Pakistan Elections 2024 | Another blast in Karachi killed at least one and injures three: Report

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott condemned the Pishin and Qilla Saifullah blasts. 

In a brief statement, she wrote, "Preparations for tomorrow's voting are underway in Pakistan and I am deeply concerned about today's terrorist attacks. I condemn those who prevent people from voting. My condolences to the families of victims." 

Local media reported that another explosion took place, killing one and injuring three in Gulshan-e-Iqbal in Karachi. 

Supporters of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan have resolved to show their support to their jailed leader.

"Flags and badges are for showing off, but the vote is from the heart," said 22-year-old mobile phone salesman Barkat Ullah, as quoted by AFP.

"The objective is to vote."

There has been a widespread crackdown against PTI workers and leaders in Pakistan.

Jan Achakzai, caretaker home minister of Balochistan has asserted that elections will take tomorrow (February 8) "at all costs".

“We will revisit our security protocol and may order deployment of additional contingent of security personnel in view of the law and order situation,” the provincial minister said at quoted by Geo TV.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has strongly criticised the bombings in Pishin and Qila Saifullah, as per state-run Radio Pakistan. He expressed sorrow for the lives lost and instructed immediate medical assistance for the injured, also calling for a report from Balochistan's chief secretary. Kakar affirmed the government's determination to uphold peace during the general elections and warned against any attempts to disrupt the situation.

The Quetta Bar Association plans will observe a period of mourning lasting three days in response to the blasts in Balochistan, as reported by the Dawn.

“We express deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of innocent people in the blasts of Pishn and Qila Saifullah,” Quetta Bar Association President Malik Abid Kakar said in a statement.

The national and provincial assembly elections in Pakistan are set to occur tomorrow, on February 8. Voting hours will commence at 8 am (05:00 GMT) and conclude at 5 pm (12:00 GMT). There is a possibility of polling extensions in certain regions, as authorized by the election commission.

Balochistan's interim information minister, Jan Achakzai, told ARY News that the explosion in Pishin was triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) affixed to a motorcycle.

Two separate explosions rocked Balochistan, claiming the lives of at least 27 people and injuring over 40. The first blast occurred outside an independent candidate's office in Pishin, killing 15 and injuring over 30. Another explosion targeted the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) office in Killa Saifullah district, as reported by Geo News.