QUETTA, March 12: A gas pipeline was blown up near Jinnah town here on Monday, disrupting supply to many areas for several hours. A portion of the 6-inch diameter pipeline was blown up as an explosive device planted under the pipeline went off at 10:45am, said police.

As a result of the explosion, they said, gas supply to Arbab Town, Killi Ismail, parts of Jinnah town, Samungli Housing Scheme and some areas on the outskirts of Quetta remained suspended for several hours.

Water supply to parts of the city was also affected as a water pipeline was also damaged in the explosion.

Staff of the Sui Southern Gas Company rushed to the site and started repair work after getting security clearance.

They said the pipeline was repaired in the afternoon after which the gas supply was restored.

Water supply was also restored around the same time, said sources. The disruption in gas and water supplies caused a great deal of trouble of the residents of the affected areas.

The non-provision of gas was a bigger concern for the citizens who had to brave a fresh wave of rain-triggered cold in the valley with no fuel to operate their heaters.