30 January 2005	Sunday	19 Zilhaj 1425

LAHORE, Jan 29: The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited on Saturday completely restored the supply of gas to Lahore and its adjoining areas after about 18 hours.

The gas supply to several localities of the city and its adjoining areas, especially industrial areas on Raiwind Road, was suspended on Friday night after the 18-inch diameter gas transmission pipeline on Sahiwal-Lahore section was ruptured near the left bank of Baloki-Sulemanki Canal at about 10pm.

The rupture, the SNGPL authorities said, appeared to be a "sabotage activity". As a result, the supply of gas was completely suspended to such areas in the city as the Defence Housing Authority, Cantonment, Thokar Niaz Beg, Raiwind Road, Johar Town and Multan Road, etc.

The SNGPL officials said the gas supply was restored by its engineers and other staff at about 4pm on Saturday afternoon.

They said the SNGPL crew was moved to repair the pipeline as soon as the authorities came to know about the rupture. "After over eight hours of strenuous efforts, the supply was completely restored by our crew," they said.