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Islamabad, Pakistan
Massive blast rocked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally on Tuesday (Jan 30), killing at least four people and injuring several in Balochistan's Sibi less than 10 days before the general elections are scheduled to take place on February 8.
Dr Babar, who is the medical superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital in Sibi, confirmed the injuries and casualties to DAWN.
Zakaullah Gujjar, the Sibi Station House Officer (SHO), said that those injured in the blast were rushed to the Civil Hospital. Most of them were in critical condition.
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The scene was cordoned off and a bomb disposal squad was summoned. Police officials told local media that the explosive material was installed in a motorcycle.
Citing sources, ARY news reported that the blast occurred during a rally of former prime minister Imran Khan's party at Jinnah Road.
The PTI released a statement on social media platform X, stating that the blast occurred at an election rally organised by party-backed candidate Saddam Tareen.
The political party said that four PTI workers were killed and seven were injured. Meanwhile, Tareen, who is contesting the polls from the NA-253 (Ziarat) constituency, remained unhurt.
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"We strongly condemn this heartbreaking incident and demand that attention should be given to suppressing terrorists instead of PTI workers," the party said on X.
Labelling the incident as a "criminal failure" of the provincial and federal governments, PTI called for a "full investigation".
It said, "A full investigation of the incident should be conducted and the criminal negligence of the supervising governments should also be investigated to bring those responsible to justice."
While responding to the incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan said on X that it had taken notice of the incident. It also informed that it has summoned a report from Balochistan’s chief secretary and police chief.
(With inputs from agencies)