Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that security forces, including the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), successfully foiled a major terrorist plot planned for August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day. He credited the timely action of the forces for preventing a large-scale tragedy and saving many lives.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Bugti said the attackers had planned to target people celebrating Independence Day. He praised law enforcement agencies for their efforts and urged parents to keep a close eye on their children to protect them from being influenced by extremist groups.
Sarfraz Bugti revealed that the same group responsible for the Quetta Railway Station attack in November 2024 was behind the recent plot. Investigations are still ongoing, and more details about the network are expected to come out.
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The chief minister shared that a lecturer from BUITEMS University had confessed to helping terrorists. The lecturer admitted to using the Telegram app to receive instructions, plan attacks, and support terrorist activities. Bugti noted that the man held a PhD in Pakistan Studies, his wife was also a teacher, and his mother was a pensioner — questioning claims that such people are deprived or marginalised.
Sarfraz Bugti accused some groups of misusing the issue of missing persons to spread anti-state propaganda and stressed that no forced disappearances had taken place from the government’s side. He also said that those involved in terrorism or supporting it would be dealt with strictly and tried under different laws.
He confirmed the arrest of a key facilitator from the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in Quetta and said about 2,000 individuals involved in anti-state activities would not be forgiven. Investigations have also revealed the involvement of some government employees.
Addressing the recent kidnapping of two assistant commissioners, Bugti admitted the incident was serious but assured that operations were underway to rescue them. He said a search was conducted in the Khalifat Hills the previous night and efforts were ongoing.
Sarfraz Bugti reaffirmed that security forces are fully capable of fighting terrorism, and the provincial government will support them legally and administratively. He said that the government is open to dialogue with those willing to talk, and called on all political parties to stand united against terrorism and support the sacrifices made by the state in this fight.
