In one of the deadliest attacks in the recent times, a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a political rally in southwest Pakistan on Friday killing at least 132 people while injuring many more. We severely condemn such heinous terrorist acts. Soon after the attack the Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility.
Not only to cause disruption or kill innocent people, the latest attack was also evidently carried out to spur fear of violence, just ahead of nationwide polls on July 25. The attack is likely to threat security measures of the upcoming polls. Meanwhile, there was another significant development in the Pakistan’s politics. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam were arrested at the Lahore airport on Friday night on corruption charges as they returned to the country in an attempt to rally their beleaguered party days before national elections.
Mr Sharif and his daughter were convicted in absentia last week and sentenced to lengthy prison terms in connection with their ownership of expensive properties in London, a case they claim was manufactured by their political rivals and the powerful military. It is true that Mr Sharif cannot run in the July 25 election but his presence could give a lift to the party a highly charged electoral campaign.
We believe the Pakistan authorities will not give any scope to extremist and terrorist groups for functioning within the country, especially during the election time. The IS had carried out attacks there in the past, including Sufi shrine’s blast in February last year which killed nearly 90 people. Militants have targeted politicians, religious gatherings, security forces and even schools in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, politics has been too complex and it is not easy to discern who is doing what behind the curtain. Pakistan army is not making politics safe or easy. In our view the Pakistani political leadership is feudal and corrupt. Only a sensible role by the army could save politics of institutional government.
