On 8th February 2024, the official media wing of the Pakistani armed forces, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) extends congratulations to the nation for the “peaceful” conduct of the general elections. The armed forces, alongside Law Enforcement Agencies, played a pivotal role in ensuring security, it said.
ISPR statement said that the deployment included 137,000 personnel at 6,000 sensitive polling stations, with over 7,800 Quick Reaction Forces for swift responses.
“Despite 51 terrorist attacks, primarily in KP and Balochistan, security forces remained resilient, ensuring peace across Pakistan. The attacks resulted in 12 casualties and 39 injuries, with 5 terrorists neutralized,” the statement reads.
In Balochistan, the general elections saw a significant disruptions, characterized by a series of armed attacks on polling stations, a marked public rejection of the electoral process, and notably low voter turnout was also reported.
The coastal regions, including Gwadar, Jiwani, and Pasni, also witnessed bombings near polling stations. Notably, in Gwadar, 14 explosions occurred near polling stations and the vehicle of the Assistant Commissioner, injuring two officials.
Despite the Information Minister’s assurances of security, the election lead-up saw over 125 incidents targeting the election campaigns, with BRAS, a coalition of ‘pro-independence’ Baloch armed groups, claiming responsibility for 112 attacks in just ten days before the election day.