Pakistan: Two explosions, at least 22 dead

On February 7, two explosions occurred in separate locations in Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan, killing at least 22 people and injuring dozens of others. No organization has claimed responsibility.

The first attack occurred at the election office of Awami National Party (ANP) Chairman Asfandyar Khan in Pashin, a district in Baluchistan province, according to Jan Achakzai, a provincial government spokesman. Officials said at least 15 people were killed in the attack and the injured were being taken to a nearby hospital. Some were in critical condition.

Another bombing targeted the election office of politician Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) party in the town of Qilla Saifullah in Baluchistan province, killing at least 11 people. JUI is one of the leading radical Islamist parties and supports the Taliban in Afghanistan. JUI’s religious schools are spread across Pakistan, especially in the northwest bordering Afghanistan. Many Afghan Taliban leaders studied at JUI-run Islamic seminaries.

The attacks came a day before Pakistan holds parliamentary elections. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar condemned the bombing in Baluchistan and expressed condolences to the families of those killed. Anwaarul-Haq-Kakar pledged that “any attempt to undermine the security situation will be thwarted” and that the February 8 election would be held in a peaceful environment.

The scene of the bombing in Pashin, Balochistan province. Photo: REUTERS

The bombings came as tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Pakistan following a recent wave of militant attacks in the country, particularly in Baluchistan.

HUY QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/pakistan-hai-vu-no-it-nhat-22-nguoi-chet-post726178.html