QUETTA — Residents across Quetta and several key districts of Balochistan were left without gas on Monday night after unidentified armed militants blew up a major supply pipeline. The targeted attack on the 18-inch diameter main gas line at the Western Bypass has disrupted domestic and commercial activities in the midst of the ongoing regional energy crisis.
🚨 BREAKING: A major 18-inch Sui Southern Gas Company pipeline has exploded today in Akhtarabad, Pakistan on Quetta’s Western Bypass, Balochistan.
Suspected sabotage.
The Gas supply has been cut off to Quetta and districts of Mastung, Kalat, Pishin & Ziarat.
Repair work… pic.twitter.com/qjoZexpNO6
— Public News X (@PublicNewsX) March 30, 2026
Key Highlights
-
Targeted Sabotage: An 18-inch diameter main gas pipeline was destroyed using explosive devices in the Akhtarabad area on the outskirts of Quetta.
-
Extensive Blackout: Gas supply is currently suspended in Hazara Town, Hazarganji, Khaizi, Nohsar, Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, and Kuchlak.
-
Infrastructure Damage: A significant portion of the pipeline was gutted by a fire that erupted immediately following the blast.
-
Security Response: Heavy contingents of security forces have been deployed to protect gas installations; repair work is pending security clearance.
The Attack at Western Bypass
According to senior police officials, the attackers planted high-intensity explosives under the pipeline in the Akhtarabad locality on Monday evening. The subsequent blast triggered a massive fire, visible from several kilometers away, which was only contained after the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) isolated the affected segment.
The SSGC spokesperson confirmed that the “18-inch diameter main line” is a critical artery for the provincial capital’s distribution network. The sudden drop in pressure has paralyzed kitchens and small businesses across a wide geographical belt, stretching from Quetta to the mountainous regions of Ziarat and Kalat.
🇵🇰⚡ Baloch Fighters carried out coordinated attacks across multiple districts of Balochistan including its capital Quetta, as well as Mastung, Nushki and Kharan targeting police and FC checkpoints.
Railway line was blown up with explosives and the Sui gas pipeline was targeted… pic.twitter.com/gMbpr1SGnp
— Osint World (@OsiOsint1) March 30, 2026
Impact on Surrounding Districts
The suspension has hit high-altitude areas particularly hard, where temperatures remain low. The affected regions include:
-
Quetta Suburbs: Hazara Town, Hazarganji, Khaizi, and Nohsar.
-
Northern & Central Balochistan: Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat, Mastung, and Kuchlak.
Local residents have reported a surge in the price of LPG cylinders and firewood as they scramble for alternative heating and cooking sources.
Repair Operations and Security Concerns
SSGC technical teams have reached the site but are currently awaiting a “security sweep” and formal clearance from law enforcement agencies before beginning the welding and replacement of the destroyed section.
“A big portion of the gas pipeline was destroyed by the blast,” an SSGC official stated, noting that the timeline for full restoration depends on the extent of the structural damage. In the wake of the attack, security has been put on high alert at all vital gas installations and infrastructure nodes across the provincial capital to prevent further acts of sabotage.
The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, and while no group has officially claimed responsibility, police have registered a case against “unknown terrorists” and launched a search operation in the surrounding hills.
You May Like To Read: The Abbasi Inquiry: Navigating a Multi-Billion Rupee Financial Probe
Check out our latest video:
