An explosion in Balochistan’s Sibi resulted in the death of four individuals and injuries to five others, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
This incident marks the latest terrorist attack in the volatile province of Pakistan. The blast, whose nature is yet to be determined, occurred on Jinnah Road in the city, according to local police.
Dr. Shahid, the Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, mentioned that three of the injured individuals are in critical condition, prompting the imposition of an emergency in the facility.
The tragic explosion occurred just eight days before the scheduled February 8 general elections, leading to heightened security measures nationwide.
Law enforcement has been deployed to maintain order. Sibi Deputy Commissioner Khuda-e-Rahim confirmed that the blast coincided with the passage of a rally organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) through the city.
PTI Balochistan’s spokesperson Nazeer Achakzai confirmed the death of three party workers in the blast targeting their rally.
Regardless of the actions of terrorists, the elections will proceed as planned. The rally in #Sibi, which was targeted by terrorists, will not discourage the Govt of Balochistan from conducting the elections.
It is evident that these terrorists aim to disrupt the election…
— Jan Achakzai / جان اچکزئی (@Jan_Achakzai) January 30, 2024
Caretaker Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized that the upcoming polls would proceed as scheduled. He suggested that the attack aimed to discourage the provincial government from conducting the elections.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the incident and requested a report from the provincial police chief.
The attack adds to the series of recent terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Concerns have been raised about the deteriorating security situation, particularly in these regions, with some lawmakers even proposing a delay in the polls due to security threats.
The blast occurred shortly after security forces eliminated six terrorists, including Doda Baloch and Pardan Baloch, in Balochistan’s Mach area. The city had been attacked by terrorists the previous night, with firing incidents reported in various areas and numerous injuries requiring medical attention in Quetta.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
