A major terror attack in Balochistan was successfully foiled after security forces arrested a 19-year-old would-be female suicide bomber in Khuzdar, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta, CM Bugti revealed that the operation was carried out with the help of “human intelligence,” calling it a rare but encouraging development in the province’s fight against militancy.
The suspect, identified as Laiba, hails from Zehri tehsil of Khuzdar district and is believed to be linked to the banned militant outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Radicalisation and Recruitment
Speaking during the press conference, Laiba said she had been radicalised by a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander named Ibrahim, whom she met last year.
“I was prepared for a suicide mission, but I was arrested,” she said, adding that she had also been assigned the task of recruiting and training more women for suicide attacks.
She urged other women not to fall into similar traps or become part of such activities.
According to her account, she was instructed to coordinate with Dr Sabiha, individual linked to group Baloch Yakjehti committee (BYC) and was on her way to meet another handler for a mission briefing when she was apprehended.
CM Bugti said militant groups were increasingly exploiting Baloch women for terrorist activities, calling it a deeply concerning trend.
“It is unfortunate that a young woman was radicalised and planned to be used against innocent citizens,” he said.
He added that her arrest prevented what could have been a major tragedy.
The chief minister stressed that while the state respects women’s dignity, the use of women in militant operations leaves security forces with no option but to conduct checks even in sensitive situations.
Shift in Public Response
Bugti also highlighted what he described as a changing mindset among the people of Balochistan, noting that actionable intelligence from citizens was once rare.
“I appreciate the people of Balochistan who are now coming forward and sharing information,” he said.
Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Detailing recent operations, the chief minister claimed that over 1,000 “hardcore terrorists” had been neutralised in the province over the past year.
He said militant organisations were increasingly using online platforms and front groups to identify and radicalise vulnerable individuals.
Assurance of Due Process
CM Bugti assured that the arrested woman would be interrogated in the presence of female police personnel and that her rights would be fully protected.
“The state will ensure she faces no physical or moral harm,” he said.
“This is the difference between us and terrorists — that we are giving respect and honour to the suicide bomber despite her plans to kill us,” he said.
The chief minister lauded the security forces for their efforts, stating, “I am proud of the security forces, security agencies, police, and army”.
