A day before Pakistan’s general elections, the nation was rocked by two devastating bomb blasts near election offices in the turbulent Balochistan province. The first blast, outside the office of independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar in Pishin district, claimed 18 lives and left dozens injured. The area has been cordoned off as officials gather evidence. While, the second blast was reported in Qila Saifullah shortly after. In a grim escalation, the second explosion hit the election office of Jamiat-Ulema Islam-Pakistan, resulting in eight fatalities and 12 injuries.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) taking cognizance of the attack summoned reports from the Balochistan chief secretary and the provincial police chief. While calling for swiftly heightened security measures across the province, the ECP vowed to apprehend those responsible.
It is pertinent to note that Balochistan, bordering Afghanistan and Iran, has seen a surge in violence leading up to the February 8 elections. Prior to the bombings, 10 grenade attacks targeted security posts, campaign offices, and rallies. Nearly 50 attacks have been recorded since Sunday, emphasizing the region’s volatility. In Sibi town, assailants targeted an election rally, resulting in four deaths and six injuries.
