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. 

In a bizarre claim, JI's Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that 20 out of 30 books of ballot papers were missing at Karachi's NA-238 constituency. He warned that the party would not tolerate any such actions. 

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said it "truly unfortunate" that the PML-N didn't agree to a debate with him, claiming that the rival party "ran away from it". 

"One myth I hoped to address is the fiction that due to PMLN, Punjab performs better than other provinces. As Hafiz Pasha's book; 'Human Security in Pakistan' demonstrates," he wrote. 

Jane Marriott, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan said she was 'appalled' by the 'terrorist attacks'.

"As Pakistan prepares to head to the polls tomorrow, I’m appalled by today’s terrorist attacks and condemn those seeking to prevent people from voting. My thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected," said Marriott on X.

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.

Amnesty International has expressed alarm at the dual blasts in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

"Amnesty International is deeply alarmed by the lethal and targeted violence on offices, residences and election convoys of election candidates and political parties, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa....," said the rights organisation on X.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has posted on X urging everyone to vote.

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.

Shehbaz Sharif, President of the PML-N, has conveyed his condolences for the lives lost in the recent blasts in Pishin and Qila Saifullah in Balochistan. He remarked, "These cowardly terrorist attacks, occurring just hours before the elections, cannot weaken our resolve," while also offering prayers for the deceased.

Rana Sanaullah, a leader of the PML-N, has conveyed his condolences for "the tragic loss of lives" resulting from the explosion near the JUI-F office in Quetta's Qila Saifullah. He affirmed, "We have confronted this menace in the past and eliminated it; we will confront these terrorists once more."

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.