Balochistan witnessed a series of attacks on Tuesday, targeting both election campaigns and security forces, as part of an ongoing pattern of armed activities ahead of the 2024 general elections. These incidents, occurring across various locations including the districts of Kech and Panjgur, involved at least 11 separate attacks.
In Kech, an early morning hand grenade attack at the NADRA office in the Hoshap area resulted in an explosion. The residence of Aslam Buledi, a Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) candidate for the National Assembly in the Buleda, Minaz area, was also targeted, with the incident confirmed by police and local sources.
In Panjgur, Abdul Qadeer Sajidi of the National Party’s residence in the Surdoo area was attacked, coinciding with an important election-related meeting. The residence of Pakistan People’s Party candidate Agha Gul also faced a hand grenade attack, with the extent of the damage yet to be disclosed.
Additional incidents reported include a grenade attack on a polling station within a government school in Quetta’s Sariab area and damage to a NADRA office in Washuk, affecting the nearby Press Club. A polling station at Mirani Dam Jungle Bazaar in Kech’s Dasht area was similarly targeted.
Security forces in Kech and Panjgur encountered multiple assaults: a foot patrol in Tump’s Milant area was hit by an explosive device, and a convoy in Mand’s Baloch Abad area faced an IED attack, followed by gunfire. Checkpoints in the Tump Balicha area and Panjgur also experienced attacks by armed individuals.
As of now, no armed group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attacks. However, these attacks are part of a broader surge in activities targeting both the electoral process and security forces in Balochistan. The Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), an alliance of Baloch armed organizations, has been noted for similar attacks in the region, with the group having claimed responsibility for 92 attacks in just nine days.