On Wednesday, security forces in Balochistan’s Mach city eliminated 12 terrorists, bringing the total militant casualties to 22 amidst a surge in terrorism across the country.
According to sources, the operation initiated on January 30 successfully thwarted terrorist attacks, with ongoing clearance efforts in the troubled province’s urban areas.
Beginning on January 30, security forces neutralized nine terrorists, including three suicide bombers, and injured three others in response to multiple terrorist assaults in Balochistan’s Mach and Kolpur towns.
These incidents occur shortly before the national elections scheduled for February 8, heightening tensions as political figures and parties become targets during campaigning.
As security forces intensify their operations against terrorists, four courageous security personnel and two innocent civilians lost their lives on January 30.
Terrorist activities also targeted various areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), disrupting election activities before the general polls.
In separate incidents, hand grenade attacks targeted election offices of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Quetta and Kalat’s Mangochar, injuring three individuals in the former.
Additionally, assailants opened fire on Awami National Party (ANP) workers in Chaman city, resulting in the death of a worker named Zahoor Ahmed.
Moreover, independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan was fatally shot in KP’s Bajaur district, leading to the postponement of polls in the NA-8 and PK-22 constituencies where he intended to contest.
With over 128 million registered voters, concerns mount over the worsening security situation, particularly in Balochistan and KP, prompting some lawmakers to petition the Senate for a delay in elections due to security threats.
However, the military’s senior commanders have reiterated their commitment to preventing violence under the guise of political activities and safeguarding the democratic process of free and fair elections.
“The Pakistan Army will fulfill its constitutional obligations under the Election Commission’s directives. No one will be permitted to instigate violence in the name of political engagement and undermine the vital democratic process of conducting elections freely and fairly,” stated the army’s leadership.
