CM Bugti says major terrorism plot foiled after arrest of female suicide bomber

Balochistan Chief Minister Safraz Bugti said on Wednesday that security forces had successfully arrested a female suicide bomber in Khuzdar, preventing a potentially devastating attack and saving precious human lives.

In a press conference held in Quetta, Bugti commended the timely intervention of security agencies, describing the operation as a significant success that thwarted a “dangerous terrorist plot”. “This is a major victory in our fight against terrorism,” he added.

Bugti said that the arrested woman made critical revelations during interrogation. “She confessed that she had been recruited by a terrorist commander, Qazi Ibrahim, who had trained her for a suicide bombing, later connected to a network through an individual named Diljan,” he added.

The chief minister highlighted what he said was an “alarming trend” where certain elements were misleading Baloch youth, especially women, and pushing them towards violence and terrorism.

“The Baloch people are a peaceful nation, but some self-interested groups are steering them towards a senseless war,” Bugti stated.

He added that some of these elements were allegedly working for foreign powers, particularly India, while certain terrorist activities were being linked to Afghanistan, where training camps were believed to be operating.

Read More: Balochistan CTD arrests female would-be bomber

“Pakistan will not tolerate any form of terrorism on its soil, and we will continue our tough action against those who try to lure our youth, especially women, onto this dangerous path,” CM Bugti said.

He said that the arrested female bomber, who confessed to having been mentally prepared for the attack over the past three months, would be placed in a special facility for further investigation.

“Authorities will also focus on her rehabilitation and de-radicalisation as part of ongoing efforts to counter extremism,” he added.

The arrested suspect said she had been radicalized and prepared for a suicide mission by terrorist operatives. She revealed that she was not only assigned to carry out an attack but was also tasked with recruiting other young women for similar missions. She urged women to avoid becoming part of such activities.

Initial investigations suggest that the suspect had links with members of banned militant organisations and individuals involved in extremist networks. Officials said she was being connected with facilitators for further training and planning before her arrest.

Authorities believe the case has exposed a wider network involved in recruitment, indoctrination, and propaganda.

CM Bugti also highlighted improvements in intelligence-sharing, which he said had led to multiple successful operations across Balochistan. He reaffirmed that protecting lives and property remained the government’s top priority.

The provincial government announced that cases involving women would be handled by female police officers to ensure their rights and dignity were protected. Authorities also plan to expand education, employment opportunities, and community programmes to prevent radicalisation among youth.

CM Bugti emphasised the need to counter online propaganda and misuse of the internet, adding that awareness campaigns would be launched to stop the spread of extremist narratives. He concluded by stating that security forces remained fully active and committed to maintaining peace, and further measures would be taken to eliminate terrorism and ensure a safe environment across Balochistan.

Present at the press conference were Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau, the provincial police chief and other senior officials.

In a statement on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar praised security forces and said, “Case has once again exposed the alliance between the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Baloch Yakjehti Commitee(BYC), and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).”

Tarar added that these groups were brainwashing innocent youth and using them for their extremist agendas.

The BLA has been increasingly involving women in its terrorist activities, including using them as suicide bombers against civilians and security forces. Reports suggest that the militant group is targeting vulnerable women, indoctrinating them for attacks aimed at disrupting peace and stability in Pakistan.

In recent years, security forces have arrested several female bombers who were blackmailed or coerced into becoming terrorists. Many of these women were manipulated or exploited by the BLA and forced to carry out suicide attacks.

Earlier in February, the Counter Terrorism Department of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa foiled a major terrorism plot in Dera Ismail Khan, arresting a female suicide bomber red-handed from Sheikh Yousaf Khema Basti in a timely operation conducted on confirmed intelligence.

In 2024, a Baloch woman, Adila Baloch, who was arrested in Turbat for planning a suicide attack, revealed that terrorists blackmailed and manipulated Baloch women into committing such acts.