Rehan Zeb Khan, a candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was fatally shot on Wednesday in the Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Rehan was contesting elections for NA-8 and PK-22 seats and was attacked by unidentified assailants while campaigning in the Sadiqabad Phatak Bazar area.
The incident adds to the increasing terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, causing concerns about the security situation, with some lawmakers urging a delay in elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the incident, demanding a report from the provincial chief secretary and Inspector General Police (IGP) and instructing them to take strong action against the perpetrators.
In a separate incident, the Awami National Party (ANP) faced an attack in Chaman city, Balochistan, where assailants fired upon party workers engaged in electioneering activities. A worker named Zahoor Ahmed lost his life in the attack. Additionally, a hand grenade attack targeted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) election office in Quetta’s Sariab Road, resulting in three injuries.
Balochistan’s caretaker Home Minister, Zubair Jamali, condemned the attacks, emphasizing that such incidents would not weaken the public’s resolve against terrorism.
The lead-up to the 2024 polls has witnessed a surge in violence targeting election activities and candidates. The previous day, a blast at a rally of the former ruling party in Sibi, Balochistan, claimed at least four lives. The month of January has proven to be particularly disastrous for election hopefuls, with Rehan Zeb Khan being the latest casualty. Earlier, Shah Khalid, a PTI leader founded by Imran Khan, was shot dead by unidentified individuals in Swabi district.
