A tragic incident occured on Wednesday in Balochistan, just a day before the general elections in Pakistan, as two separate explosions claimed the lives of at least 27 people and left over 40 others injured.
The first explosion occurred outside the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai area of Balochistan’s Pishin district. This blast resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left over 30 individuals wounded. Asfand Yar Khan Kakar is contesting elections from the NA-265 constituency and Balochistan Assembly constituencies PB-47 and PB-48 in the upcoming February 8 elections.
The injured have been rushed to Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, where the majority are reported to be in critical condition. Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have also been shifted to the hospital, according to Dr. Habib, the Medical Superintendent.
In response to the tragedy, an emergency has been declared across hospitals in Quetta, with additional staff being summoned to handle the influx of patients. Operation theaters at various medical facilities, including the Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital, BMC, Benazir, and Sheikh Zayed Hospital, are prepared to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
Fortunately, Asfand Yar Khan Kakar was not present in his office when the explosion occurred. He confirmed that the blast was caused by a motorcycle parked outside his election office, resulting in the martyrdom of eight of his workers and injuries to over 18 others who were present to finalize the names of polling agents.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken serious note of the incident and has summoned a report from the Balochistan chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP). Directives have been issued to take swift action against those responsible for perpetrating such heinous acts.
Asfand Yar Khan Kakar, who was away in Barshore at the time of the blast, is on his way to Khanozai to assess the situation firsthand.
