Balochistan: Sirajul Haq, the Chief of Pakistan’s Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), narrowly escaped a suicide attack on Friday, resulting in the injury of at least seven people, according to Geo News. Four of the injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition.
The incident occurred in Balochistan’s Zhob district when a suicide bomber detonated himself outside Haq’s non-bulletproof vehicle. Despite the explosion, everyone inside the vehicle remained unharmed, as reported by Geo News. In a public gathering following the attack, the JI Chief expressed his fearlessness in the face of death, stating, “I am not afraid of death. The decision of my life and death rests with Allah.”
Blaming the current ruling authorities for the country’s persisting inflation and weak economy, Haq highlighted the detrimental impact of a “self-serving group” that has taken the nation hostage. He emphasized the importance of choosing the right representatives to foster development and prosperity in the country.
JI spokesperson Qaiser Sharif confirmed that several vehicles were damaged in the attack. This assault on a prominent political figure comes at a time when Pakistan is witnessing an increase in terrorism, particularly in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the suicide blast and urged the Balochistan government to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, ensuring that the culprits are brought to justice. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also strongly denounced the suicide attack and called for the apprehension and prosecution of the bombers, according to a statement released by the party secretariat.
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo expressed his condemnation of the incident and extended condolences to the victims of the attack. The authorities are expected to intensify security measures in the wake of this alarming event, aiming to safeguard public figures and mitigate the threat of terrorism in the region.