Rehan Zeb Khan, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate, was fatally shot in Bajaur district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, police reported. Khan was contesting from NA-8 and PK-22 seats. The attack occurred in Sadiqabad Phatak Bazar during his election campaign.
The incident reflects a rise in terrorist activities, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security concerns are growing among the electorate, with some legislators suggesting a poll delay in these provinces.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has demanded a report from regional authorities and instructed strict action against the attackers.
In a separate attack, Awami National Party (ANP) members were targeted in Chaman, Balochistan, resulting in the death of a worker, Zahoor Ahmed. This attack occurred during campaign activities in the PB-50 constituency.
Additionally, a grenade attack in Quetta injured three people at a Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) office.
Balochistan’s caretaker Home Minister, Zubair Jamali, condemned the attacks, affirming they would not weaken public resolve against terrorism.
Violence has marred previous elections with attacks on candidates and voters. The current surge in violence targeting election campaigns indicates a similar trend for the 2024 elections.
Recently, a blast in Sibi, Balochistan, targeting a former ruling party rally, resulted in four deaths. This month has been particularly perilous for candidates, with Rehan being the latest PTI leader to be killed following Shah Khalid’s murder in Swabi district.
