Supply Suspended: Gas pipeline blown up in Balochistan

QUETTA: Unknown persons blew up an 18-inch diameter gas pipeline in Ghot Jani Khan in Jaffarabad in the early hours of Saturday. Gas supply to various parts of Balochistan was suspended soon after the explosion. According to the police, explosive material was attached to a section of the pipeline and the resulting explosion disrupted the supply of gas. According to a Sui Southern Gas Company official, repair work had begun and the gas supply is likely to be restored within 24 hours. The law enforcement agencies rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. No group has so far claimed the responsibility for the attack. 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.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2012.