A PTI-affiliated independent candidate was shot dead in the Siddiqabad area of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, according to police. Rehan Zeb Khan was canvassing in the area when unidentified armed men opened fire on his vehicle. He was taken to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his wounds, while four others were injured in the attack.
The PTI strongly condemned the killing, stating that PTI-affiliated candidates and public gatherings were being targeted by “terrorist attacks” which raised concerns about the fairness of polls. They demanded an immediate probe into the attack and called for security to be provided to all PTI-backed candidates participating in the polls. The party also called on the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of the incident and alleged that the caretaker government was focused on bringing one particular political party to power instead of carrying out its responsibilities.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan was also called upon to take notice of the incident, with PTI’s Hammad Azhar stating that Rehan symbolized the country’s youth and had wanted a better future for the people. The ECP also took notice of the killing of a candidate from NA-8 Bajaur and sought a report from the KP chief secretary and police chief, directing that those responsible be punished.
In a separate incident, a worker from the Awami National Party (ANP) was killed during the party’s election campaign in Balochistan’s Qila Abdullah. Additionally, five people were injured in a grenade attack on the PPP’s election office in Quetta.
The incidents have raised concerns about the security surrounding the upcoming general elections, prompting demands for swift action against the perpetrators and measures to protect electoral offices.