Major Gas Pipeline Blast in Balochistan Sparks Public Outcry and Demands for Independent Investigation
Quetta: A major 18-inch diameter gas pipeline supplying several districts of Balochistan was blown up on Tuesday in the Mach (Bolān) area, cutting gas supply to Pishin, Mastung and Yaro, while Quetta continues to receive gas for now. According to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), police have launched an investigation, and repair teams will be dispatched once security clearance is granted.
The latest incident has reignited public anger in Balochistan, where citizens are questioning why gas shortages, low pressure and load-shedding intensify every winter—only to be followed by another “pipeline blast” at the peak of the crisis.
Residents are demanding a **neutral, high-level investigation**, asking why pipelines carrying gas from Balochistan to other provinces remain secure, while **lines supplying Quetta and nearby districts are repeatedly targeted**.
**“When people were protesting against low gas pressure this week, who blew up the pipeline again at the exact same time?”** locals asked, calling the recurring explanation of “pipeline blown up” a possible administrative excuse or a sign of security lapses.
### **A Long History of Pipeline Attacks**
Balochistan has witnessed persistent sabotage of gas infrastructure for nearly two decades. Various security and investigative agencies report that from **2005 to 2018, at least 232 attacks** on gas pipelines were recorded, with dozens more occurring in recent years. The Quetta supply line has been among the most frequently hit.
### **Timeline of Gas Pipeline Attacks (2005–2025)**
#### **2005–2010: Rise in Attacks**
* Over **50 blasts** targeting pipelines.
* Hotspots included Dera Bugti, Sibi, Bolan, Machh and Naseerabad.
* Most attacks targeted 16–18 inch pipelines supplying Quetta, Sibi and western Balochistan.
#### **2011–2015: Escalation and Repeated Attacks on Quetta Line**
* Nearly **80 attacks** recorded.
* **2013, Machh:** Major blast destroyed 18-inch line to Quetta, cutting supply to multiple districts.
* **2014:** Double blast hit two pipelines, including one feeding Quetta.
* Despite enhanced security and repair efforts, attacks continued.
#### **2016–2020: Slight Decline But Regular Incidents**
* Around **40–45 attacks** documented.
* **2017:** Dera Bugti blast hit 18-inch line, heavily affecting Quetta, Pishin and Mastung.
* **2019:** Another major explosion in Machh.
#### **2021–2024: Renewed Spike in Attacks**
* More than **20 attacks** reported.
* **2022:** Two major blasts between Sibi and Machh.
* **2023:** Pipeline between Pishin and Bolan destroyed; Quetta faced 24-hour pressure collapse.
* **Dec 2024:** Massive blast on 18-inch line near Quetta Western Bypass, leaving many areas without gas.
#### **2025 (Latest Year)**
* **June:** Explosive attempt on pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali.
* **August:** Blast near Sibi lowered pressure in Quetta.
* **November (Today):** 18-inch pipeline blown up in Machh; gas suspended in Pishin, Mastung and Yaro.
### **Overall Count (2005–2025)**
* **200+ pipeline attacks**
* **Quetta’s main pipeline targeted at least 20 times**
* Most-affected districts: **Dera Bugti, Sibi, Machh (Bolan), Naseerabad, Pishin**
### **Rising Questions on Gas Management and Security**
Amid this long pattern, citizens are questioning how gas supply remains uninterrupted for VIP zones and select areas, while ordinary neighborhoods suffer from low or zero pressure every winter.
The latest blast—occurring **during ongoing public protests against gas shortages**—has intensified speculation and demands for a transparent, impartial inquiry to determine whether these incidents reflect security negligence, administrative failures, or systematic sabotage.
