An explosion rattled the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Nushki District, Balochistan, amidst escalating unrest leading up to the February 8 polls. The blast, which targeted the office’s gate, has sparked an investigation, although no casualties have been reported. Authorities have secured the area and initiated a search operation to apprehend the individuals responsible for the explosion.
This recent incident is part of a concerning pattern of attacks on election-related facilities. Just last week, an explosion outside the ECP office in Karachi raised alarm, as explosive material was discovered in a shopping bag near the office wall. Interestingly, the explosive substance did not contain ball bearings, indicating a potentially deliberate choice in the construction of the explosive device.
The surge in violence is not limited to Balochistan and Karachi, as multiple hand grenade attacks and explosions have targeted political entities and election-related offices. In Balochistan alone, several grenade attacks have left six individuals injured, including workers affiliated with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). These events have heightened concerns about the safety and integrity of the electoral process as the general elections draw near.
The wave of unrest preceding the elections has raised questions about the security challenges and safety of the electoral process across Pakistan’s four provinces. With widespread violence and targeted attacks on political entities and election-related facilities, there is growing apprehension about the potential impact on voter turnout and the overall integrity of the electoral process. As authorities continue to investigate the recent explosion in Nushki District and address the escalating unrest, the need for heightened security measures and vigilance becomes increasingly apparent.