Deadly blast targets PTI rally in Sibi, leaving four dead

A blast targeted a political rally organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday evening in Sibi district of Balochistan, resulting in at least four fatalities and several injuries, according to authorities.

Dr Babar, the Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that four individuals lost their lives in the explosion. “We received four dead bodies from the spot of the blast,” Dr Babar disclosed, adding that five injured individuals were promptly brought to Sibi hospital for medical treatment.

The explosion occurred as the rally, belonging to the former ruling party, was passing through the main Jinnah Road in Sibi. Police sources have attributed the incident to a bomb detonation, highlighting the vulnerability of political gatherings to such security threats.

Abdullah Khan, Secretary of the Health Department in Balochistan, declared a state of emergency in all hospitals, including those in Sibi and Quetta, in response to the blast. Hospitals are now on high alert, and medical personnel are working tirelessly to provide immediate care to the injured.

In response to the incident, the spokesperson of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a statement, expressing concern over the explosion during a political rally in Sibi.

The ECP has urged an immediate report from the Chief Secretary and Inspector General (IG) of Balochistan to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The deadly blast underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by political parties and their supporters in the region as they engage in public activities ahead of elections.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf strongly condemned the bomb blast that targeted its election rally in Sibi. In a statement issued by a party spokesperson, deep sorrow and grief were expressed over the tragic martyrdom of party workers.

The PTI spokesperson denounced the attack on the peaceful election rally, attributing it as a grave failure of the caretaker provincial and federal governments. The spokesperson stated, “The state machinery is preoccupied with targeting PTI leaders and workers, including Founder Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, in baseless and fabricated cases.”

Furthermore, the spokesperson accused institutions responsible for maintaining public order of engaging in blatant political engineering through lawlessness. The spokesperson criticised the perpetrators for recklessly endangering the lives of citizens, emphasising that such attacks on the peaceful election activities of PTI create an atmosphere of fear and fraud around the upcoming elections.

The PTI spokesperson questioned the caretaker prime minister, interior minister, and provincial government, branding them as illegal, unconstitutional, non-political, and overdue, for failing to provide security to the PTI rally despite being on high alert.

The spokesperson urged a comprehensive investigation into the incident, emphasising the need to hold the caretaker governments accountable for their alleged criminal negligence.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyred workers, the party spokesperson affirmed that PTI would not tolerate any negligence in the standard treatment of the injured.

The spokesperson also offered prayers for patience to the families of the martyrs and a swift and complete recovery for the injured. The party called for justice to be served and thorough accountability to be established for those responsible for the tragic incident.

Meanwhile, Jan Achakzai, the Caretaker Information Minister of Balochistan, has declared that despite the recent terrorist attack targeting an election rally in Sibi, the upcoming elections will proceed as planned.

Achakzai emphasised that the incident will not deter the Balochistan government from ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Achakzai acknowledged the terrorist intent to disrupt the election process and manipulate its outcomes. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in the resilience of the people of Balochistan, stating, “Regardless of the actions of terrorists, the rally in Sibi, which was targeted by terrorists, will not discourage the Government of Balochistan from conducting the elections.”

Achakzai underscored the determination of the Balochistan population, affirming that, by the grace of God, at least 50 per cent of the citizens would actively participate in the voting process scheduled for February 8.

Offering condolences to the families affected by the tragic blast in Sibi, the caretaker information minister expressed deep sympathy. He recognised the impact of such incidents on the affected families and assured them that the government would remain steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a secure and fair electoral environment.