Pakistan: 10 bombs, grenade attacks rock Balochistan province ahead of elections

Pakistan elections security

As authorities in Pakistan prepare for the upcoming general elections on February 8, Balochistan province experienced a wave of violence with at least 10 bomb and grenade attacks. The attacks targeted police stations and deputy commissioners' offices, resulting in one fatality and six injuries, including a police officer and a jail warden. The incidents occurred across Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, raising concerns about the security situation leading up to the elections.

In Quetta, a bomb placed along the China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation (CPEC) road in the Spinny area detonated, claiming the life of an 84-year-old passerby. The blast, using around 8kg of explosives, caused significant damage in the area. The target of the bomb remains unclear as there were no election-related events scheduled nearby. Another attack near Quetta's outskirts injured an assistant sub-inspector when unknown attackers threw a hand grenade at the Shalkot police station.

In Mastung, the central prison was targeted with hand grenades, resulting in damage to the building and injuries to a jail warden. Grenade attacks also targeted the offices of political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and National Party in Quetta, Khuzdar, and Turbat. The joint office of Balochistan National Party Mengal (BNP-M) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) and the deputy commissioners' offices in Dhadar and Panjgur were also attacked.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) held a high-level meeting to address the security situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja affirmed that the elections would proceed on schedule, expressing the ECP's readiness despite security challenges. Raja emphasized that those attempting to disturb the electoral process would be dealt with by law enforcement agencies, including the army, without leniency.

Concerns were raised about the fragile law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly regarding attacks on the ECP's office and political parties. The recent violence underscores the need for heightened security measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process in the face of external threats.

The attacks in Balochistan come amid a broader context of security challenges ahead of the general elections. Authorities are tasked with maintaining order and safeguarding the democratic process, and the ECP remains committed to conducting the elections as scheduled. As the situation unfolds, vigilance and decisive action will be crucial to addressing security concerns and ensuring a free and fair electoral environment.