ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Two bomb explosions near candidates’ offices in the Pakistani province of Balochistan have rattled the nation, claiming the lives of at least 28 people and leaving dozens wounded on the eve of general elections, officials said.
The first blast, which occurred in the Pishin district north of Quetta city, resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals. Meanwhile, the second explosion in Qila Saifullah to the east took the lives of 12 people. The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for both attacks.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is banned from standing and currently jailed on corruption charges, asserts that the charges against him are politically motivated. IS has reported that both bombings on Wednesday were carried out using motorbikes rigged with explosives.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and poorest province, with a history of violence, has seen a decades-long struggle for greater autonomy by various armed groups. The province is also known for the presence of Islamist militants, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), along the border with Afghanistan.
The bomb in Pishin detonated in front of an independent candidate’s party office. Images on social media depicted vehicles and motorbikes mangled by the force of the explosion. The violence in this region was not unexpected, as there have been other violent incidents in both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces in the week leading up to Thursday’s vote.
Numerous voters in Balochistan feel overlooked by the country’s political parties, given the province’s minimal representation in parliament. Many contend that candidates are imposed upon them, with few if any connections to Balochistan. There is also widespread discontent with the electoral process, with many residents feeling that it is more of a “selection” than a true democratic election.
Following Wednesday’s attacks, the Balochistan government has asserted that Thursday’s vote will proceed as planned, emphasizing its commitment to not allowing terrorists to undermine the democratic process. More than 128 million voters are eligible to participate in the election, with results expected to be announced within 14 days of the election.