Security forces have successfully apprehended a prominent terrorist commander in Quetta, who was operating under the guise of a university lecturer. The suspect, identified as Dr. Usman Qazi, is alleged to be affiliated with a banned militant organization and was arrested on August 12. His capture followed the interrogation of a suicide bomber arrested on August 11, who revealed Qazi’s name during questioning.
Dr. Usman Qazi, a faculty member at BUITEMS University in Quetta, is accused of playing a key role in the 2024 attack on the Quetta railway station and providing assistance in training militants. Authorities claim that Qazi was deeply involved in terrorist activities and had been working with extremist groups for some time.
In a confessional statement aired during a press conference held by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Dr. Qazi admitted to supporting militant operations and facilitating attacks. He further confessed that he used Telegram, a secure messaging platform, to communicate with his handlers, including Harbiyar Marri, a known militant leader.
“I betrayed my country,” Qazi said in his statement, visibly remorseful. “The state gave me everything — respect, position, and dignity. I am truly ashamed of my actions.”
The arrest of Dr. Qazi came just days before a major planned attack on August 14, which was thwarted with the capture of the suicide bomber. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the full extent of the network that Dr. Qazi was allegedly involved in, with further arrests expected in the coming weeks.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the growing influence of extremist groups in Balochistan, with reports indicating that such groups are increasingly targeting educational institutions to spread anti-state ideology. Allegedly, some militant facilitators are operating under the cover of student activism to infiltrate schools and radicalize young minds, further complicating security challenges in the region.
This arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on militant activities in the province, with the security forces ramping up operations to dismantle terror cells and prevent future attacks.
