In Balochistan’s Mach, security forces neutralized 22 terrorists on Wednesday, raising the death toll to 22 in an intensifying terrorism wave. The operation, launched on January 30, targets terrorist threats, with ongoing clearance in Mach.
Security personnel initially countered nine terrorists on January 30, including three suicide bombers, wounding three. These responses followed terrorist activities in Mach and Kolpur, Balochistan.
The violence spike preludes the February 8 national elections, exacerbating tensions. Campaigning political entities face targeting.
On January 30, the operations claimed four security members and two civilians. Terrorist strikes in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disrupted election campaigns.
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s offices in Quetta and Kalat’s Mangochar endured three grenade attacks, wounding three. The Awami National Party suffered a loss in Chaman with Zahoor Ahmed’s death.
Independent candidate Rehan Zeb Khan’s assassination in KP’s Bajaur delayed elections in NA-8 and PK-22.
Security concerns have grown with over 128 million voters, particularly in these provinces. Some suggest postponing the election due to threats.
Despite these hurdles, military commanders vow to secure the elections. They emphasize the Pakistan Army’s role, under Election Commission guidelines, in ensuring peaceful, fair elections.