QUETTA: Despite the passage of three days, repair work on the damaged gas pipeline could not begin as several cities and towns in Balochistan, including parts of the provincial capital, remained without gas supply on Friday.

The 18-inch-diameter main gas pipeline was blown up by unidentified people using explosives in the Bolan riverbed in Kachhi district on Wednesday night, disrupting gas supplies to several districts of Balochistan.

Officials said the relevant security authorities had yet to provide clearance for repair teams to enter the affected area and replace the damaged pipeline.

Gas supply was suspended to several towns and cities, including parts of Quetta, after the main pipeline was blown up in the Bolan area of Kachhi district.

Officials of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) confirmed the incident and said the pipeline had been badly damaged, disrupting gas supplies.

“The explosion occurred at the KMP-246 valve assembly in the Bolan riverbed area near Gorkat, around 700 to 800 metres from the main Quetta-Sibi Road,” officials said, adding that it was an 18-inch-diameter pipeline.

They said unidentified people had planted high explosives beneath the pipeline and detonated them using a remote control.

Flames and smoke were seen rising from the damaged pipeline following the explosion.

“After the pipeline explosion, gas supplies were suspended to Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin, Ziarat and many parts of Quetta,” officials said, adding that consumers could face reduced gas pressure or disruption in supply.

SSGC officials said repair teams were ready to begin work but were awaiting security clearance before entering the affected area. The teams would be dispatched to the site immediately after clearance was granted, the company said.

Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026