In a devastating blow to the electoral process, a powerful bomb explosion shook the Khanozai area of Pishin district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The blast targeted the election office of independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 12 lives and leaving several others wounded. The incident occurred merely a day before the scheduled general elections, escalating tensions in the region.
According to Abdullah Zehri, a senior police official in Pangur, the bomb, concealed in a bag, was detonated using a remote timer outside Kakar’s election office. The authorities are actively investigating the matter, refraining from disclosing further details amidst ongoing probes. The blast marks a grim escalation in the violence that has plagued Balochistan in the lead-up to the crucial February 8th elections.
In the preceding days, Balochistan witnessed a spate of violent attacks, including ten grenade assaults targeting security posts, election campaign offices, and rallies across the province. Notably, an election rally backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party witnessed a deadly assault in Sibi town, claiming four lives and injuring six others. The relentless attacks underscored the precarious security situation gripping the region.
The surge in violence underscores the persistent threat posed by outlawed separatist groups operating in Balochistan. These groups have intensified their attacks on security personnel, government installations, and even candidates contesting the general elections. They purport to be fighting for the rights of local residents and against alleged exploitation of the province’s resources by government and security forces.
Recent incidents, including a large-scale attack in Mach town attributed to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), have left a trail of devastation. A three-day operation following the assault resulted in casualties on both sides, highlighting the escalating conflict between militants and security forces. Additionally, thwarted attacks, such as the discovery of an explosive device near a government school in Pasni, further underscore the pervasive threat of violence.
Even candidates have not been spared from the onslaught of attacks. Late-night grenade assaults targeted the residences of prominent political figures, including Mir Mohammad Yaqoob of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal and Mir Mohammad Aslam Buledi of the PML-N. The brazen attacks on candidates’ homes reflect the increasingly volatile atmosphere surrounding the electoral process in Balochistan.
As the nation braces for the upcoming general elections amidst escalating violence, concerns over the safety and security of candidates and voters loom large. The authorities face a daunting challenge in ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process in the face of relentless attacks by militant groups. The tragic loss of lives in the recent bomb blast serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to restore stability and security in Balochistan.
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