Gas Pipeline Attacked and Exploded in Southwestern Pakistan

Reuters, Pakistan, March 1: Armed men attacked a gas pipeline in southwestern Pakistan's Baluchistan on Wednesday, the latest attack in the southern province where rebels are fighting for greater autonomy, Pakistani officials said.

The pipeline supplies natural gas to Baluchistan, and officials from Sui Southern Gas Co. Ltd., which owns the pipeline, said gas supplies to users would remain unaffected.

The explosion occurred near Pakistan's main natural gas field, Sui, and damaged part of a supply pipeline, said Arif Tareen, spokesman for Sui Southern Gas Ltd.

"We have made backup arrangements to provide smooth gas supply to the affected areas, so there is no interruption in supply," Tareen told Reuters.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Baluch militants have stepped up attacks on government institutions and infrastructure, including pipelines and transport lines, in recent months.

The militants are seeking greater autonomy for Baluchistan and control of its natural resources, and they often target gas installations in the province, Pakistan's main natural gas resource.

Pakistan's army launched a crackdown on Baluch rebels after President Musharraf was hit by rocket attacks on December 14 during a visit to the region. Baluch nationalists said hundreds of people were killed, but analysts said the number could be higher. exaggerate. However, the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has accused the government of serious human rights violations in the province.