Despite increasing poll-related violence, Pakistan's acting interior minister Gohar Ejaz dispelled doubts about holding the general elections on February 8, stating that the government will ensure their timely occurrence. The country is facing a rising threat of attacks by militant outfits, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Recent incidents include the killing of a candidate in Bajaur district and a bomb blast at a PTI rally in Sibi city. Concerns about security reasons potentially delaying elections in certain regions were addressed, emphasizing the government's commitment to hold the elections as scheduled.