Before the Pakistan election 2024 happened, a pair of bombings hit the election offices of an independent candidate, as well as a political party.
At least 24 people were killed because of the two bombs that landed on the election offices. Dozens were also injured by the attacks.
People walk past flags of Pakistan's political parties displayed for sale at a market in Lahore on January 13, 2024, ahead of the country's general elections.
As of press time, authorities have no specific suspect for the bombing attacks against the candidate and the political party.
Pakistan Election 2024: Bomb Hits Candidate's Election Office
The first bombing happened in southwest Pakistan; specifically in Pashin, which is a district in Baluchistan province, as confirmed by provincial government spokesperson Jan Achakzai.
The Associated Press reported that the first bombing killed at least 14 individuals and wounded over two dozen people. Achakzai said that the injured civilians were already being transported to a nearby hospital via a helicopter.
Unfortunately, police confirmed that some of these victims were listed in critical condition. After this attack, another bombing happened on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
It targeted the elections office of politician Fazlur Rehman's Jamiat Ulema Islam party, as reported by ABC News. At least 10 Pakistanis were killed.
"The blast took place in front of the party's office. Due to the election, activities were going on inside the office," stated Akhtar Khan Achakzai, a senior police official
The bombings happened despite Pakistan's efforts to deploy tens of thousands of cops and paramilitary forces across the country. This just shows how hard it is to ensure the peace of Pakistan, especially since the parliamentary election is about to happen on Thursday, Feb. 8.
Read Also: Pakistan's Ex-PM Imran Khan, Wife Sentenced to 14 Years for Corruption
Pakistan's Interior Ministry Condemns Bombings
Commuters move past the election campaign posters ahead of the upcoming general elections in Rawalpindi on January 9, 2024. Pakistan will vote in elections on February 8, with rights groups warning the ballot will lack credibility with popular opposition leader Imran Khan jailed and barred from contesting.
Pakistan's interior ministry said that the latest bombings before the parliamentary election were a cowardly act of those who want to prevent people from exercising their right to vote.
Despite these alarming attacks, Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz promised that all measures will be taken to establish law and ensure order during the upcoming Pakistan election in 2024.
"Miscreants want to spread chaos and prevent people from exercising their right to vote. We will not allow the evil intentions of the enemy to succeed at any cost," said the official.
"The terrorists' attack on innocent citizens is a very cowardly act," added Pakistan's caretaker.
These are just some of the latest happenings in connection with the Pakistani parliamentary elections. You can click here to learn more.
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