An enormous explosion rocked a major natural gas pipeline in Pakistan on Monday, striking near the city of Quetta in the volatile Balochistan province. The incident, which authorities suspect was a terrorist attack, involved unknown individuals detonating a section of the 18-inch pipeline operated by the Sui Southern Gas Company.
Immediate Impact and Response
The blast severely disrupted gas supply to numerous areas across Quetta and upper Balochistan, exacerbating challenges during cold weather conditions. Technical teams acted swiftly to shut the main valve and extinguish the resulting fire, preventing further damage. However, repairs are currently on hold, pending clearance from law enforcement agencies, and are estimated to require between 12 and 24 hours to complete once authorised.
Investigation and Regional Context
Police have launched a full-scale investigation into the explosion, with initial findings pointing towards a deliberate terrorist act. Balochistan has a long history of separatist insurgency and militant violence, making it a hotspot for such attacks. Baloch separatist groups, who frequently accuse the central government of exploiting the province's resources without fair local benefit, routinely target government and military installations.
This incident echoes a similar attack on the same company's pipeline back in 2014, highlighting ongoing security vulnerabilities in the region. The disruption underscores the persistent tensions in Balochistan, where resource conflicts and political grievances fuel recurrent violence against infrastructure.
