Gas pipeline blown up in Quetta
ublic-sector gas utilities are operating with a guaranteed rate of return – a formula that should be revised to run them on a commercial basis. Photo: file
In yet another act of sabotage, unidentified miscreants blew up an important 18-inch diameter gas pipeline of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in Quetta on Monday, triggering a massive fire and disrupting gas supply to the provincial capital and several districts of Balochistan.
The blast occurred in the Akhtarabad area near the Western Bypass. The explosion was so powerful that flames immediately engulfed the pipeline, sending thick columns of fire and smoke high into the sky and spreading panic among local residents.
According to the initial report of the Bomb Disposal Squad, the incident was a clear case of sabotage. The attackers planted explosive material beneath the pipeline and detonated it, completely destroying a large section of the line.
An SSGC spokesperson confirmed that technical teams were rushed to the site immediately after the blast. The teams managed to control the fire by shutting off the main valve, preventing further damage.