29 dead as twin blasts hit Pakistan's Balochistan province on eve of election

Tariq Butt, Correspondent / AP

Bombs ripped through two separate political offices in southwestern Pakistan  on Wednesday, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than two dozen, officials said, the day before the country was set to elect a new parliament.

The attacks in Balochistan province — raised concerns for the election in the troubled Western ally, where many voters are already disillusioned by political feuding and a seemingly intractable economic crisis.

Tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the country following a recent surge in attacks, especially in Balochistan. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Wednesday's bombings.

Paramedics place a bomb blast victim on a stretcher upon arriving at a hospital in Quetta on Wednesday. AFP

In the first incident, at least 15 people were killed when an explosion happened outside an independent candidate's office in Khanozai, an area in Balochistan's Pishin district.

According to reports, over 30 people were injured in the attack which took place in PP-47 Pishin constituency of the Balochistan Assembly.

The injured people have been shifted to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai while the dead bodies have also been transferred, the hospital’s medical superintendent Dr Habib said, and added that said most of the injured are in critical condition, raising the fear that the death toll may go up.

Following the blast, an emergency was imposed across hospitals in Quetta for which additional staff has also been called, the Balochistan health secretary said, adding that operation theatres with the staff are ready to treat injured at the Trauma Centre, Civil Hospital, Benazir and Sheikh Zayed Hospital.

Independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar's workers and supporters were present at their election office when the blast happened.

Workers and volunteers transport a bomb blast victim at a hospital in Quetta. AP

Kakar, who is contesting elections from NA-265 constituency and Balochistan Assembly constituencies PB-47 and PB-48 in Thursday’s elections, himself was not present inside his office when the explosion took place.

Later, he said that the blast happened in a motorcycle outside his election office. "Eight of our workers were martyred and more than 18 were injured in the explosion when the names of the polling agents were being finalised in the election office,” he said.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the blast and summoned a report from Balochistan chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP). An ECP spokesperson said that directives have been issued to take action against those involved in such incidents.

Security personnel inspect the site of a bomb blast outside the office of an independent candidate in Pishin. AFP

The second blast took place outside the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in the Killa Saifullah district. At least 12 people were killed and 17 others injured, Balochistan Information Minister Achakzai said, and added that JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Wassay, who is contesting elections from PB-3, remained unhurt in the attack.

Achakzai said terrorists would not succeed in their objectives and added that the war would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist. He said the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle, according to preliminary information. "Further investigation is underway,” he added.

Achakzai announced a three-day mourning period but emphasised that "the elections will take place on Thursday as per the schedule, and we urge people to exercise their right to vote to defeat those who wanted a delay in the elections.”

The minister assured that peaceful elections will be held in Balochistan on Thursday. "Tomorrow the people of Balochistan will come out and will destroy the ambitions of terrorists,” he said.

He said they will be sent to other cities if they are unable to receive treatment in Quetta. He said that the government will continue its responsibility despite the tragic incident.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq Kakar denounced the bombings and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died. He vowed that "every attempt to sabotage the law and order situation will be thwarted" and said the government is committed to holding elections Thursday in peace.