A main natural gas pipeline exploded in southern Pakistan near the borders with Afghanistan and Iran, causing suspension of gas supply to several areas. The responsible party has not yet been identified.
Foreign media reported that a natural gas pipeline exploded in southern Pakistan yesterday (30 Mar), leading to suspension of gas supply to multiple districts. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A spokesperson for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) stated that the main 18-inch diameter pipeline in the outskirts of Quetta, capital of Balochistan province bordering Afghanistan and Iran, was bombed by unknown perpetrators. The explosion immediately disrupted gas supply systems in several parts of the city and at least five other districts.
Balochistan is a stronghold for both separatist insurgents and Islamist militant groups. Particularly, separatist rebels have long fought the government through attacks targeting authorities and the military, accusing the federal government in Islamabad of trying to deprive locals of their rightful share of the region's vast mineral resources. However, the SSGC spokesperson confirmed that engineering teams are currently working urgently to repair the pipeline and restore normal gas supply as soon as possible.
Source:Reuters
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