ECP’s crucial security meeting today, amid escalating violence

ISLAMABAD: In the lead-up to the highly anticipated general elections in Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is poised to convene a pivotal meeting today, addressing the mounting concerns surrounding the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

A surge in attacks on political gatherings, party offices, and candidates, coupled with a rise in terror incidents, has been witnessed, particularly in the volatile provinces, over the past few weeks.

Election called off in NA-8 and PK-22 after killing of candidate

Following the tragic assassination of Rehan Zeb Khan, an independent candidate vying for the National Assembly seat from Bajaur, NA-8, the ECP has instructed the provincial chief secretary and inspector general of police to furnish a comprehensive report on the incident, an official disclosed.

Minister and secretary of the interior, as well as the chief secretaries, and inspector generals of KP and Balochistan will attend the scheduled meeting in Islamabad today (Thursday), The News reported.

In response to incidents such as the firing on a political party convoy in the Qila Abdullah district of Balochistan, resulting in one fatality, and a grenade attack outside the residence of a candidate from the PB-25 constituency in Kech district, the ECP has called for immediate reports from the chief secretary and IG Balochistan. The commission has urged swift action against those responsible, based on reports from media and monitoring teams.

Simultaneously, the ECP has taken cognizance of a bomb attack on the election office of a political party in Quetta, demanding an immediate report from the Balochistan chief secretary and inspector general of police. It has mandated action against the perpetrators in accordance with election laws. A deadly explosion also took place in Balochistan’s Sibi, where at least four casualties are reported.

Explosion in Quetta injures nine, including children

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has also vehemently denounced the attacks on the party’s election offices in Quetta and Khuzdar, along with the targeted residences of candidates in Turbat.