Attacks on politicians increase in Pakistan ahead of February 8 general elections

According to reports in the national press, an armed attack was carried out against Rehan Zeb Khan, an independent parliamentary candidate associated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Rehan Zeb Khan lost his life in the attack, and 3 people were injured.

In the Chaman district of Balochistan province, a politician from the Awami National Party (ANP) lost his life in an armed attack at an Election Commission office. 1 person was injured in the incident.

In the city of Quetta, Balochistan, a hand grenade attack was carried out on the office of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

5 people were injured in the bomb attack.

ATTACKS INCREASED AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTIONS

An increase in terrorist incidents is being observed in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan ahead of the general elections on February 8.

Former parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar escaped unharmed from an armed attack on his convoy in North Waziristan on January 3.

Qari Khairullah, a parliamentary candidate from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, also survived a bomb attack in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on January 3.

Aslam Buledi, a parliamentary candidate from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was also subjected to an armed attack in the Turbat district of Balochistan on January 10. Buledi, who was injured, was taken to the hospital.

Independent parliamentary candidate Kaleemullah Khan and his 2 bodyguards also lost their lives in an armed attack in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the same day.

PTI politician Shah Khalid lost his life in an armed attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on January 11.

A bomb attack was carried out on a PTI election rally in the Sibi district of Balochistan yesterday. 4 people lost their lives and 5 people were injured in the attack.