Twin bombings in Balochistan’s Pishin and Qilla Saifullah districts have resulted in a devastating loss of life, with at least 24 people killed and numerous individuals injured just a day before the upcoming elections.
The blast in Pishin specifically targeted the election campaign office of independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar, while the explosion in Qilla Saifullah occurred outside the election office of JUI-F, claiming 14 and 10 lives respectively. Political parties had been concluding their campaigning in adherence to electoral rules when these attacks occurred, raising concerns about the security situation.
Caretaker officials, including the Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs and the Balochistan Chief Minister, expressed deep regret over the tragic events, condemning them as attempts to disrupt the peace and stability of the electoral process. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the areas, initiating rescue operations and ensuring the injured received prompt medical care.
Condemnations poured in from various political figures, including the Caretaker Prime Minister, interim Interior Minister, PPP Chairman, and PML-N President, all expressing determination to foil attempts to disrupt the upcoming elections. These attacks follow a series of prior incidents targeting electoral offices and candidates across the province, further intensifying concerns about security leading up to the elections.
On the previous day, separate blasts in Kech and Panjgur districts had already raised apprehensions about the security situation. These alarming events underscore the volatile and precarious nature of the electoral trail in Balochistan, prompting a widespread call for enhanced security measures to safeguard candidates and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
