Pakistan: Bombings target campaign events in southwest and north July 13

Event

A suicide bomb attack hit a campaign event in southwestern Pakistan on Friday, July 13, as political tensions run high in the country ahead of the July 25 general elections. At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured in the blast, which took place in Mastung (Baluchistan province). Among the fatalities was Siraj Raisani, a candidate for the Baluchistan provincial assembly; Raisani is the second political candidate to be killed in pre-election violence in the past week. Increased security and transportation disruptions should be expected in Mastung in the aftermath of Friday's attack.

The attack in Mastung was the second bombing to hit Pakistan on Friday. An earlier blast resulted in four people dead and dozens more injured in Bannu (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan). That attack took place near an election rally site for the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) party.

Context

Friday's attacks come amid a tense political time across Pakistan, as the country prepares to hold general elections on July 25. On July 10, a suicide bomber attacked an Awami National Party (ANP) rally in Peshawar, killing at least 20 people including the ANP candidate for the provincial assembly, Haroon Bilour. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility.

Meanwhile, authorities are on high alert across the country, particularly in Punjab province, as of July 13 as former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter are expected to return to Lahore to face arrest following convictions in absentia on corruption charges. Mass protests by Sharif supporters are expected at Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) on Friday; large protests and mass arrests were already reported on Thursday.

Advice

Individuals in Mastung and Bannu are advised to avoid the attack sites and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. More generally, individuals in Pakistan are advised to avoid all political gatherings. As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, Western governments usually advise their citizens against all nonessential travel to Pakistan. Remain vigilant at all times and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.