Thousands without gas after Pakistan pipeline blast

QUETTA, Pakistan (AFP) – Suspected tribal rebels blew up a key pipeline in southwestern Pakistan’s volatile Baluchistan province, leaving tens of thousands of people without gas, officials said.

The pre-dawn blast suspended natural gas supplies to the provincial capital Quetta, as well as the Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat and Pishin districts, a gas company official said on condition of anonymity on Tuesday.

Repair work had started on the ruptured section of pipeline at Dasht, near Quetta, and supplies will hopefully be restored later Tuesday, the official added.

The attack was the third of its kind since Monday when two other pipelines were blown up elsewhere in Baluchistan. Rebels also attacked a passenger train with rockets on Thursday but caused no casualties.

AFP