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, 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 manoeuvres and swift action, many potential threats were neutralised, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the security agencies to protect the democratic rights of our citizens. It also said that five terrorists were killed during various operations.

“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, they said.