Bombings Target Political Offices Ahead of Pakistan Election, Killing 29
QUETTA, Pakistan – Tragedy struck in southwestern Pakistan on Wednesday as bombs exploded at two separate political offices, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 people and leaving more than two dozen injured. These attacks occurred just one day before the country was scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections. The bombings took place in Baluchistan province, a region known for its low-level insurgency and the presence of various militant groups. The incidents have raised concerns about the election process in this troubled Western ally, where voters are already disenchanted due to political feuds and an ongoing economic crisis.
Pakistan has a history of violence leading up to elections and on polling day, as the country struggles to combat numerous militant groups. In response to a recent surge in attacks, particularly in Baluchistan, tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the nation. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombings that occurred on Wednesday.
The first attack targeted independent candidate Asfandyar Khan’s election office in the Pashin district. Jan Achakzai, spokesperson for the provincial government, reported that at least 17 people were killed and more than 20 were wounded, some critically. Shortly after, another bombing took place at the office of a prominent radical Islamist party in Qilla Saifullah, approximately 130 kilometers away. At least 12 people lost their lives in this attack, with eight others sustaining injuries.
The Jamiat Ulema Islam party, which has close ties with Afghanistan’s Taliban, has been targeted by the Islamic State group and other militants in recent years. Party president Fazlur Rehman and numerous candidates from the party are participating in the elections nationwide.
Baluchistan, a province rich in natural gas and located on the border with Afghanistan and Iran, has witnessed an insurgency by Baluch nationalists for over two decades. These nationalists typically direct their attacks towards security forces rather than civilian or political targets within the province. The Baluchistan Liberation Army, an outlawed group, has been responsible for multiple attacks on security forces, including one on January 30th that claimed the lives of six individuals. Additionally, the Pakistani Taliban and other militant organizations have a strong presence in Baluchistan and have targeted civilians in recent years. However, the Pakistani Taliban has pledged not to attack election rallies leading up to the vote.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar condemned the bombings and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He reassured the public that every effort would be made to prevent any further disruptions to law and order, emphasizing the government’s commitment to holding peaceful elections on Thursday. Jan Achakzai, the provincial government spokesperson, announced a three-day mourning period but stressed that the elections would proceed as scheduled. He urged citizens to exercise their right to vote and defeat those who sought to delay the elections.
Pakistan has a tragic history of violence during elections, with the assassination of two-time Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 serving as a grim reminder. Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has taken on a leading role in campaigning for her Pakistan People’s Party amidst heightened security measures.
As Pakistan prepares for its parliamentary elections, the nation mourns the lives lost in these senseless acts of violence. The resilience and determination of the Pakistani people will be tested once again as they exercise their democratic right to vote while facing the looming threat of terrorism.
