Pakistan has been hit by a series of deadly attacks ahead of general elections set for next month. Earlier today, a suicide bomber killed at least seven people and wounded more than two dozen others on a busy road in Peshawar. Meanwhile, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for bombings at the campaign offices of two independent political candidates that killed at least nine people on Saturday. Human Rights Watch reports at least 70 people have died in election-related attacks by the Taliban and others since early April. In the city of Karachi, residents said the violence would likely prevent people from going to the polls.

Mohammed Ehtesham: “If this situation of blasts continues, then it will be difficult for people to come out and cast their vote. Everyone will look for their safety first.”

Naseer Soomro: “These bomb blasts and firing incidents are scaring people. Every normal person will get frightened. Fear is a normal thing. Why would someone take a risk, and what for? Voting is not so important to me that I would sacrifice my life; I get killed for it.”