In a grave escalation targeting Pakistan’s critical power infrastructure, around two dozen armed men attacked the 132 kV Zard Gulam Jan Grid Station in Mangocher, taking control of the facility, holding Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) staff and security personnel hostage at gunpoint, and inflicting severe damage to essential equipment, QESCO officials confirmed on Sunday.
According to the power utility, the heavily armed group overpowered station guards, snatched a 12-bore rifle, and forcefully detained the operational staff. The attackers then ransacked the building and opened fire inside the facility, causing extensive damage to the grid’s core components.
“The assailants deliberately targeted our operational systems, damaging the control room, high-power transformer, current transformers, conservator tanks, radiator tubes, AC/DC panels, auxiliary panels, and other vital infrastructure,” a QESCO spokesperson stated. “This was a calculated attempt to paralyze the region’s power supply and endanger lives.”
After detaining the personnel for a period of time and threatening them with execution, the attackers ordered an evacuation of the premises. The staff and security guards narrowly escaped the scene and immediately notified the authorities.
QESCO has submitted a formal application to local police, urging immediate legal action against the attackers. Officials described the incident as a direct strike on national infrastructure and a serious threat to public safety.
In a related act of sabotage, unknown individuals targeted the 132 kV Yaro Industrial Transmission Line near Kuchlak Bypass. Technical faults were deliberately induced, damaging line integrity and disrupting transmission. During a joint patrol with local administration and police, substantial structural damage was discovered along the line.
“These rising incidents are a serious national concern,” said the QESCO spokesperson. “They are not just damaging infrastructure they are undermining public services and threatening the stability of the power network in Balochistan.”
QESCO has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near power installations or transmission lines. “The protection of national infrastructure is a shared responsibility. We urge the public to help ensure the security of our grid,” the statement concluded.
QESCO reaffirmed its commitment to restoring full operational capacity and called on law enforcement agencies to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
