PISHIN: At least 15 people were martyred and 25 others wounded in a suicide blast that hit an election office in PB-47 constituency of Khanozai in Pishin district on Wednesday.
Levies sources confirmed the devastating attack, which targeted the election office of former provincial minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, who is a candidate for this constituency.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts: According to initial reports, eight individuals had lost their lives in the blast, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Later, the death toll was revised to 12, with at least 25 injured, as per Levies officials.
Rescue teams are diligently working to transport the bodies and injured to the Pishin DHQ Hospital for immediate medical attention.
The Pishin assistant commissioner said those injured critically will be shifted to Quetta.
Target and Motive: The specific target of the attack remains unclear at this time. While the explosion occurred at the election office of Asfandyar Kakar, it’s crucial to investigate whether he was the intended target or if the attack aimed to disrupt the upcoming general elections.
The Khanozai assistant commissioner told media that the explosive material was fixed to a motorcycle.
According to caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai, six people had been killed as per the information available. He said Levies and police officials had been deployed around the blast site.
He claimed that the blast was an unsuccessful attempt at sabotaging the election process in Balochistan, adding that the elections will go ahead as planned despite the unfortunate incident.
Heightened Security Concerns: This incident underscores the volatile security situation in Pakistan, particularly in the lead-up to the highly anticipated general elections scheduled for Thursday. Authorities are likely to enhance security measures across the country to prevent further violence and ensure the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Investigation Underway: Levies officials are currently investigating the explosion, gathering evidence, and piecing together the sequence of events. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
