Two bomb explosions have rocked Pakistan’s Balochistan province just a day before the general elections, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 22 lives, according to officials.
The initial blast claimed the lives of 14 individuals outside the office of an independent candidate in Pishin district. Meanwhile, a second explosion occurred in Qillah Saif Ullah district, approximately 150km away, claiming the lives of eight more individuals. Numerous others sustained injuries in the twin blasts, further exacerbating the already tense atmosphere surrounding the elections.
As the country suffers with violence and allegations of electoral manipulation, no organisation has formally taken ownership of the horrific attack in Pishin. 25 more people were reportedly injured in the explosion, according to the provincial police. Images posted on social media showed scenes of devastation as the explosion smashed cars and motorcycles. The event happened in front of the local independent candidate’s election office. At the time, it was reported that the candidate was meeting his polling agent.
The second blast’s details are still being worked out, but according to a senior police official, it was directed towards the JUI-F party’s electoral office located in the major bazaar of Qila Saifullah. Concerns over the security and integrity of the election have grown as a result of violent occurrences that have occurred in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan prior to Thursday’s vote.
The reason for the explosions is presently being looked into by the authorities, and the injured have been quickly sent to local hospitals for care. Despite the tragic events, the Balochistan government has affirmed its commitment to proceeding with the electoral process as planned. Provincial information minister Jan Achakzai assured the public that terrorist actions would not be allowed to undermine the democratic process.
As Pakistan braces for the election amidst heightened tensions and security challenges, the nation mourns the loss of lives in these senseless acts of violence, underscoring the imperative for a peaceful and fair electoral process.
