Back-to-back blasts leaves 27 dead in Balochistan

At least 27 people were killed and more than two dozen injured in back-to-back blasts outside election offices in Balochistan on eve of the elections.

First blast took place near the office of Asfand Yar Khan Kakar, an independent candidate of PB-47 constituency and former provincial minister, located in Pishin’s Khanozai area, where 10 people were killed and 14 sustain injuries.

The independent candidate was not present inside his office when the explosion took place.

Security forces have cordoned off the area, while emergency has been declared in local medical centres, where the injured and bodies are being transported.

Other blast took place in Killa Saifullah near the election office of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) candidates.

As many as five people were killed while 15 sustained injuries in the incident.

The blast took place outside the office of JUI-F candidate Maulana Abdul Wasai. He was not present in the office at the time of the blast.

The caretaker prime minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar condemned the terrorist incidents in Balochistan and expressed grief over the loss of precious lives.

The Primer directed authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and sought a report from the Chief Secretary Balochistan on the incidents.

The Prime Minister said that every attempt to sabotage the law and order situation will be foiled, adding that the government is committed to the peaceful conduct of the general elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of both blasts and summoned a report from Balochistan chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Moreover, a spokesperson for the ECP said directives have been issued to take action against those involved in such incidents.