Women gathered outside the Balochistan High Court on Wednesday to protest against the persistent low gas pressure in the city. Demonstrators, including residents from Mariabad and Hazara Town, blocked Serena Chowk and raised slogans against the gas authorities, demanding an immediate resolution to the crisis.
A separate sit-in, organized by the National Party on Alamdar Road, also highlighted the severe impact of the gas shortage. Protesters decried the challenges faced by families in freezing temperatures, where the lack of gas has left the elderly, children, and patients particularly vulnerable to illnesses.
“The entire system has come to a standstill because of the unavailability of gas,” said a protester. “While areas like Quetta Cantonment, Zarghoon Road, Governor House, and Chief Minister House enjoy uninterrupted gas supply, other neighborhoods, especially Mariabad and Hazara Town, are struggling without any gas despite fully paying their bills.”
Residents accused the government of negligence, alleging corruption and inefficiency in addressing the issue. “The officials at the gas department are no less complicit, indulging in luxury and corruption while the public suffers,” another protester remarked.
The residents of Quetta report that each winter, the issue of low gas pressure resurfaces, causing disruptions in cooking and heating. Many are forced to rely on expensive gas cylinders to meet their basic needs. Even central areas like Jinnah Road and Civil Hospital Colony face reduced gas pressure, worsening the hardships during mornings when families struggle to prepare meals.
With temperatures dropping to as low as 2–3°C, the lack of gas has added to the challenges of daily life in the valley. Citizens have reached out to Sui Southern Gas Company officials, but no substantial action has been taken to alleviate their woes.
Residents from Civil Hospital Colony shared, “Children are falling sick because of the cold. Families are left with no choice but to bear additional expenses for gas cylinders.”
The protestors called on government officials to take notice of their plight and resolve the issue promptly.