Quetta, Pakistan – The eve of Pakistan’s national elections was marked by tragedy as at least 30 people were killed and 40 others were injured in two separate explosions in Balochistan province. The blasts occurred in the Killa Saifullah district outside an election office belonging to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) and in the Pishin district near the office of an independent candidate.
Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bazai reported that 12 people were killed and 18 others were injured in the explosion in Killa Saifullah, with four of the injured in critical condition. The blast occurred 170 kilometers from Quetta, where JUI candidates Maulana Samiul Haq and Maulana Abdul Wasay are contesting elections. A large number of workers were in the office at the time of the explosion, according to the police.
In a separate explosion near the office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Kakar in the Pishin district, 18 people were killed and 23 were injured. The injured were taken to the hospital, as reported by Medical Superintendent Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Dr. Habib Ur Rehman. Initial reports suggested that the explosives were planted on a motorcycle.
The blasts have come amid rising tensions in Pakistan ahead of the election, with violence escalating as candidates are being targeted and killed during their campaigns. The Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP) claimed responsibility for the blasts in Balochistan, stating that they had killed and wounded “about 35 apostates.” In response, the Balochistan provincial government has announced three days of mourning.
As the situation continues to develop, updates on the aftermath of the explosions and the impact on the upcoming elections will be provided.