Gas supply was suspended in multiple districts of Balochistan on Tuesday after unknown armed men blew up a main gas pipeline in the Western Bypass area of Quetta, disrupting service to thousands of residents.
Officials from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) confirmed that an 18-inch diameter pipeline was detonated in the Akhtarabad locality on the outskirts of Quetta, causing a fire and significant damage to the infrastructure. The blast forced authorities to cut off gas supply to several areas of Quetta, including Hazara Town, Hazarganji, Khaizi, and Nohsar, as well as to neighbouring districts such as Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, and Kuchlak.
A senior police officer said the explosion occurred early on Tuesday, prompting a swift response from emergency crews and security forces. Engineers and SSGC staff reached the site to assess the damage, but repair work will begin only after security clearance is granted, according to the company’s Balochistan general manager.
Following the incident, a heavy contingent of security personnel was deployed around gas installations in Quetta to prevent further sabotage and protect critical infrastructure. Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators or released details about possible motives behind the attack.