The recent spate of terrorist attacks carried out on political rallies in different parts of the country have left hundreds of innocent people including three candidates of mainstream political parties dead and scores of their supports critically injured.
The first of its kind, took place on July 10 in Peshawar’s Yaktoot area, in which Awami National Party (ANP) leader Haroon Bilour and 19 others were killed. The attack was claimed by the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which had also claimed responsibility for 2012 attack that killed Haroon’s father, Bashir Bilour. Earlier on July 7, at least seven people, including a candidate of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), were injured when a convoy came under a bomb attack in Bannu. The most lethal attack that took place in Mastung on July 13 during a corner meeting organised by BAP candidate Mir Siraj Raisani claimed the lives of nearly 150 people while injuring more than 200. On Sunday we have lost Ikramullah Gandapur of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf who succumbed to injuries sustained in a suicide blast in Dera Ismail Khan according to Police reports Gandapur was targeted near his residence while he was heading to a political convention. Faraz Mughul, Gandapur’s assistant, is also reported to have been killed in the attack. JUI-F leader Akram Khan Durrani remained unhurt in yet another attack in Bannu on Sunday. This was the second attack on the former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, who is contesting the election from Bannu on the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal’s (MMA) ticket.
The series of attacks targeting political rallies in the country is a part of grand conspiracy aimed at disrupting peace and derailing the democratic process in the country. There are no two opinions on the issue; the enemies of Pakistan sitting within or outside the borders are trying to create anarchy and law and order problem in the country by fomenting violence and spreading the seeds of discord at this very critical juncture when entire nation is heading towards a historic transition.
Given the highly volatile situation it is high time that we, as a nation, should stand together firmly, stay determined and steadfast in foiling the nefarious designs of our enemies who are creating hurdles in the way of peace, prosperity and stability in our country. Pakistan as a nation has demonstrated a great deal of courage and resilience in combating this menace of terrorism but what is more important is that the government as well as the security institutions must enhance over all security measures and increase vigilance in highly sensitive areas to make sure that the elections are held in a peaceful manner.