Two separate explosions outside election offices in an insurgency-hit area of Pakistan killed at least 22 people and wounded several others on Wednesday, officials said, a deadly reminder of the deteriorating security situation in the country as it heads into national elections on Thursday.
“Rest assured, we will not allow terrorists to undermine or sabotage this crucial democratic process,” Jan Achakzai, the information minister in the province where Wednesday’s blasts occurred, said on social media.
But such attacks against election-related activities, including the targeting of candidates, have surged as Pakistan’s campaign season has ramped up.
At least 21 attacks occurred in January, killing 10 people and injuring 25, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank.
Two candidates lost their lives, and several candidates narrowly escaped harm.
Persons:
” Jan Achakzai
Organizations:
Pakistan Institute for Conflict, Security Studies
Locations:
Pakistan, Islamabad