A militant attack at a rally organized by the Jamiat Ulema Ismal Fazl in Pakistan has left 45 people dead and over 135 injured.
The rally, held in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and attended by supporters of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition, was targeted by a suicide bomber on Sunday, adding to the mounting concerns over security as elections loom on the horizon.
The blast tore through the gathering, prompting immediate rescue efforts that saw scores of injured individuals being rushed to nearby hospitals while some were airlifted via helicopters.
Local media reports suggest that the Islamic State group may be behind the tragic incident, underscoring the escalating threat posed by various militant factions operating in the region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was quick to condemn the bombing, characterizing it as an assault on the democratic process in Pakistan. With plans to dissolve the parliament next month, political figures, especially those actively participating in campaign rallies, have become susceptible targets for militants seeking to disrupt the electoral process.
The rise in violence in Pakistan can be partly attributed to the Taliban’s takeover of power in Afghanistan in 2021, which has emboldened and diversified militant groups vying for influence in the region, including the Islamic State.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with its links to the Afghan Taliban, terminated a cease-fire with the Pakistani government in November, citing grievances against the administration’s policies.
Interestingly, the TTP condemned Sunday’s attack, and the Taliban in Afghanistan, who initially helped broker the cease-fire, distanced themselves from the suicide bombing as stated by spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of the tragic bombing, security measures are expected to be heightened in the lead-up to the November elections. With the threat of terrorism continuing to loom large, the nation faces the challenging task of safeguarding its democratic processes while navigating the complexities of its relationships with various factions in the region.