Concerns Rise Over Terrorist Threats to Pakistani Political Leaders Ahead of February Elections

Islamabad, Pakistan, December 09, 2023: Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Pakistan’s caretaker interior minister, has expressed deep concerns about the increasing terrorist threats faced by political leaders in the country as the nation gears up for elections in February. Bugti highlighted the general threat posed to political figures, particularly during public rallies and gatherings, emphasizing the challenges faced by leaders in the current climate of terrorism.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Bugti drew attention to the historical backdrop of terrorist activities targeting political figures during election campaigns and rallies. Notable leaders such as former premiers Shaukat Aziz and Benazir Bhutto, along with Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and Mir Siraj Khan Raisani, have been victims of attacks during election-related events since 2002.

Addressing concerns about security arrangements for the upcoming elections, Bugti responded to questions about the potential involvement of the armed forces. He assured that despite the ongoing engagements of paramilitary forces in counterterrorism and other operations, the government is committed to meeting the security requirements outlined by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“The paramilitary forces under my command are actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts. Despite their existing commitments, we will fulfill the ECP’s needs concerning the deployment of civil armed forces,” stated Bugti.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently wrote to the interior ministry, formally requesting the deployment of both the army and civil armed forces outside polling stations to ensure the safety of the electoral process. Bugti acknowledged the challenges faced by paramilitary forces, with Rangers operating in difficult conditions in the katcha areas of Sindh and the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan being stretched thin due to security concerns in both the southern and northern regions of the province.

“We are cognizant of the security dynamics, and despite the operational challenges faced by our forces, we are committed to providing the necessary security measures to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” affirmed Bugti.