PISHIN: At least 12 people were killed and 25 others wounded in a suspected suicide bombing at an election office in the PB-47 constituency of Khanozai on Wednesday.
Levies sources confirmed the devastating attack, which targeted the election office of former provincial minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, a candidate for the constituency.
Initial reports indicated that eight individuals lost their lives in the blast, with 10 others sustaining varying degrees of injuries. However, the death toll was later revised to 12, with at least 25 injured, according to Levies officials.
Rescue teams are diligently working to transport the bodies and injured to the Pishin DHQ Hospital for urgent medical attention. Those critically injured will be transferred to Quetta, as stated by the Pishin assistant commissioner.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with authorities investigating whether Asfandyar Kakar was the intended target or if the incident aimed to disrupt the upcoming general elections.
According to the Khanozai assistant commissioner, the explosive material was affixed to a motorcycle.
Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai reported six casualties initially. He affirmed that Levies and police officials have been deployed around the blast site. Achakzai asserted that the blast was an unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the election process in Balochistan, emphasizing that the elections will proceed as planned despite the tragic incident.
This incident highlights the heightened security concerns in Pakistan, particularly ahead of the highly anticipated general elections scheduled for Thursday. Authorities are expected to bolster security measures nationwide to prevent further violence and ensure the peaceful conduct of the polls.
Levies officials are currently investigating the explosion, gathering evidence, and reconstructing the sequence of events. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
