On Wednesday, Balochistan province witnessed tragic events as two separate explosions targeted election candidates, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and over 40 injuries just a day before Pakistan’s general elections, according to local media reports.
The initial attack, claiming 15 lives and injuring over 30, occurred outside the office of an independent candidate in Balochistan’s Pishin.
Another blast unfolded outside the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in the Killa Saifullah district.
Specifically, in Pishin’s Khanozai area, the explosion near the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar resulted in at least 12 deaths and over 30 injuries.
Kakar, contesting from NA-265 constituency and Balochistan Assembly constituencies PB-47 and PB-48, was fortunately not present during the incident.
The injured were transported to Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, and critical cases were reported by the hospital’s MS Habib. In response to the emergency, Quetta hospitals have implemented additional staff and emergency measures.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken note, seeking a report from Balochistan’s chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP). Directives to take action against those responsible have been issued by the ECP spokesperson.
Kakar, speaking with Geo News, mentioned that the blast occurred near a motorcycle outside his election office.
