Twelve, including 10 security personnel, killed on polling day terror attacks in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: At least 12 people, including 10 security personnel, were killed on Thursday, mostly in restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, as the government forces repulsed 51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting the polling for general elections in the country.

Five terrorists were also killed during various operations, according to a statement by the army.

Militants tried to derail the process with the attack mostly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan but the forces foiled their attempts, though at a price, it said.

“Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in KP and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan. Twelve people (including 10 personnel of security forces and law enforcement agencies) died and 39 others have been injured in these attacks,” the army statement said.

It further stated that through proactive intelligence maneuvers and swift action, many potential threats were neutralized, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens.

It also said that five terrorists were also killed during various operations by the security forces.

“With the deployment of 1,37,000 army personnel and civil armed forces at approximately 6,000 selected most sensitive polling stations and over 7,800 QRFs (Quick Response Force), a safe and secure environment for the public was ensured,” the army said.

In one of the incidents, unidentified gunmen set off a bomb and then opened fire at a vehicle of security personnel deployed for election security in the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. Four police officials were killed in the attack, they said.

No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack but the area is a former stronghold of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The group carried out multiple attacks targeting security forces in recent years.