Dozens killed in blasts on eve of Pakistan election

Two blasts near the offices of election candidates in Pakistan's south-western province of Balochistan killed 26 people and injured dozens, local officials said on Feb 7, raising concerns over security on the eve of the country's general election.

Pakistan goes to the polls on Feb 8 amid rising militant attacks in recent months and the jailing of Imran Khan, the winner of the last national election, who has been dominating the headlines despite an economic crisis and other woes threatening the country.

The authorities have said they are boosting security at polling booths.

The first attack, which killed 14 people, took place at the office of an independent election candidate in Pishin district. The second explosion in Qilla Saifullah, a town near the Afghan border happened near an office of Jamiat Ulema Islam, a religious party that was previously the target of militant attacks, according to the province's information minister.

Mr Yasir Bazai, deputy commissioner of Qila Saifullah, said 12 people were killed in the blast, which came from a motorcycle parked near the office. He added that 25 people were injured.