Security concerns looming over Pakistan's general elections on 8th February 2024

[FearlessRoar]

There have been recent terrorist attacks, like the one at the Chaudhwan police station in KP’s D.I. Khan, where more than 30 terrorists attacked and killed at least 10 police officers. Another attack happened at a military check post in Daraban last December, causing over 20 deaths. There's also a grenade attack on the PPP election office in Hub that injured three kids. Plus, explosions targeted candidates and political party offices in places like Quetta, Khuzdar, Turbat, Mastung, Kachhi, Hub, Panjgur, and Dhahdar.

All of these incidents stress the need for a strong plan to tackle terrorism on the eve of General Elections in Pakistan. Let's hope for a safe general election day on 8th February 2024.

What steps should be taken to ensure a safe and successful general election day on 8th February 2024 for the common people?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Everywhere news is circulating like hospitals are on emergency alert, security is at high alert, networks might go down etc making me feel that tomorrow is not an election day but a world war 3 is going to happen.

 

[Major]

This will be a big issue in Baluchistan and in some areas of KPK. Hope Punjab and Sindh are safe from the violence and terrorism.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Everywhere news is circulating like hospitals are on emergency alert, security is at high alert, networks might go down etc making me feel that tomorrow is not an election day but a world war 3 is going to happen.

Yeah, news is making rounds here that the internet services will be down tomorrow, this is shameless stuff from these powerful guys of Pakistan. Why make life hell for the local people? Security has always been a concern when it comes to elections so this is not something that Pakistan has never faced before.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Nine grenade attacks rock Balochistan towns

At least nine grenade attacks, targeting election offices of candidates and polling stations, were carried out in various areas of Makran division and the provincial capital, on Tuesday.

According to police reports, individuals riding motorcycles threw hand grenades at a government school in Killi Ahmedzai, located on the outskirts of Quetta, late in the evening.

The grenade exploded in the courtyard of the school, designated as a polling station, damaging windows.

Law enforcement agencies also thwarted an attack at a government school in Pasni, where an explosive device was discovered near the Bagh Bazaar Government School.

It was later defused by the bomb disposal squad.

In the Hoshab area of Kech district, an office of the National Database and Registration Authority office was attacked with a grenade, causing damage to windows but no injuries were reported.

Further reported incidents included a grenade attack on the residence of BNP-Mengal’s candidate for National Assembly, Mir Mohammad Yaqoob, in Awaran district, and an attack on the house of PML-N candidate Mir Mohammad Aslam Buledi in Buleda.

Two blasts were reported from the Panjgur town where the house of National Party leader Abdul Qadeer Sajdi and the residence of an independent candidate, Dr Noor Baloch, were targeted. Both leaders remained unhurt in the attacks.

PPP candidate Agha Gull also survived a grenade attack on his home.

Additionally, reports indicated an attack on a security forces post in the Tump area of Kech district, where a PRG-7 projectile was fired, causing an explosion near the post. No loss of life was reported.

SOURCE: https://www.dawn.com/news/1811770/nine-grenade-attacks-rock-balochistan-towns

 

[BouncerGuy]

At least 10 killed in blast near JUI-F election office in Qila Saifullah

Another blast has been reported in Balochistan on Wednesday, this time near the election office of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the Qila Saifullah district.

At least 10 people have been killed, and the number of injured could also be very high, as per initial reports from caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai.

This explosion comes on the heels of an earlier horrific explosion that ripped through an election office in PB-47 constituency of Khanozai in Pishin district, leaving at least 14 people dead and 30 injured.

Levies sources confirmed the devastating attack, which targeted the election office of former provincial minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, who is a candidate for this constituency.

According to initial reports, eight individuals had lost their lives in the blast, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Later, the death toll was revised to 14, with at least 30 injured, as per Levies officials and the doctor at the Pishin DHQ Hospital.
​

SOURCE: SAMAA NEWS

 

[FearlessRoar]

Stay safe and be alert while casting your vote at the polling station. Avoid gathering at polling stations.

 

[FearlessRoar]

At least 10 killed in blast near JUI-F election office in Qila Saifullah

Another blast has been reported in Balochistan on Wednesday, this time near the election office of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the Qila Saifullah district.

At least 10 people have been killed, and the number of injured could also be very high, as per initial reports from caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai.

This explosion comes on the heels of an earlier horrific explosion that ripped through an election office in PB-47 constituency of Khanozai in Pishin district, leaving at least 14 people dead and 30 injured.

Levies sources confirmed the devastating attack, which targeted the election office of former provincial minister Asfandyar Khan Kakar, who is a candidate for this constituency.

According to initial reports, eight individuals had lost their lives in the blast, while 10 others sustained injuries of varying severity. Later, the death toll was revised to 14, with at least 30 injured, as per Levies officials and the doctor at the Pishin DHQ Hospital.
​

SOURCE: SAMAA NEWS

Balochistan’s caretaker information minister Jan Achakzai on Wednesday said Pakistan will not allow terrorists to sabotage elections 2024, ARY News reported.

The reaction came after twin blasts rocked the Pishin and Qila Saifullah areas of Balochistan, claiming 26 lives.

Achakzai said India is a terrorist state and the outlaws involved in the Machh attacks ‘carried out blasts in the province. Elections will take place tomorrow at any cost, Jan Achakzai said, and added terrorists wanted to create panic and sabotage elections 2024.

Allow me to reiterate our unwavering commitment to relentlessly pursue terrorists until every last one of them is eliminated, Balochistan minister said.

Rest assured, we will not allow terrorists to undermine or sabotage this crucial democratic process.

Earlier today, two blasts in PB-47, Pishin and PB-3, Qila Saifullah claimed over 25 lives and over three dozen were injured.

According to Jan Achakzai, the blast occurred in Qila Saifullah when the PB-3 candidate Maulana Abdul Wasay was not in his office.

It is pertinent to mention here that at least six people were killed and 13 others sustained injuries in three violent incidents in Balochistan’s Sibi, Quetta and Chaman and Khyber Pakhunthwa’s Bajaur district within a day.

Source: ARY

'Pakistan will not allow terrorists to sabotage elections 2024'

Balochistan's caretaker information minister Jan Achakzai on Wednesday said Pakistan will not allow terrorists to sabotage elections 2024, ARY News

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh Minister for Information, Minorities Affairs, Social Protection, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, said that zero tolerance will be shown towards the display of arms during the days of election and those displaying arms will be arrested.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Sindh Assembly Building on Tuesday, Shah said that meetings were held with the commissioners and officials from all districts in Larkana. All DCs and officials from all departments were in the presence.

Shah said that each participant of the meeting was asked if there was any pressure on them from any quarter. If so, they should report immediately.

Clear instructions have been given to ensure transparent elections and no one will be allowed to take the law into hands on February 8.

He said that those caught displaying weapons will be arrested right away, and FIRs will be lodged against them. Temporary polling stations are being set up in the localities near riverine areas, and ballot papers have been delivered to district headquarters.

Distribution of ballot papers in Karachi will start from tomorrow, Shah said.

Moreover, he assured the continuous presence of medical staff in the Hospitals across the province and the completion of military deployments.

Coordination between police, Rangers, and the Army has been prioritised, with strict directives issued for the complete protection of public and private properties, citizens, candidates, political parties and ballot papers, especially in sensitive area, Shah further mentioned.

Source: Express Tribune

Zero tolerance for display of arms on election day: Shah | The Express Tribune

Clear instructions given to ensure transparent elections no one will be allowed to take law into hands on February 8

t.co

 

[FearlessRoar]

Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar chaired the 30th provincial Apex Committee meeting at the CM House to review and finalise the election arrangements and implementation of National Action Plan.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, Brig (retd) Haris Nawaz, Omar Soomro, Ahmad Shah, Corps Commander Lt. Gen Babar Iftikhar, Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam, DG Rangers Major Gen Azhar Waqas, IG Riffat Mukhtar, Advocate General Hassan Akbar, Chairman P&D Shakil Mangnejo, Home Secretary Iqbal Memon, PG Fayaz Shah,

The committee was informed that there would be a total of 19,008 polling stations, including 5,657 normal, 6,550 sensitive, and 6,801 highly sensitive ones.

IG Police Riffat Mukhtar shared the police deployment criteria, stating that four police personnel would be deployed at a normal polling station, five at a sensitive one, and seven at a highly sensitive polling station. A total of 143,156 police personnel would be deployed at the polling stations, including 95,400 at the normal polling stations, 10,648 in the QRF Police, and 37,108 in the Auxiliary Force. Additionally, the Rangers and Army would be deployed for QRF duties at selected highly sensitive polling stations, in addition to the police force.

Corps Commander Karachi Lt. Gen. Babar Iftikhar informed the committee that army troops had been dispatched all over the province to serve as the third tier during the general elections.

The CM expressed his satisfaction with the election arrangements and mentioned that he had personally visited the divisional headquarters of the province to review the arrangements. The regional election commissioners present at the meeting also expressed their satisfaction with all the arrangements, including the security measures.

Earlier, the AIG Operations of Sindh Police submitted a comprehensive report to IG Riffat Mukhtar Raja detailing the security and contingency plans for all polling stations and buildings, as well as the delivery of polling material and the deployment of police forces during the general elections.

The report reveals that a total of 14,052 polling buildings and 19,008 polling stations have been established across Sindh, categorised as "highly sensitive", "sensitive", and "normal". As per the breakdown, 4,498 are "highly sensitive", 4,834 "sensitive", and 4,720 "normal" polling buildings, while the polling stations are categorised as 6,801 "highly sensitive", 6,550 "sensitive", and 5,657 "normal". For the Karachi range, covering eight districts, the total security deployments are 40,443.

In the nine districts of the Hyderabad range, a total of 37,638 security deployments cover 4,431 polling stations and 3,783 polling buildings.

The Mirpurkhas range comprises three districts, with a total of 9,595 security deployments spread across 1,767 voting stations and 1,933 polling buildings. Similarly, the Shaheed Benazirabad range includes 23,928 security deployments.

In the Sukkur range, covering three districts, a total of 17,029 security personnel have been deployments at 2,277 polling stations and 1,805 polling buildings.

The Larkana range encompasses five districts, where a total of 19,544 security personnel are stationed at 2,738 voting stations and 2,247 polling buildings.

Source: Express Tribune

Security, contingency plan for Feb 8 finalised | The Express Tribune

Sindh Apex Committee examines implementation of National Action Plan

tribune.com.pk

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I just pray that things go peacefully tomorrow.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I just pray that things go peacefully tomorrow.

InshaAllah

 

[FearlessRoar]

A purported act of sabotage in Karachi's Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood was thwarted on Wednesday when a hand grenade exploded prematurely, resulting in the death of the alleged terrorist, according to police officials.

The incident unfolded in Haji Lemo Goth, situated within the jurisdiction of Mobina Town police station in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi.

Following the explosion, a swift response ensued, with law enforcement agencies, including the police, rangers, crime scene units, and rescue agencies, rushing to the scene. The bomb disposal squad was also summoned to assess and manage the situation.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East, Irfan Bahadur, provided details of the incident, stating that the accused was attempting to leave the scene with a hand grenade when it detonated prematurely in his hands. The resulting explosion claimed the life of the alleged terrorist and left two others injured.

SSP Bahadur affirmed that investigations are underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

As of now, the identity of the deceased terrorist remains unknown, and authorities are cautious not to prematurely speculate on the intended target of the attempted act of sabotage. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Karachi and underscores the crucial role of law enforcement in preventing potential threats to public safety.

Source: Express Tribune

Terrorist killed in grenade explosion in Karachi | The Express Tribune

SSP East Irfan Bahadur says investigation underway to ascertain circumstances surrounding the explosion

tribune.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Unknown assailants on Wednesday targeted the senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Hafiz Hamdullah Saboor in Chaman, but he remained safe due to the retaliatory action of his guards, Express News reported.

According to details, unidentified individuals opened fire on the vehicle of Hamdullah, with the firing continuing for five minutes.

The attackers fled following the retaliatory firing by Hamdullah's guards. Fortunately, the JUI-F leader remained completely unharmed in the attack.

A surge in terrorism is being witnessed in Balochistan a day before the general elections in the country.

Earlier in the day, at least 26 people were killed and scores injured in twin bomb explosions in Balochistan's Pishin and Qilla Saifullah districts.

The blast in Pishin targeted the election campaign office of independent candidate Asfandyar Khan Kakar in the Khanozai Tehsil of Pishin district, in PB-47 constituency of Pishin district while the bombing in Qilla Saifullah occurred outside the election office of JUI-F.

The explosion in Pishin claimed the lives of at least 14 people and 12 people people succumbed to the terrorist attack in Qilla Saifullah.

The JUI-F leader also survived a bomb attack in September last year, while travelling in the Mastung district of the province.

The bomb blast targeted Hamdullah’s vehicle in the Choto area, while he was going to Mangochar via Mastung Road.

Police sources said that at least 11 people, including Hamdullah, were injured in the explosion. The injured were taken to Mastung hospital but Hamdullah was later shifted to Quetta.

Source: Express Tribune

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2455768/1

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday said border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran will remain closed to ensure full security during the general elections in Pakistan on Feb 8, ARY News reported.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “To ensure full security during the general elections, border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, would remain closed both for cargo and pedestrians”.

Furthermore, the spokeswoman said that normal operations would resume on Friday.

The announcement came hours after back-to-back blasts that hit Balochistan’s Pishin and Qila Saifullah, killing at least 28 people.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activities, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, since the outlawed militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Earlier in the day, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja ordered the police chiefs and chief secretaries of all provinces to put security on high alert following terror attacks in Balochistan ahead of general elections 2024.

The election commissioner held telephonic conversations with Chief Secretaries and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) of all provinces.

He expressed grief and sorrow over the terror attacks in Balochistan, while directing the to take steps for immediate redressal of such incidents.

Sikandar Sultan Raja also ordered to complete deployment of security personnel as soon as possible. “Full security should be provided to voters and offices of DROs [district returning officers] and ROs [returning officers],” he added.

Source: ARY

Elections 2024: Pakistan shuts border crossings with Afghanistan, Iran

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Wednesday said border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran will remain closed to ensure full security during the

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Interior Ministry sets up control room to monitor election security

The Interior Ministry has established a control room to monitor the overall security situation in the country on the eve of the general elections, state-run Radio Pakistan reports.

Representatives from all provincial home departments, police, the election commission, and concerned agencies will monitor the security situation round the clock through the control room.

The central control room in Islamabad will maintain constant communication with the provincial, regional, and district control rooms.

Close liaison between law enforcement agencies and other departments will be ensured for a timely response in case of any complaint or untoward incident.

Source: Dawn

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Interior Ministry sets up control room to monitor election security

The Interior Ministry has established a control room to monitor the overall security situation in the country on the eve of the general elections, state-run Radio Pakistan reports.

Representatives from all provincial home departments, police, the election commission, and concerned agencies will monitor the security situation round the clock through the control room.

The central control room in Islamabad will maintain constant communication with the provincial, regional, and district control rooms.

Close liaison between law enforcement agencies and other departments will be ensured for a timely response in case of any complaint or untoward incident.

Source: Dawn

Yeah from where they will monitor how those thappa activities are going on!

 

[YousafTheBeast]

I sense that Pakistan is on the verge of a civil war. There’s no way the elections will take place without any hiccups.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I sense that Pakistan is on the verge of a civil war. There’s no way the elections will take place without any hiccups.

100%...this time people will come out as they have suffered a lot.

Here in Karachi some clashes have already started at polling stations, so I'm not sure what's going to happen on election day tomorrow.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

100%...this time people will come out as they have suffered a lot.

Here in Karachi some clashes have already started at polling stations, so I'm not sure what's going to happen on election day tomorrow.

I just hope that thing remains calm but it does not appear so.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Security was always an issue during election time. It should be OK by the end of the day, as this is something these Pakistani People have been going through for years.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Attack claims life of security officer on election duty in Dera Ismail Khan

In Dera Ismail Khan, a security forces' vehicle assigned to election duty came under attack, resulting in the martyrdom of one officer. The incident occurred in the Kot Azam area.

According to sources, assailants targeted the security forces' vehicle while it was actively providing security for the election duty.

It's important to highlight that the government recently decided to temporarily suspend mobile and internet services across the nation.

SAMAA

 

[BouncerGuy]

Attack claims life of security officer on election duty in Dera Ismail Khan

In Dera Ismail Khan, a security forces' vehicle assigned to election duty came under attack, resulting in the martyrdom of one officer. The incident occurred in the Kot Azam area.

According to sources, assailants targeted the security forces' vehicle while it was actively providing security for the election duty.

It's important to highlight that the government recently decided to temporarily suspend mobile and internet services across the nation.

SAMAA

Toll has now risen to 4 officials died in the attacks.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Grenade attacks reported across Balochistan

Grenade attacks were reported in different parts of Balochistan, but polling remained unaffected since there were no casualties, Saeed Ahmed Umrani, commissioner of the Makran division, told Reuters.

Source: Dawn

 

[FearlessRoar]

I think this is one of the deadliest election day in the history of Pakistan.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting elections: ISPR

As many as 51 terrorist attacks took place in the lead-up to the general elections, aimed at disrupting the polling process, the country's military said Thursday.

"Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan," the military’s media wing said in a statement.

The polling began at 8am, with complaints of the voting process beginning hours later at some polling stations; however, they ended at the scheduled time — 5pm.

Moreover, mobile and internet services were also disrupted throughout the day and were being restored post-midnight, prompting political parties to allege rigging.

In the statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said as many as 12 people — including 10 personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies — embraced martyrdom, and 39 others have been injured in these attacks.

“Through proactive intelligence manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralised, underscoring the unwavering commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens. During various operations, 5 terrorists were also killed.”

The ISPR added that the armed forces extend heartfelt felicitations to the nation on generally “peaceful and violence-free conduct of general elections”.

“The armed forces alongside other Law Enforcement Agencies are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during the conduct of the sacred electoral process, in aid of civil power, and in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan.”

With the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7800 quick response force teams (QRFs), a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured, the military added.

“Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan,” it said.

The armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state, the ISPR said.

51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting elections: ISPR

As many as 51 terrorist attacks took place in the lead-up to the general elections, aimed at disrupting the polling process, the country's military said Thursday.Despite 51 cowardly terrorist...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting elections: ISPR

As many as 51 terrorist attacks took place in the lead-up to the general elections, aimed at disrupting the polling process, the country's military said Thursday.

"Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan," the military’s media wing said in a statement.

The polling began at 8am, with complaints of the voting process beginning hours later at some polling stations; however, they ended at the scheduled time — 5pm.

Moreover, mobile and internet services were also disrupted throughout the day and were being restored post-midnight, prompting political parties to allege rigging.

In the statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said as many as 12 people — including 10 personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies — embraced martyrdom, and 39 others have been injured in these attacks.

“Through proactive intelligence manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralised, underscoring the unwavering commitment of our security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens. During various operations, 5 terrorists were also killed.”

The ISPR added that the armed forces extend heartfelt felicitations to the nation on generally “peaceful and violence-free conduct of general elections”.

“The armed forces alongside other Law Enforcement Agencies are proud to have played a pivotal role in providing security during the conduct of the sacred electoral process, in aid of civil power, and in accordance with the constitution of Pakistan.”

With the deployment of 137,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7800 quick response force teams (QRFs), a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured, the military added.

“Gratitude is owed to other law enforcement agencies that worked hand in hand with the armed forces to safeguard the democratic process. It is our fervent hope that our sacrifices will not be in vain and this election will serve as a catalyst for further strengthening democracy in Pakistan and that it will pave the way for the realization of the aspirations of the people of Pakistan,” it said.

The armed forces remain dedicated to upholding peace and security in the country and stand ready to provide unwavering support in safeguarding the democratic traditions of our state, the ISPR said.

51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting elections: ISPR

As many as 51 terrorist attacks took place in the lead-up to the general elections, aimed at disrupting the polling process, the country's military said Thursday.Despite 51 cowardly terrorist...

www.thenews.com.pk

One thing I must appreciate is that the law and order situation has been much better in these elections. Never heard about any mishap.

 

[BouncerGuy]

One thing that has to be acknowledged was the condition of overall security in the country. It came out much better than the past elections.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Nine killed in KP, Balochistan election violence

At least nine people were killed and more than a dozen others injured in almost two dozen incidents of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district and multiple districts of Balochistan on Thursday.

Five police personnel were martyred and two others sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off within the jurisdiction of Kulachi police station in Dera Ismail Khan.

Officials said that a police vehicle was patrolling the Gara Aslam area of Kulachi for election security when the explosive device went off. “Besides the IED, militants fired at the vehicle,” a police official said, adding the militants escaped when an additional contingent of police reached the site.

Officials also informed that the area was immediately cordoned off following the incident and a search operation was launched. The martyred and injured were shifted to the district headquarters hospital.

According to Farrukh Jamil at the DHQ, the martyred personnel included Sulman Yousaf, Sabir, Israr Ahmad, Ali Muhammad and Driver Zeeshan. The injured were identified as Jan Dost and Mushtaq.

Meanwhile, Tank police have recovered bodies of three alleged militants believed to be involved in attacks on police and security forces.

Apart from the militant attack in Dera Ismail Khan and the recovery of the militants’ dead bodies, polls in the central, southern and northern districts largely remained peaceful with tightened security arrangements in and outside the polling stations.

Over 20 incidents of violence in Balochistan

In Balochistan, more than two dozen explosions and rocket attacks were reported across the province outside the polling stations, killing four people, including two security personnel and injuring over a dozen.

The grenade attacks and bomb explosions started after people started to arrive at the polling stations to cast their votes in Kech and Gwadar districts of Makran.

A vehicle carrying levies personnel for the security duty for election in the Lejah area of Kharan was also targeted in a blast, killing two levies personnel. Five others were injured, who were immediately shifted to a hospital.

Officials said that the armed men targeted various buildings, including boys and girls schools which were being used as polling stations.

“At least 22 explosions took place in different areas of Kech, Panjgur and Gwadar districts during the polling,” Saeed Ahmed Umrani, the Makran commissioner told Dawn.

Unknown armed men attacked sixteen places in the port city of Gwadar lobbing grenades targeting polling stations. No casualty was reported in these attacks.

‘Most of the grenade attacks were carried in far-flung areas of the coastal town and at a distance of almost 100 meters from the polling stations,’ SSP Gwadar Zohaib Mohsin told Dawn.

He said due to strict security, no attack took place in the Gwadar town and polling continued throughout the day.

On the outskirts of Gwadar, however, an improvised explosive device was detonated close to the official vehicle of Assistant Commissioner Naveed Alam. As a result of the explosion, two security guards were injured.

One dead in Panjgur

Officials said that a child was killed and four others injured in Panjgur town when unknown people fired rockets at a polling station set up inside the Government Boys High School. As a result, 10-year-old Amir Hassan was killed and another man was injured.

One person was killed and three others injured in an armed clash between workers of the PTI and PML-N in the Sanjavi area, causing the suspension of polling for some time. Three persons, including the brother of a candidate, were injured when their jeep collided with a landmine in the Mawind area of Kohlu district.

Similarly, three explosions occurred in Quetta during the polling. Fortunately, no casualty was reported in these explosions, which occurred in the areas along the Sariab and Brewery roads in the provincial capital.

Khanozai death toll rises to 30

Meanwhile, the death toll in two bomb explosions in Khanozai and Qila Saifullah reached 30 as two more seriously injured succumbed to their wounds in the hospital, on Thursday.

On the other hand, the Islamic State (Wilayah Pakistan) has claimed responsibility for targeting the election office of an independent candidate in Khanozai. A spokesman for the IS said this in a message issued late on Wednesday night.

Talking to Dawn, Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai said: “As many as 30 people have lost their lives so far, including 18 of Khanozai and 12 of Qila Saifullah.”

Also on Thursday, the victims of the two motorbike blast were buried in the graveyards in their native villages and towns after identification.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[FearlessRoar]

Public has no idea about the threats Pakistan is facing: interior minister

Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz said the nation has no idea about the kind of threat Pakistan and the intelligence agencies were facing at this moment.

“Not just proactively, not just through sacrifices, they are always looking to ensure the security of the people […] I am responsible for this,” he said, referring to the decision of closing down mobile phone services on election day.

“Even if one incident took place, thousands of lives would have been lost […] in my opinion, the 12-hour-long difficulties we faced are worth it,” Ejaz added.

“The armed forces, Levies and police have played their role. I am confident that the election commission will also fulfil its role,” he added.

Dawn

 

[FearlessRoar]

Police say two killed in election-related unrest

Police say two people have been killed in election-related unrest in northwestern Pakistan, after Imran Khan’s followers confronted officers demanding fair elections.

“Due to the intense stone-pelting by PTI workers, two protesters were hit by stones and lost their lives” in the confrontation in Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local police official Sahibzada Sajjad Ahmed told the AFP news agency.

Al Jazeera

 

[BouncerGuy]

Have to admit that these election were one of the most peaceful ones in recent times. Not many violent incidents occured this time around. Yep there were some attacks in KPK and quetta region but still, not like the ones that occured in the past elections

 

[BouncerGuy]

Ex-MNA Mohsin Dawar injured in ‘firing’ in North Waziristan

Ex-MNA Mohsin Dawar has been injured in a “firing” incident in North Waziristan’s Miranshah, his party leader Bushra Gohar has said.

Dawar, the chief of the National Democratic Movement, was contesting from the district’s NA-40 constituency, where he had alleged there were attempts to rig the polling results.

The incident comes more than a month after he survived a gun attack on his convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts.

DAWN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Political unrest grips Balochistan, Karachi as parties cry foul over election results

National Party, PPP, JUI-F, BAP, BNP-Mengal, PkMAP, PkNAP, stage sit-ins at district returning offices

Following hotly contested polls, major parties including the National Party, PPP, JUI-F, BAP, BNP-Mengal, PkMAP, and PkNAP, have staged sit-ins at district returning offices, demanding recounts and challenging the declared outcomes.

Discontentment ran high in Quetta, with protests engulfing major thoroughfares like Sariab Road, Buleli Road, and Anscomb Road. Similar demonstrations raged in Chaman, Chagai, Dalbandin, Loralai, Qila Abdullah, Kharan, and Sibi, effectively shutting down vital national highways in Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Sohbatpur, Kalat, and Nushki.

The protests transcended provincial borders, reaching Karachi, where Jamaat-e-Islami, JUI, and PTI announced demonstrations against claimed election manipulation. JUI plans protests in Sohrab Goth, Quaidabad, and Northern Bypass, while Jamaat-e-Islami mobilizes supporters at Stargate, Korangi, Shahrah Pakistan, UP Mor, Orangi, Hassan Square, Quaidabad, and Nazimabad. The PTI aims to rally outside the Election Commission office.

Meanwhile, in Islamabad, the capital police has asserted that Section 144 is in force in the city and that legal action will be taken against any illegal assembly of people. "Some people are inciting illegal gatherings around the election commission office and other government institutions. It should be noted that incitement to gather is also a crime," it said in a tweet on X.

The police said in the post that a peaceful protest within the law is everyone's right, adding that they will take legal action on any illegal step. "Obeying the law is everyone's duty. Citizens are requested to avoid being part of illegal activities," the police stated.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has maintained the integrity of the electoral process, citing strict adherence to established protocols. However, the widespread discontent and escalating protests highlight a brewing political storm that could potentially destabilize the region.

SAMAA

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan post-election crisis live: Parleys and protests after tense vote

The final results of Pakistan’s national election put independents, backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in the lead with 95 of 264 seats.

The party of another ex-PM, Nawaz Sharif, was second with 75 seats after Thursday’s vote, lacking a clear majority but it was the largest single party.

As coalition talks are held, protests have been called by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and several other parties over allegations of vote rigging.

The final tally of votes was published by the election commission more than 60 hours after voting ended, raising questions over the delay.

Source: Al Jazeera

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan: Fresh Clashes At Imran Khan Supporters' Protest Over Election 'Rigging'​

Clashes reportedly erupted during protests by Imran Khan's supporters over controversial election results. Imran's supporters were detained in Lahore, and police fired tear gas at crowds in Rawalpindi. Imran Khan had called for nationwide protests outside government offices over alleged rigging of the elections, in which Imran-affiliated independent candidates came out on top.

Source: The Hindustan Times

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a threat alert for Sindh’s capital Karachi, warning of possible terrorist attacks at major places, ARY News reported on Monday.

The handout issued by the internal security watchdog read that key government buildings or installations could be targeted in the attack by terror elements.

According to the notification titled Terrorist Activities in Karachi – a copy of which is available with ARY News, four unknown terrorists prepared a suicide bomber most probably for suicide bombing in different places in Karachi.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) has issued a threat alert for Sindh’s capital Karachi, warning of possible terrorist attacks at major places, ARY News reported on Monday.

The handout issued by the internal security watchdog read that key government buildings or installations could be targeted in the attack by terror elements.

According to the notification titled Terrorist Activities in Karachi – a copy of which is available with ARY News, four unknown terrorists prepared a suicide bomber most probably for suicide bombing in different places in Karachi.

Now all such kinds of activities will happen just to divert attention from the election results.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Two killed, 13 hurt in firing amid recount of Hub votes

During a vote recount, two people were killed and 13 others injured in an armed clash between the supporters of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidates outside the office of the returning officer in the industrial town of Hub, on Wednesday.

Officials said BAP’s Balochistan chapter president Sardar Mohammad Saleh Bhootani claimed victory on the Hub seat (PB-21) by obtaining 30,910 votes according to unofficial results against PPP’s Ali Hassan Zehri, who challenged the result and sought recount of votes.

However, on the PPP candidate’s complaint, the election commission held the result of PB-21 and ordered recount of votes.

Supporters of Mr Zehri also staged a sit-in in front of the returning officer’s office, alleging that Mr Bhootani did not win the seat. Later, the supporters of Mr Bhootani also arrived at the office of the returning officer, located at Civic Centre, during the recount of votes.

In the first phase, votes of nine polling stations were recounted, but as the recounting of 30 other polling stations was under way, the returning officer had to be shifted to hospital in the middle of the recount when he complained of some health issue.

Meanwhile, officials said, supporters of both sides attempted to enter the Civic Centre and clashed with each other. During the clash that continued for two hours, the officials added, gunshots were fired, leaving several people wounded.

During the armed clash, two people were killed and 13 others sustained gunshot wounds.

On receiving information about the clash, Frontier Corps personnel and police rushed the site and shifted the bodies and injured to Jam Ghulam Qadir Memorial Hospital. “The injured people and two others who lost their lives received multiple bullet injuries,” hospital officials said. Sources said the deceased belong to Bhootani group.

SSP Hub Manzoor Ahmed Buledi said the situation had worsened when some protesters tried to enter the Civic Centre, where the RO office is located. Heavy contingent of police and FC was deployed in Hub to avert further clashes. Police said that the situation was under control, though tension prevails in the town.

The election commission has formed a four-member fact-finding committee to investigate the process of vote recount.

SOURCE: DAWN

 

[The Bald Eagle]

An unfortunate incident
=====
Firing during repolling in NA-43; police say one ‘terrorist’ killed

District Police Officer Iftikhar Shah has told Dawn.com that during repolling in NA-43 (Tank-Dera Ismail Khan), armed assailants targeted police on duty in Gomal police station limits.

The official said that police retaliated and killed “one terrorist”, adding that repolling in the area was under way.

Source : Dawn News

 

[BouncerGuy]

Office of poll candidate attacked in Bajaur

Unknown persons attacked the office of an independent election candidate and local youth leader, Malik Khalid Khan, in Mamond tehsil, police and residents said on Wednesday.

They said the office located in Umary area was attacked by unknown attackers with a hand grenade on Tuesday night. However, they said no one was hurt as the office was empty at the time of the attack.

Mr Khalid had lost the Feb 8 election from PK-19.

The family of Khalid Khan also confirmed the incident, saying guards stationed at a filling station nearby tried to chase the attackers, but they managed to escape the scene soon after the act.

The family and the police sources told Dawn that on January 30, an improvised explosive device planted along a road in Bilot area to target Khalid Khan’s vehicle during the election campaign was defused by the police.

No one claimed responsibility for the grenade attack.

Mamond police station officials said they had launched an investigation into the incident.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS