At least 25 dead and more than 40 injured in two separate explosions against political offices in Balochistan

The explosions targeted the independent candidate's office in Pishin and the JUI-F office in Killa Saifullah on the eve of the general elections.

A screenshot of an explosion took place in the Khanozai area of Pishin on February 7, 2024. — Reporter

QUETTA: At least 25 people were killed and more than 40 injured in two separate explosions targeting electoral candidates in Balochistan on Wednesday, just a day before general elections in Pakistan.

The first attack claimed the lives of at least 15 people and injured more than 30 after an explosion took place outside the office of an independent candidate in Pishin, Balochistan, while the second explosion took place outside Jamiat's office. Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) in Killa Saifullah District.

Pishin's explosion took place in front of the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in Khanozai area.

Kakar is contesting from NA-265 constituency and Balochistan Assembly constituencies: PB-47 and PB-48 in the February 8 elections.

The injured have been shifted to Khanozai Tehsil Hospital, while the bodies have also been shifted, said Dr Habib of the hospital. Geographic news.

Dr. Habib said most of the injured are in critical condition.

Following the explosion, an emergency was imposed in all hospitals in Quetta, for which additional staff were also called in, the provincial health secretary said. Geographic news.

He added that staffed operating theaters are ready to treat the injured at the Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital, BMC, Benazir and Sheikh Zayed Hospital.

The independent candidate was not in his office when the explosion occurred at PP-47 in Pishin.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took note of the blast and sought a report from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Balochistan Police (IGP).

An ECP spokesperson said directives have been issued to take action against those involved in such incidents.

Talking with Geographic newsKakar said the explosion occurred on a motorcycle in front of his electoral office.

“Eight of our workers were killed and more than 18 injured in the explosion when the names of polling agents were being finalized at the election office,” he said.

Kakar himself was in Barshore when the explosion occurred and is currently arriving in Khanozai.

Balochistan people will destroy terrorists' ambitions: Jan Achakzai

Meanwhile, Balochistan Acting Information Minister Jan Achakzai said the explosive material was placed on a motorcycle, according to preliminary information.

“Further investigations are underway,” he added.

The minister assured that peaceful elections will be held in Balochistan tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, the people of Balochistan will come out and destroy the ambitions of terrorists,” Achakzai said.

Talking about the injured, the minister said they will be sent to other cities if they cannot get treatment in Quetta.

Achakzai said the government would remain responsible despite the tragic incident.

KP governor regrets explosion

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, in a phone call with Balochistan Governor and Chief Minister, expressed grief over the Pishin blast.

“The government will establish peace during the elections”

Acting Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz condemned the attack in front of the election office in Pishin and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives.

“Evil elements want to defame Pakistan by creating insecurity during elections,” the minister said, adding that those who play with the lives of innocent citizens will be dealt with iron hands.

Ijaz added that the government will take all possible measures to establish peace during the elections.