Zardari leaves Lahore quietly, Bilawal’s whereab…

QUETTA: Gas supplies to Quetta and several areas of Balochistan were suspended on Thursday after an explosion damaged a major gas pipeline in the Bolan region. Officials said the blast occurred near Gokurt. An 18-inch-diameter pipeline was damaged by an explosive device near its valve assembly. The damaged facility is located around 800 metres from the National Highway. The explosion disrupted gas supplies to Quetta, Kolpur, Mach, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat. Flames reportedly emerged from the damaged pipeline shortly after the blast. The area was secured to prevent further danger and allow authorities to inspect the site. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said repair teams would be sent to the location after security clearance is granted. Engineers and technical teams will assess the damage first. Restoration work will begin after the site is declared safe. The company has not yet announced when gas supplies will be fully restored. The suspension has caused concern among residents and businesses in the affected areas. Many households depend on the gas network for cooking and other daily needs. Businesses and commercial establishments may also face difficulties if the disruption continues for an extended period. Security authorities have started investigating the explosion. Officials are also examining the circumstances surrounding the damage to the pipeline. The incident highlights continuing security concerns surrounding energy infrastructure in Balochistan. Gas pipelines in the province have previously been targeted in similar attacks. A similar incident was reported in Balochistan earlier this year. In March, an 18-inch gas pipeline near the Western Bypass in Harnai’s Akhtarabad area was damaged in an explosion. Explosives had reportedly been planted beneath the pipeline. The blast destroyed a significant section of the infrastructure and disrupted gas supplies to several areas. The earlier incident affected parts of Quetta and upper Balochistan. Several localities, including Airport Road, Nawan Kali, Jinnah Town, Hazarganji, Kuchlak, Pishin and Ziarat, experienced disruptions. The March explosion also caused a major fire. Large flames were seen rising from the damaged pipeline, creating panic among people living nearby. Authorities are continuing their investigation into Thursday’s blast. Security officials will also determine the extent of the damage and assess the measures required to protect the pipeline network.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continues to enjoy strong public support in Punjab, across Pakistan and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, attributing the party’s popularity to its development agenda and governance. She made the remarks during a meeting with Members of the Punjab Assembly, Asif Malik and Zafar Abbas Khan, who discussed political developments, constituency matters and ongoing development projects in Khushab. During the meeting, the lawmakers briefed the chief minister on issues being faced by residents of their constituency. Maryam assured them that the provincial government would take steps to resolve public problems and continue implementing development initiatives across the district. The lawmakers congratulated the chief minister on the party’s performance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and appreciated the Punjab government’s decision to introduce electric bus services in Khushab. They also thanked her for providing electric buses to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the initiative had improved public transport and benefited thousands of commuters. Maryam said Punjab was leading the country in development and governance, adding that improvements had been made in multiple sectors, including public services and law and order. She expressed confidence that the province and the country would continue progressing under the leadership of PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. The lawmakers praised the provincial government’s development record, saying the electric bus service had become a popular facility for daily passengers travelling between General Bus Stand Khushab, Garot Chowk, Mitha Tiwana and Mangwal. Separately, on the occasion of Police Martyrs Day, the chief minister paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. She praised their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, extremism and crime, and acknowledged the courage and resilience of their families. Maryam said the Punjab government was committed to supporting the families of fallen police officers by providing educational opportunities, healthcare, housing and other welfare facilities for their children. She added that the government was strengthening the Punjab Police by providing modern weapons, improved communication systems, protective equipment and bulletproof vehicles to enhance law enforcement capabilities.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has rejected reports about the meeting between party founder Imran Khan and Noreen Niazi. He said several fabricated reports were being circulated about what was discussed during the meeting. Speaking about the matter, Barrister Gohar said he contacted Noreen Niazi by phone after her meeting with Imran Khan. However, he said she did not share details of the conversation or explain what had taken place during the meeting. According to Barrister Gohar, Noreen Niazi had made it clear that she would not discuss the meeting outside. She had also decided not to speak publicly about the details of her interaction with Imran Khan. Barrister Gohar said there was no truth in reports claiming that Imran Khan had spoken against PTI leadership. He specifically clarified that the PTI founder had not made any remarks against Sohail Afridi or other members of the party leadership. He said the reports being circulated about the meeting were misleading and should not be treated as factual. Barrister Gohar maintained that the details being attributed to the meeting did not reflect what had actually been discussed. The PTI chairman also said Noreen Niazi appeared to be happy after meeting Imran Khan. However, he noted that there were certain matters discussed during the meeting that could not be shared publicly. He said some information remained private because of the nature of the meeting. Barrister Gohar therefore urged people not to rely on unverified reports or speculation regarding the interaction between Imran Khan and Noreen Niazi.