In preparation for the general elections scheduled for 8 February in Pakistan, Quetta has seen an increase in security measures. The city’s commissioner has announced a temporary ban on pillion riding, effective until the evening of election day, as part of a broader initiative to enhance security protocols.
Authorities in Quetta have ramped up snap checks, seizing vehicles and motorcycles without proper registration plates. Individuals lacking an identity card will be subject to arrest, as per the latest directive from the local administration.
Additionally, the Commissioner has ordered the closure of all businesses and markets near polling stations on election day, aiming to reduce potential disturbances during the voting process.
In Mastung, similar security measures have been implemented, with a ban on double riding on motorcycles for February 7th and 8th. According to a notice from the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mastung, this measure is in response to specific security concerns, and motorcycles found in violation will be confiscated.
Parallel to these security measures, the railway administration has suspended train operations from Quetta on the day of the election. Services affected by this suspension include the Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail, according to railway officials.
Despite these security measures, recent incidents have underscored the prevailing security concerns in the region. On Wednesday, two explosions in the Balochistan regions of Pishin and Qilla Saifullah resulted in the death of at least 25 individuals. The IS Pakistan Province (ISPP) group has claimed responsibility for these attacks, highlighting the security challenges facing the region on the eve of the elections.