Thousands of households in Balochistan are facing a severe humanitarian crisis after militants linked to the Indian-backed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) detonated a vital gas pipeline on Monday evening. This attack has disrupted gas supplies to Quetta and several neighboring districts.
The explosion targeted an 18-inch diameter pipeline located in the Akhtarabad area near Quetta’s Western Bypass, igniting a large fire and forcing an immediate halt to gas distribution in Quetta, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin, and Ziarat.
As harsh Siberian winds continue to batter the region, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has confirmed that technical teams are working urgently to repair the damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have secured the site to allow the Bomb Disposal Squad to check for any additional explosives.
The timing of the attack has provoked widespread anger locally, as it directly threatens civilian survival during a period of sub-zero temperatures.
Government officials and security experts have strongly condemned the strike, which is widely attributed to the BLA’s ongoing “Operation Herof 2.0.” This operation appears to deliberately target civilian infrastructure to inflict hardship on the population.
Critics argue that the BLA, acting under the influence of Indian and Zionist interests, has exposed itself as an adversary of the Baloch people by sabotaging development projects that promote regional stability.
Analysts observe a troubling shift in BLA tactics from attacking military targets to destroying essential public utilities, thereby punishing local communities to advance foreign agendas.
By disrupting services crucial to daily life, the group aims to hinder Balochistan’s economic progress, fully aware that the province’s development is integral to Pakistan’s overall growth.
With forecasts predicting further rain and hailstorms this week, the provincial administration has made restoring the pipeline a top priority. However, full gas pressure is not expected to be restored for at least 24 hours.
