Ahead of  Pakistan's impending elections, tragedy struck as blasts outside candidates' offices in Balochistan claimed the lives of 22 individuals and left several injured. The incidents occurred just a day before the scheduled General Elections, according to local authorities cited by Reuters.

These blasts have cast a shadow over the security situation leading up to Thursday's polls. Pakistan, grappling with a surge in militant activities in recent times, and the incarceration of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and winner of the previous national election, is facing significant challenges. Despite economic turmoil and other issues, Khan's imprisonment has dominated headlines.

The bombings occurred despite extensive security measures, with tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces deployed across the country, particularly in Balochistan, to maintain order in the face of escalating militant threats.

Pishin Deputy Commissioner Jumma Dad Khan reported that one blast targeted the office of a candidate in the Nokandi area of Pishin district, resulting in eight fatalities. The first explosion took place at the Pishin district office of an independent candidate, claiming 12 lives. The second blast occurred in Qilla Saifullah, near the Afghan border, near an office belonging to Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI), a religious party that has previously been targeted by militants.

Pakistan, with a population of nearly 250 million people, is preparing to elect a new national government and members of the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. Forty-four political parties are competing for the 266 seats in the National Assembly, with an additional 70 seats reserved for women and minorities.

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