Gas pipeline blown up in Balochistan

A main gas pipeline in Pakistans Balochistan province was blown up on Thursday, disrupting supply to several areas and a water purification plant, officials said.

Islamabad, Aug 30 : A main gas pipeline in Pakistan's Balochistan province was blown up on Thursday, disrupting supply to several areas and a water purification plant, officials said.

A spokesman for the Sui Southern Gas company was quoted by IRNA as saying that the pipeline was located some 350km south of Baloch capital Quetta.

The blast also damaged electricity transformer, electric poles and several houses.

A police officer in Sui, Najmuddin Tarin, said explosives were used to blow up the 16-inch diameter pipeline, supplying gas to plants. A man Sarbaz Baluch, who introduced himself as spokesman for Baloch Republican Army, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Sarbaz Baluch told journalists over phone that the pipeline was located near the Sui Cantonment Airport Road and defence areas.

Officials said that repair of the gas pipeline has been started and gas supply will restore soon.

ANI