At least 12 people have been killed as a blast took place outside an independent candidate’s office in Khanozai, an area in Balochistan’s Pishin district.
According to reports, over 30 people were injured in the attack which took place on PP-47 in Pishin.
The injured people have been shifted to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai, while the bodies have also been transferred, the hospital’s MS Dr Habib told Geo News.
Dr Habib said most of the injured are in critical condition.
Independent candidate Asfandyar Kakar’s workers and supporters were present at the office when the blast happened.
Kakar who is contesting elections from NA-265 constituency and Balochistan Assembly constituencies PB-47 and PB-48 in the February 8 elections himself was not present inside his office when the explosion took place.
Speaking with Geo News, Kakar said that the blast happened on a motorcycle outside his election office.
“Eight of our workers were martyred and more than 18 were injured in the explosion when the names of the polling agents were being finalized in the election office,” he said.
Kakar himself was in Bayshore when the blast happened and is currently reaching Khanozai.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the blast and summoned a report from the Balochistan chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP).
A spokesperson for the ECP said directives have been issued to take action against those involved in such incidents.