Pipeline blown up in Jaffarabad less than 24 hours after being repaired

Explosion suspends gas to Quetta and some other parts of Balochistan.

QUETTA: Unknown men blew up an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Ghot Jani Khan in Jaffarabad in the early hours of Saturday.

Gas supply to the provincial capital, Quetta and some other parts of Balochistan suspended soon after the explosion

According to police, unknown persons attached explosive material to a section of the gas pipeline within Malagzad Police Station limits, in Jaffarabad. The subsequent explosion ended up disrupting gas supplies.

The gas supply was disconnected from the main pipeline that feeds Sindh.

Law enforcement agencies rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.

No group has so far claimed the responsibility for the attack.

According to a Sui Southern Gas Company official, repair work on the pipeline been started and the supply line is expected to be restored within 24 hours.

Other districts included Mastung, Kalat, Pishin, Ziarat and adjoining areas.

Another section of the same pipeline was blown up two days ago, with repair work being completed less than 24 hours before the fresh blast.

The Provincial Capital and some other northern districts remained in the grip of severe cold with strong winds disrupting normal life of the people.

According to the Meteorological Office, temperatures dropped to nine degrees below freezing in Quetta. Water has frozen in supply pipes and on the streets.