[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In Peshawar, a tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday as a candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party fell victim to a fatal shooting in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, just ahead of the anticipated general elections in 2024.
Rehan Zeb Khan, actively engaged in his election campaign, found himself in Sadiqabad Phatak Bazar area when unknown assailants opened fire, resulting in his immediate death at the scene. Zeb was contesting elections for both NA-8 and PK-22 seats.
Read more: Four Family Members Fatally Shot In Lahore
This unfortunate event comes on the heels of another violent incident a day earlier, where a bomb blast during a political rally conducted by PTI in Sibi, Balochistan, resulted in four fatalities and five injuries on Tuesday. The explosion occurred along Jinnah Road as a political rally was passing through, with the injured promptly transported to hospitals for treatment. Abdullah Khan, the Health Department secretary, declared an emergency at all hospitals in Sibi and Quetta in response to the blast.
Simultaneously, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of this blast at a political party’s rally, prompting requests for detailed reports from the chief secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Balochistan.
The unfolding incidents underscore the heightened tensions and security risks surrounding the upcoming general elections. The loss of Rehan Zeb Khan, a PTI-backed candidate, not only represents a tragic personal loss but also raises concerns about the security climate during the election campaigns. The violence in Sibi further intensifies these concerns, emphasizing the need for vigilant measures to ensure the safety and security of candidates and the general public participating in the electoral process.
The Election Commission’s proactive response to the incidents indicates a commitment to investigating and addressing the security challenges. The requested reports from the chief secretary and IGP in Balochistan will likely provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the bomb blast in Sibi, aiding in the formulation of appropriate measures to mitigate similar risks in the future.
As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming general elections, these unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the volatile political landscape and the imperative to implement robust security measures. The nation mourns the loss of Rehan Zeb Khan and the victims of the Sibi blast, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
