Quetta: Gas supply to Quetta and several districts of Balochistan was suspended on Monday evening after militants blew up a main 18-inch gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Akhtarabad, on the outskirts of the city.
According to the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), unknown armed men planted explosives under the pipeline, causing a massive blast and fire that destroyed a large portion of the infrastructure. The explosion knocked out gas supply to multiple areas in Quetta and other districts.
The affected areas include Quetta’s Hazara Town, Hazarganji, Khaizi, Nohsar, and Kuchlak, as well as districts Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, and Mastung. Residents have been advised to arrange alternative gas sources for the next couple of days while repairs are underway.
SSGC officials said repair work will begin after security clearance. Replacement pipes will need to be brought from Karachi, which may delay restoration of normal gas supply. A heavy contingent of security forces has been deployed at gas installations in Quetta following the incident.
Authorities are investigating the attack, which has raised security concerns across the province. The blast comes amid an increase in targeted attacks on infrastructure in Balochistan.
