A major explosion hit a key gas pipeline in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province on Thursday, disrupting supplies to several districts and raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the region,
where separatist insurgent groups have repeatedly targeted state infrastructure.
According to officials of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), an 18-inch transmission pipeline was damaged near Gorkat in Bolan district along the Quetta-Sibi road. The blast reportedly affected a critical valve assembly, forcing authorities to suspend gas supply to at least six major areas: Colpur, Machh, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat.
The disruption is expected to have a significant impact on households, businesses and public services in these districts, many of which already face periodic energy shortages. SSGC said the incident may also lead to low gas pressure in parts of Quetta and adjoining areas as the network adjusts to the loss of supply from the affected section of the pipeline.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility, the explosion comes against the backdrop of a long-running separatist insurgency in Balochistan. Baloch armed groups have frequently targeted gas pipelines, electricity transmission lines, railway tracks and security installations, arguing that the province’s natural resources are being exploited without adequate benefit to the local population. Pakistani authorities reject those claims and describe the attacks as acts of terrorism aimed at destabilising the state.
SSGC said its repair teams are prepared to begin restoration work, but operations have not yet started because security clearance is still awaited from the relevant authorities. The company indicated that engineers and equipment are on standby and that repairs will commence as soon as the area is declared safe.
The latest blast adds to concerns over a deepening energy crisis in parts of Balochistan. Any prolonged disruption could affect domestic consumers as well as commercial and industrial activity, especially in districts that rely heavily on the transmission line passing through Bolan.
Security forces have reportedly launched an assessment of the site, though officials have not released details about the nature of the explosion or the extent of the damage beyond the affected valve assembly and pipeline section.
