12 dead, over 30 injured as powerful blast rocks Pishin

A powerful blast ripped through an independent candidate Asfand Yar Khan Kakar's election office in Balochistan's Pishin, police confirmed on Wednesday, leaving twelve dead and over 30 injured.

Speaking to a private news channel, Kakar informed that the blast took place on a motorcycle outside his office.

The candidate was not present in his office at the time of the blast.

“Eight of our workers were martyred and more than 18 were injured in the explosion when the names of the polling agents were being finalised in the election office,” he said.

However, according to hospital administration, twelve dead bodies were brought to the medical facility and more than 30 injured were transported to the Tehsil Hospital Khanozai.

The hospital’s MS Dr Habib said most of the injured are in critical condition.

Following the harrowing incident, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the blast, summoning a report from the  Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Balochistan chief secretary.

The electoral body has directed relevant authorities to take action against the miscreant involved in the incident.