April 06, 2008	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 28, 1429

QUETTA, April 5: Gas supply to the Uch power plant near Dera Murad Jamali was suspended after a main pipeline was blown up by suspected saboteurs on Saturday.

According to police sources, the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted under the pipeline near the Goth Mir Hasan area in the Nasirabad district.

“A five-foot portion of the 24-inch-diameter pipeline was blown up in the blast,” sources said, adding that gas supply was suspended to the power plant.

However, the functioning of the plant was not affected as it was getting gas supply from an alternative pipeline.

However, production of electricity was affected due to the blast that also rocked the small township.

“Repairing of the affected pipeline is in progress and it is expected that gas supply to the plant would be restored by Sunday morning,” an official told Dawn.

Meanwhile, one person was killed when a landmine exploded in the Pat Feeder area.