A big explosion hit the office of a person running for general election in Balochistan, Pakistan. At least 22 people died and many more got hurt in the blast. This is scary, especially because it’s not the first time someone involved in elections has been attacked recently.
A day before Pakistan’s general election, two explosions rocked Balochistan province, near the offices of election candidates. According to local officials, the blasts killed 22 people and left many injured, raising concerns about safety for Thursday’s vote.
The first blast struck the office of an independent candidate, Asfandyar Khan Kakar, in the Pishin district near Afghanistan’s border. It killed 17 people and wounded over 20 others. The second explosion hit near an office of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), a religious party, in Qilla Saifullah. The attack claimed 10 lives and injured eight.
Authorities closed border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan until Friday to ensure election security. Security concerns have risen as no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Despite worries, officials assured that elections will proceed as planned, urging people to vote. However, internet services will be halted nationwide due to security threats.
Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces to prevent further violence. Balochistan, rich in resources, has faced increased attacks by groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which aims for independence. However, in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPJ) poses a growing threat, recently killing police officers and soldiers in attacks.
Elections 2024
The nation with a population of nearly 250 million people is set to vote to elect a national government and members of the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. As many as 44 political parties are vying for a share of the 266 seats that are up for grabs in the national assembly, or the lower house of parliament, with an additional 70 seats reserved for women and minorities.
if you are a Pakistani and are concerned about your country. Gear up and use your civil rights to choose the best man for you. Don’t waste this holiday relaxing at your home. Go and vote to change the fate of your country.
May you have safe elections in 2024!