Gas supply to large parts of Quetta and several districts of Balochistan was suspended late Monday night after terrorists of the banned BLA terrorists (Baloch Liberation Army) carried out a major sabotage attack on a key gas pipeline in the Western Bypass area.
According to officials, an 18-inch diameter main gas pipeline was blown up in Akhtarabad, located on the outskirts of Quetta, triggering a massive fire and disrupting supply across the region.
Police said the terrorists planted explosive material under the pipeline, detonating it in the evening hours. The explosion caused severe damage, leaving a large section of the pipeline destroyed.
Areas Affected by Gas Outage
The disruption has hit both urban and nearby districts, including:
- Hazara Town
- Hazarganji
- Khaizi
- Nohsar
- Pishin
- Ziarat
- Kalat
- Mastung
- Kuchlak
Officials confirmed that thousands of households are now facing gas shortages.
SSGC Response and Repair Timeline
A spokesperson for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said emergency teams reached the site soon after the blast. However, due to the scale of destruction, immediate repairs are not possible.
The SSGC Balochistan General Manager stated:
- Repair work will begin after security clearance
- Damaged sections will be completely replaced
- Replacement pipes are being transported from Karachi
Authorities expect delays in restoration due to logistical and security challenges.
Security Situation and Investigation
Following the attack:
- Heavy security deployment has been made around gas installations in Quetta
- Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) teams have launched an investigation
- The blast site, reportedly under a bridge, has been sealed for forensic analysis
Initial findings confirm this was a planned sabotage operation targeting critical infrastructure.
BLA Targeting Civilian Infrastructure
This latest attack highlights a disturbing pattern.
The banned BLA has repeatedly targeted:
- Gas pipelines
- Electricity transmission lines
- Mobile and internet towers
These attacks are not just symbolic — they directly impact civilians, leaving entire regions without basic utilities.
In recent weeks alone, BLA operations have:
- Disrupted electricity supply
- Damaged communication networks
- Now crippled gas distribution
With repeated attacks on infrastructure, Balochistan continues to face growing hardship. Essential services are being systematically disrupted, affecting daily life, businesses, and public safety.
As repair work begins under tight security, residents brace for prolonged gas shortages.
