Punjab Gas Supply: Dera Bugti attack worsens situation

Gas shortage in parts of Punjab after gas pipeline blown up near Dera Bugti.

QUETTA: Gas shortage in parts of Punjab deteriorated after a 24-inch-diametre gas pipeline was blown up near Dera Bugti on Saturday.

The gas pipeline blast disrupted gas supply to the Sui plant from Pirkoh gas field, a senior official said. “Explosives were strapped to the pipeline which is buried seven feet below ground surface,” he said. Security officials rushed to the area and cordoned off the area. Officials suspect that the local residents might be involved in the incident since the attackers were familiar with the gas pipeline’s location.

“Without the support of the local people, no one can carry out attacks so frequently,” said an official on condition of anonymity.



Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2011.