Militants blew up a major gas pipeline operated by a state-run company in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, disrupting supplies to several towns and cities, including parts of the provincial capital Quetta, officials said on Thursday.
The explosion took place at the KMP-246 Valve Assembly in the Bolan riverbed area near Gorkat in Kachhi district, according to a spokesperson for the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). The site is located around 700 to 800 metres from the main Quetta-Sibi Road.
The blast caused significant damage to an 18-inch-wide gas pipeline, interrupting supplies from Wednesday night. The disruption affected consumers in several areas that depend on the pipeline network for their gas requirements, including parts of Quetta.
The incident has added to concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure in Balochistan, a province that has witnessed repeated militant attacks on government installations, security forces and infrastructure projects.
According to the SSGC spokesperson, the damaged section of the pipeline was identified following the explosion, after which the company began taking steps to assess the extent of the damage and restore supplies. The company is expected to carry out repair work once the area is considered safe for its technical teams to operate.
The disruption could affect households, commercial establishments and other consumers in the affected areas, particularly those relying on the pipeline network for regular supplies. Authorities are expected to coordinate with security agencies to secure the site and facilitate repair operations.
Balochistan has long faced an insurgency involving several separatist militant groups, with attacks frequently targeting state institutions and strategic infrastructure. Gas pipelines, electricity installations, railways and other transportation and energy networks have previously been targeted in the province.
The latest attack occurred in an area along an important transportation corridor connecting Quetta and Sibi. The location of the damaged pipeline means restoration work could require additional security arrangements before engineers and workers can begin repairs.
Officials have not immediately provided details about casualties in the explosion. There were also no immediate reports indicating the extent of damage beyond the affected pipeline and the resulting interruption in gas supplies.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of Pakistan's energy infrastructure in Balochistan, where the government has struggled for years to maintain security amid continuing militant activity. Damage to gas infrastructure can have wider consequences because the pipeline network supplies fuel to residential consumers as well as businesses and industries.
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The SSGC, which supplies natural gas to large parts of southern Pakistan, is likely to face pressure to restore the affected pipeline as quickly as possible. However, the company must first ensure that the damaged section is safe to approach and that there is no continuing threat in the area.
Security officials are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blast and determine the group responsible for the attack. No militant organisation had immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion.
The disruption comes amid continued security challenges in Balochistan, where militants have increasingly targeted infrastructure that they view as representing the presence or interests of the Pakistani state.
As repair and security assessments continue, residents in the affected areas may face temporary interruptions in gas availability. Authorities and the gas company are expected to provide further updates on restoration efforts and the condition of the damaged pipeline.
The attack has once again underscored the challenges faced by Pakistan in protecting vital energy infrastructure in Balochistan, where militant violence remains a persistent threat to public services and economic activity.
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