temperature at 45.5°C, while Kalat registered the minimum at 32.0°C.

The forecast indicates chances of rain, windstorms, and thundershowers at isolated places in Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhail, Loralai, Duki, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Quetta, Ziarat, and Harnai. Partly cloudy conditions with light rain are also likely in Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhail, Ziarat, Harnai, Loralai, and Khuzdar.

Strong gusty winds accompanied by sand and dust are expected in Chagai, Washuk, Kharan, Noshki, Awaran, Panjgur, Kech, and along the coastal belt during the afternoon and evening hours.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly in the northern and coastal districts, to remain cautious of sudden weather changes, while farmers have been urged to take preventive measures to protect standing crops from strong winds and dust storms.

Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday reaffirmed that no compromise would be possible on the state’s integrity, sovereignty, and national security, while emphasizing that the government remained open to dialogue strictly within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan and Balochistan were inseparable, stressing that the bond would remain eternal.

Speaking at the 20th National Workshop Balochistan, Bugti strongly condemned violence, anti-state propaganda on social media, and terrorist narratives, describing them as tools to spread hatred and instability. He warned that organized conspiracies were underway to weaken and divide Pakistan, but vowed that such designs would be defeated.

The Chief Minister rejected the notion that uneven development was the root cause of terrorism, arguing that extremist ideology was the real issue. He pointed out that despite significant development in areas like Turbat, separatist movements have not disappeared, proving that the problem was in mindset rather than progress.

Sarfraz Bugti asserted that anti-state elements aimed not at public welfare but at imposing their ideology through force, seeking to divide Pakistan ‘like pieces of cake.’ He assured that the nation and the state would never allow such malicious ambitions to succeed.

He reiterated that while governance issues and public grievances could be addressed, national unity and security were non-negotiable. He pledged that the defense, stability, and survival of Pakistan would be safeguarded at all costs, even at the expense of personal sacrifice.

Highlighting reforms, Sarfraz Bugti announced that the government would leverage artificial intelligence in recruitment processes to ensure transparency, impartiality, and merit, thereby restoring youth confidence and guaranteeing equal opportunities for all qualified candidates.

Quetta: Deputy Commissioner Musakhail Abdul Razzaq Khujjak conducted a detailed inspection of the Loralai-Dargai Shabozai to Taunsa Sharif Road construction project.

During the visit, Deputy Project Director Ahmad Saeed Jaffar briefed him on the progress and technical aspects of the scheme.

The DC expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of work and directed officials that delays in development projects would not be tolerated.

He instructed that manpower be increased and the pace of work accelerated to ensure timely completion while maintaining construction quality.

The DC also visited Toi Sar Nadi, where local residents apprised him of difficulties and obstacles in mobility. Taking immediate notice of public grievances, he announced the laying of a pipeline in the stream to facilitate local movement.

Community elders and citizens appreciated the DC’s timely intervention and thanked him for announcing the pipeline installation, expressing hope that the measure would ease their daily hardships.

Quetta: Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) Focal Person Balochistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Central Senior Leader Chaudhry Naeem Karim on Tuesday termed the decision of dividing Quetta city into two districts positive sign of the people.

He said that this positive decision of the government would help in solving the problems of the people of Quetta and providing them with basic facilities.

He said that the population of Quetta city has now exceeded 4 million, due to which the citizens of Quetta are facing various problems and due to the lack of proper basic facilities for the growing population, the citizens were facing difficulties.

He said that the provincial government has taken a good decision by dividing Quetta into two districts, Quetta East and Quetta West, Quetta East includes the subdivisions Saddar, City, Sariab, while Quetta West includes Kuchlak, Bururi and Panjpai.

After the inclusion of Mastung district, Quetta division now has three districts. Chaudhry Naeem Karim has also welcomed the establishment of Lasbela Division, Makran Division, Naseerabad Division, Zhob Division and said that with the establishment of the new division, education, health and other facilities would now be available to the people at their doorstep.

He said that due to the increase in the population of Quetta city, the citizens living here were facing many difficulties and basic facilities were lacking.