LAKKI MARWAT: A major natural gas transmission pipeline transporting gas from local oil and gas fields to Punjab was targeted in a late-night explosion near Wanda Arsala in the Lakki Marwat district, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
According to police sources, the explosion was caused by planted explosives, which ripped through the pipeline and ignited a massive fire. Although no casualties were reported, the powerful blast triggered panic in the area as large flames and thick smoke lit up the night sky. Residents from nearby communities evacuated their homes as a precautionary measure amid fears of a secondary explosion or toxic gas exposure.
In response to the blast, security forces and a heavy police presence swiftly cordoned off the affected area to prevent further danger and to secure the site for forensic inspection. Emergency services, including fire brigades and technical teams from the gas utility, were immediately deployed to tackle the fire and control the gas leak.
Engineers worked through the night to isolate the ruptured section of the pipeline and contain the flow of gas. Authorities confirmed that the repair operation is underway at a rapid pace, with specialized teams working to ensure that gas supplies are restored as soon as it is safe to do so.
The explosion has temporarily disrupted the gas supply chain, though officials did not immediately comment on the scale of the outage. Local residents expressed concern over the incident, urging the government to enhance security around vital infrastructure in volatile regions.
A formal investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the sabotage. Officials have not ruled out the possibility of militant involvement, given the area’s history of sporadic violence and attacks on strategic assets.
The incident raises renewed concerns about the vulnerability of Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, particularly in remote and less-secured regions where gas and oil pipelines are frequently targeted. Security agencies are reportedly reviewing safety protocols and may enhance surveillance of key transmission lines across the province.
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