QUETTA/GWADAR: Election offices of PPP candidates in Mastung and Kharan were targeted on Monday by unknown armed men using hand grenades, marking the fifth incident of attacks on candidates participating in National and Provincial Assembly elections in Balochistan.

In a separate incident, a National Party candidate in Turbat narrowly escaped an armed attack.

Sardar Noor Ahmed Bangulzai, a PPP candidate from Mastung, was attacked at his election office as an unknown motorcyclist threw a grenade late at night.

The office’s furniture and structure was damaged in the attack, but no casualties were reported.

In another incident in Kharan town, an unknown individual threw a bomb at the residence of PPP Provincial Assembly candidate Nooruddin Nushe­rwani. The bomb exploded in the courtyard of the house, causing slight damage to the walls. No injuries were reported.

In a separate incident, Lala Rasheed Dashti, a candidate for the provincial assembly from the National Party, and sitting Senator Akram Dashti survived an armed attack in the Dashat Godan area of Turbat in Kech district.

While returning from an election campaign in different areas of Kech district, their convoy was targeted by unknown armed assailants who opened fire on their vehicle.

Security forces responded to the attack, initiating an investigation into the incident.

Makran Division Commissioner Saeed Ahmed Umrani confirmed the attempt on the lives of National Party leaders and said, “They remain unhurt due to travelling in bullet proof vehicles.”

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024