WASHINGTON: The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed condolences for the victims and strongly condemned the assault on the election rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During a press briefing, the US spokesperson emphasized the right of Pakistanis to select their leaders without intimidation. Miller pointed out that in the past month, there have been attacks on various political parties in Pakistan, with instances of Election Commission staff being targeted in multiple locations.
Miller reiterated his condemnation for any acts of violence that undermine the electoral process in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of a free and transparent election. He stated the commitment to ongoing collaboration with Pakistan to combat terrorism.
Yesterday, PTI young leader and Independent candidate for the national assembly from KP’s Bajaur district was killed. According to the police, Rehan Zeb Khan was campaigning in the area when unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The Islamic State of Khorasan has claimed the attack where a PTI backed Independent candidate, Rehanzeb was targeted during an election campaign. The group in the statement added that three of his guards were injured in the attack.
A day earlier, PTI election rally was attacked in Sibbi Balochistan in which four workers were killed.
On Sunday, PTI candidate for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly from Bannu, Malik Shah Muhammad Khan had, survived a bomb blast outside his residence. However, two people were injured in the blast.
