At least 25 people lost their lives and 42 sustained injuries on Wednesday in two powerful bomb explosions targeting election offices in Pakistan’s volatile Balochistan province, just a day before the country’s general elections.
The initial blast occurred outside the office of Independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar in Pishin district, resulting in 17 fatalities and 30 injuries. Shortly thereafter, another explosion struck the election office of the Jamiat-Ulema Islam-Pakistan in the Killa Abdullah area, claiming eight lives and injuring 12 others.
According to Abdullah Zehri, a senior police officer in Balochistan Panjgur, the bomb outside Kakar’s office was remotely detonated and placed in a bag outside the building. Zehri expressed concerns over the critical condition of some of the injured individuals, who were promptly transported to Quetta for urgent medical attention. He warned that the casualty count might rise as the situation unfolds.
Security personnel have been bolstered to ensure the elections proceed as scheduled despite the terrorist attempts to disrupt the electoral process. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) confirmed the blasts and assured that security measures had been intensified in the province for the upcoming elections.
Balochistan’s home minister, Jan Achakzai, condemned the attacks and affirmed that elections would proceed as planned. He reiterated the government’s commitment to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of citizens during the democratic process.
The violence preceding the elections has been particularly intense in Balochistan, with numerous grenade attacks targeting security posts, campaign offices, and rallies in various areas of the province. Outlawed separatist groups have intensified their attacks on security personnel and government installations, citing grievances over the alleged exploitation of the province’s resources by the government and security forces.
Despite these challenges, the authorities remain resolute in their determination to uphold the democratic process and thwart terrorist activities aimed at destabilizing the region.