BOMBS ripped through two separate political offices in south-western Pakistan today, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than two dozen, officials said, the day before the country was set to elect a new parliament.

The attacks in Baluchistan province, home to a low-level insurgency and various militant groups, raised concerns for the election.

Tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the country following a recent surge in attacks, especially in Baluchistan. No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings.