A leader affiliated with Imran Khan‘s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, contesting the February 8 elections, was shot dead, and three of his supporters sustained injuries during a poll campaign rally in the restive northwestern region of Pakistan, as reported by news agency PTI, citing officials.
Rehan Zaib Khan, contesting as an independent candidate from the Bajaur constituency for a National Assembly seat, was shot dead in the Siddiq Abad Phatak Bazar Main Chowk area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Geo TV reported. It is to be noted that this incident occurred after the PTI was barred from participating in the elections following a recent court order.
A senior official told Press Trust Of India, “PTI leader from NA-8 Bajaur, Rehan Zeb Khan, was shot dead by unidentified assailants. Three of his supporters were also injured. The incident happened during Khan’s election campaign.”
Although Khan was an active member of the PTI, he chose to contest the election independently due to the court’s prohibition of the PTI’s participation.
Upon receiving the report of the attack, the police swiftly arrived at the scene, sealing off the area in pursuit of the assailants, the Geo TV report said.
Concerns about the security situation in the country, particularly in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been raised by various quarters, with some lawmakers urging a delay in the polls due to security threats. With over 128 million voters, the security situation remains a critical consideration.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of the incident and has requested a detailed report from the provincial chief secretary and Inspector General Police (IGP). The ECP has directed them to take stringent action against those found responsible for the attack.
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— Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL)🇵🇰 (@ECP_Pakistan) January 31, 2024
This event follows the bombing near a PTI rally in Balochistan on the previous day, where at least four people lost their lives, and five others were injured. The blast occurred on Jinnah Road in Sibbi city while the PTI rally was in progress.