Pipeline blast disrupts gas supply across Balochistan

Gas supplies to Quetta and several areas of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an

QUETTA: Gas supplies to Quetta and several areas of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an explosion damaged a major gas pipeline in the Bolan region.

Officials said the blast occurred near Gokurt. An 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly.

The damaged facility is located around 800 metres from the National Highway.

The explosion disrupted gas supplies to Quetta, Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat.

Flames reportedly emerged from the damaged pipeline shortly after the blast. The area was secured to prevent further danger and allow authorities to inspect the site.

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said repair teams would be sent to the location after security clearance is granted.

Engineers and technical teams will assess the damage first. Restoration work will begin after the site is declared safe.

The company has not yet announced when gas supplies will be fully restored.

The suspension has caused concern among residents and businesses in the affected areas. Many households depend on the gas network for cooking and other daily needs.

Businesses and commercial establishments may also face difficulties if the disruption continues for an extended period.

Security authorities have started investigating the explosion. Officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the damage to the pipeline.

The incident highlights continuing security concerns surrounding energy infrastructure in Balochistan. Gas pipelines in the province have previously been targeted in similar attacks.

A similar incident was reported in Balochistan earlier this year.

In March, an 18-inch gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Harnai’s Akhtarabad area was damaged in an explosion.

Explosives had reportedly been planted beneath the pipeline. The blast destroyed a significant section of the infrastructure and disrupted gas supplies to several areas.

The earlier incident affected parts of Quetta and upper Balochistan. Several localities, including Airport Road, Nawan Kali, Jinnah Town, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin and Ziarat, experienced disruptions.

The March explosion also caused a major fire. Large flames were seen rising from the damaged pipeline, creating panic among people living nearby.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into Thursday’s blast. Security officials will also determine the extent of the damage and assess the measures required to protect the pipeline network.