Balochistan in dark after attack on power pylons

Affected areas include Quetta, Sibi, Kalat, Mastung, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Pishin, Zohb

Staff Report

QUETTA: At least 16 districts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital were plunged into darkness on Sunday when unidentified persons blew up two power pylons of 220KV near the Mach Town in Bolan district.

According to sources in the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), unidentified terrorists planted explosives near the two main power transmission lines in the Ab-e-Gum area near Mach Town, some 90 kilometres southwest of Quetta. “Both the transmission lines blew up with a huge blast causing a major power break down in the province,” the sources said.

The affected districts include Quetta, Sibi, Kalat, Mastung, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Pishin, Zohb, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah and Ziarat, Naushki, Khuzdar and Shirani.

QESCO spokesman Shafqat Khan said that power supply to some parts of Quetta city was restored through alternative power from the Habibullah Coastal Power Plant and the Harnai Power house.

“Teams for repairs will be sent to the area after security clearance,” he added.

The Ab-e-Gum area said to be the most insecure place in Balochistan is where Baloch insurgents usually carry out attacks on government installations and security forces.

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