At least 28 people were killed and over 40 others injured Wednesday in two separate blasts targeting election candidates in Balochistan.
The first assault killed at least 15 people and injured over 30 others following a blast outside an independent candidate's office in Balochistan's Pishin, while the second explosion occurred outside the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in Killa Saifullah.
The Pishin blast occurred near the political office of independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar in Pishin's Khanozai area. Kakar is contesting general elections for the NA-265 constituency as well as the Balochistan Assembly constituencies PB-47 and PB-48.
The injured have been shifted to Tehsil Hospital Khanozai. Medical authorities stated that the majority of the injured are in critical condition.
Following the explosion, an emergency has been declared at all Quetta hospitals, with additional staff summoned, according to the provincial health secretary.
He further stated that operation theaters and staff are ready to treat injured people at the Trauma Center, Civil Hospital, BMC, Benazir, and Sheikh Zayed Hospitals.
The independent candidate was not present in his office when the explosion struck at PP-47 in Pishin.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken note of the bombing and sought a report from Balochistan's chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP).
A spokesperson for the ECP said that directions have been issued to take action against anyone engaged in such incidents.
Meanwhile, Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said that the explosive material was placed in a motorcycle, based on early evidence.
"Further investigation is underway," he added.
The minister vowed that peaceful elections will take place in Balochistan tomorrow.
"Tomorrow, the people of Balochistan will come out; they will destroy the ambitions of terrorists," he stated.