Balochistan faces prolonged gas disruption after pipeline bombing

Residents in Balochistan, Pakistan, continue to face gas supply disruptions for the third consecutive day following an explosion that damaged a critical gas pipeline. Several cities and towns, including parts of the provincial capital Quetta, remain without gas.

The incident occurred Wednesday night when an 18-inch-diameter main gas pipeline was blown up using explosives in the Bolan riverbed, located in the Kachhi district. Officials confirmed that unidentified individuals planted high explosives beneath the pipeline near the KMP-246 valve assembly and detonated them remotely. The explosion caused significant damage and flames were seen rising from the pipeline.

Gas supplies have been suspended to numerous areas, including Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin, Ziarat, and large sections of Quetta. Consumers are experiencing reduced gas pressure or complete disruptions. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials stated that their repair teams are prepared to commence work but are awaiting security clearance before entering the blast site.

The delay in repair work is attributed to the relevant security authorities not yet providing clearance for the teams to access the affected area in the Bolan riverbed. The SSGC has indicated that repair teams will be dispatched immediately once security approval is granted, but the ongoing wait leaves residents without a vital utility.