QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday announced that security forces had thwarted a major terror plot targeting Islamabad by arresting a female suicide bomber in Balochistan. The suspect, identified as Khairunnisa, was allegedly recruited by the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to carry out an attack.
Addressing a press conference, Bugti said the woman had been coerced into the suicide mission by the Indian-sponsored Fitna Al-Hindustan (FAH). He claimed that intelligence reports revealed the woman had gone missing months ago and was later found to be training for an assault. Security forces intercepted her en route from Turbat to Islamabad, preventing what could have been a devastating incident.
The chief minister stated that terrorists blackmailed Khairunnisa by threatening to kill her father if she refused to comply. He strongly criticized militant groups for exploiting women, stating, ‘Our Baloch women are not part of any war.’ Bugti emphasized that such actions contradict Baloch traditions and values. The woman was subsequently handed over to her father with dignity, and authorities advised the family to monitor her closely.
During the press conference, Khairunnisa spoke briefly, revealing that her cousin had pressured and threatened her into joining the BLA. She said she had been mentally prepared for a suicide attack but expressed relief at being apprehended. ‘Police treated me respectfully, and I now want to continue my education and move forward with my life,’ she said. Her account highlights the psychological manipulation often employed by militant groups.
Bugti praised intelligence agencies for their timely intervention, which averted a major crisis that could have damaged Pakistan’s international image. The foiled plot comes amid heightened security concerns in the country, where several recent attacks have been linked to separatist groups in Balochistan. The province has long been a flashpoint for insurgency, with allegations of foreign involvement in fueling unrest.
The case of Khairunnisa underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Pakistani authorities in countering terrorism and rehabilitating coerced individuals. As the nation remains vigilant, this incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of extremism. For more on regional security, see Al Jazeera’s coverage.
Source: ARY News