ISLAMABAD, Pakistan- Unidentified persons have blown up a gas pipeline in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province, which partially disrupted gas supply, officials said Thursday.

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A spokesman for the Sui Southern Gas company said the pipeline was located at Akhtar Abad area of Quetta, the provincial capital.

A police officer said that the explosives were placed under the pipeline, which detonated between the night of Wednesday and Thursday.

The attack damaged three-foot pipeline and disrupted gas supply to some areas in Quetta and other parts of the province.

It is not yet clear who is responsible for the blast but officials suspect tribal rebels were behind the incident.

Pipelines are targeted regularly in this gas-rich province where tribal groups are pushing for greater autonomy.

The pipeline caught fire after the blast and fire fighters were called who controlled the blaze after some time.

Officials said that repair of the pipeline has been started and it will take some time to restore the supply.

Pakistan's government blames Baloch insurgents for such attacks, who have blown up gas pipelines, railway lines and electricity lines in the past. They have also attacked army bases and government buildings.