Bomb blasts near Pakistan candidates’ offices kill 26 ahead of election
2 min read
At least 26 killed and others wounded after twin bomb blasts hit Pakistan on election eve according to the authorities
At least 26 killed and others wounded after twin bomb blasts hit Pakistan on election eve according to the authorities.
Two blasts near electoral candidates’ offices in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan killed 26 people and injured dozens, local officials said on Wednesday, raising concerns over security on the eve of a general election.
Pakistan goes to the polls on Thursday amid rising militant attacks in recent months and the jailing of Imran Khan, the winner of the last national election, who has been dominating the headlines despite an economic crisis and other woes threatening the nuclear-armed country.
Authorities have said they are boosting security at polling booths.
The first attack, which killed 14, took place at the office of an independent election candidate in Pishin district.
The second explosion in Qilla Saifullah, a town near the Afghan border, detonated near an office of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), a religious party that has previously been the target of militant attacks, according to the province’s information minister.
The deputy commissioner of Qila Saifullah, Yasir Bazai, said that 12 people were killed in the blast which emanated from a motorcycle parked near the office and 25 were injured.
Drama in court after Kikuyu Elders accused of being Mungiki break into Mau Mau songs
Tough times for Kenyans as CBK raises loan interest rates
Am among Mt Kenya leaders Ruto considered for deputy president position; Waititu
Kenya’s private employment sector turns to temporary/ contractual terms; Report
Parents of form one students yet to report to school face arrest
It was not immediately clear who was behind the attacks. Several groups, including the Islamist militant Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and separatist groups from Balochistan, oppose the Pakistani state and have carried out attacks in recent months.
More than half a million security officers began deploying Wednesday on the eve of the election, with authorities distributing ballot papers to more than 90,000 polling stations.
The election has been marred by tensions following a crackdown on the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
Nearly 18,000 candidates are standing for seats in the national and four provincial assemblies, with 266 seats directly contested in the former — an additional 70 reserved for women and minorities — and 749 places in the regional parliaments.
Also read,
Matatu owners threaten nationwide strike after government’s announcement
Former Chilean president dies in helicopter crash
“I have 17 children and four wives” – Senator Boni Khalwale
Kenya ranked second best health care system
World Bank denies cover-up of sex abuse at its Kenyan funded schools
Follow us
