Twin bombings at Pakistan political offices kill at least 28 on eve of national vote

At least 28 people were killed on Wednesday by two separate bomb blasts outside the offices of election candidates in southwestern Pakistan, on the eve of a national vote marred by violence and allegations of poll rigging.

More than half a million security officers were deploying ahead of Thursday’s election, with authorities distributing ballot papers to more than 90,000 polling stations.

There have been multiple security incidents in the run-up to the vote, with at least two candidates shot dead and dozens more targeted in attacks across the country.

Jan Achakzai, the caretaker information minister for Balochistan province, where the blasts happened: “The aim of today’s blasts was to sabotage the election.”

“Despite today’s blasts, the election will take place tomorrow. People of Balochistan will come out tomorrow without any fear.”