On Thursday, a series of devastating explosions shook different parts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, resulting in the tragic death of one individual and injuries to four others, as reported by the police. The blast in Quetta occurred in the Spinny Road area, prompting the immediate cordoning off of the site by law enforcement, who are currently investigating the nature of the incident.
Simultaneous explosions were also reported in Naseerabad and Turbat districts within the province. In Naseerabad’s Dera Allah Yar Bhatti gate area, a hand grenade explosion injured three individuals, while in Turbat’s main market, one person suffered injuries in a grenade blast. The police disclosed that a bomb disposal squad and rescue teams have been dispatched to the Quetta blast site, where it was confirmed that at least one person lost their life.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Quetta, Tariq Jawad, revealed that the explosion in the provincial capital involved 8 to 10 kg of explosives. Although the identity of the deceased remains unknown, preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was a passerby. Importantly, SSP Jawad clarified that no election-related activities were occurring near the blast site.
Surge in the attacks in recent days
These incidents unfold as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) convenes to address the escalating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. In response to the blasts, the ECP has requested an immediate report from the chief secretary and Balochistan police chief. The violence has intensified in the lead-up to the general elections scheduled for February 8, with recent terrorist attacks targeting electioneering activities in Balochistan and KP.
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The situation worsened when Rehan Zeb Khan, an independent candidate for NA-8 and a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member, was fatally shot while campaigning in KP’s Bajaur district. Additionally, a bomb attack on a PTI election rally in Sibbi on Tuesday claimed four lives. These incidents have raised concerns about the deteriorating security situation, leading some lawmakers to call for a poll delay due to security threats.