Press freedom across South Asia

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.

RAWALPINDI: A rain emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after heavy rainfall hit the twin cities. The authorities have stepped up preparations to deal with any possible emergency. Teams and heavy machinery have been deployed in several low-lying areas. According to the Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), water levels in Nullah Lai have increased following the rainfall. The water flow at Kattarian has reached 10.5 feet. At Gawalmandi, the level has been recorded at 8.5 feet. Officials are closely monitoring the situation along Nullah Lai. Emergency teams have been placed on alert to respond quickly if water levels rise further. Shamsabad recorded the highest rainfall in Rawalpindi. Around 116 millimetres of rain was recorded in the area. The heavy downpour has raised concerns about urban flooding in vulnerable parts of the city. WASA staff have been deployed in low-lying areas to manage the situation. Heavy machinery has also been positioned at several key locations. These include Liaquat Bagh, the Committee Chowk Underpass and low-lying areas along Murree Road. Equipment has also been deployed in Dhok Khaba, Circular Road and Sadiqabad. Officials said the deployment of machinery would help clear rainwater and keep important roads accessible. Emergency personnel are also monitoring areas that are vulnerable to water accumulation. The authorities have urged relevant departments to remain alert as further rainfall could increase pressure on the city’s drainage system. WASA teams are continuing to monitor Nullah Lai and other vulnerable points. Officials said immediate action would be taken if water levels rise or flooding occurs.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan has voiced support for the creation of new provinces, saying administrative reforms are needed to improve governance, but stressed that any such move must be carried out strictly under the Constitution and with broad political consensus. Speaking during a television interview on Thursday, Gohar described the formation of new provinces as a national necessity. However, he emphasized that constitutional requirements must be fulfilled, including securing a two-thirds majority in the relevant provincial assemblies before any proposal could move forward. The PTI chairman also expressed skepticism about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completing his full five-year constitutional term, though he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his remarks. The debate over creating new provinces gained momentum after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently argued that Pakistan’s governance system had become ineffective and required major structural reforms, including the establishment of additional administrative units. Naqvi later clarified that his comments reflected concerns about the country’s governance over several decades rather than criticism of the current government. The proposal has drawn mixed political reactions. Murad Ali Shah firmly rejected any suggestion of dividing Sindh, stating that the provincial assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions opposing such a move. He maintained that any change would require constitutional approval through a two-thirds majority in the concerned assembly. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah distanced the government from Naqvi’s remarks, describing them as the minister’s personal opinion. He said any discussion on creating new provinces should take place in parliament and follow the constitutional process. Sanaullah noted that establishing new provinces involves complex constitutional, financial and administrative considerations, including representation in parliament and resource distribution.