Bomb blasts hit Balochistan as poll tensions rise

At least four low-scale bomb explosions rocked Quetta, Noshki, Dera Bugti and Panjgur districts of Balochistan on Friday as election offices of various political parties and candidates were blown up by unidentified terrorists.

In Quetta, at least two people were injured in a blast in the Eastern Bypass area of the city. Police sources said unidentified miscreants targeted the election office of Mazloom Ulasi Tehreek. The candidate was not present at the office at the time of the blast.

The injured were rushed to the Civil Hospital Quetta for medical attention. Police reached the spot and opened an investigation into the incident.

Similarly, in Panjgur, unidentified miscreants attacked the residence of Rehmat Baloch, the former Balochistan health minister and a candidate for the provincial assembly seat on the ticket of the National Party (NP). The NP in a condemnation statement expressed serious concern over the insecurity and demanded of the Balochistan government to ensure the security of its candidates across the province.

Read: Explosion outside ECP office in Karachi, no casualties reported

Separately, a bomb also went off outside an election campaign office in the Noshki district of Balochistan. There was no casualty as a result of the attack.

In Dera Bugti district, a powerful landmine explosion rocked the Pat Feeder area on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous cattle. According to Levies officials, no human casualties were reported.

Upon receiving the report, the security forces contingent reached the scene. The forces cordoned off the affected area and initiated an operation to ensure the safety and security of the region.

The explosion, believed to be caused by a landmine, took a toll on a significant number of cattle in the vicinity.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 3^rd, 2024.