QUETTA: Security agencies have arrested a young woman allegedly prepared for a suicide attack by the banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), successfully averting a potentially large-scale tragedy.
The development was disclosed during a press conference in Quetta by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, who was accompanied by Interior Minister Zia Langove and other senior officials. The arrested girl, identified as Laiba, was also presented before the media.
According to initial investigations, the arrested woman identified as Laiba, also known as Farzana claimed she was manipulated, psychologically exploited before being pushed toward extremism. Her statement has raised serious concerns about the methods used by militant networks to recruit vulnerable.
The suspect alleged that she came into contact with a commander of Tehrik I Taliban Pakistan (TTP), identified as Ibrahim alias Qazi, in July last year. She stated that he indoctrinated her and persuaded her to prepare for a suicide attack.
In her confession, Laiba said she was later introduced to another operative, Dil Jan, who allegedly facilitated her connection with a woman identified as Dr Sabiha.
The latter is accused of playing a role in influencing and recruiting young girls, though authorities have yet to officially confirm the full extent of her involvement.
The suspect further revealed that she had been tasked with recruiting other young girls into the network.
She described a pattern of psychological manipulation combined with personal exploitation to trap victims and push them toward extremist activities.
“I was misled and exploited. They used mental pressure and personal abuse to control me,” she stated in her recorded confession.
Security officials said the suspect was arrested upon reaching Khuzdar, where she was reportedly en route to carry out the planned suicide attack. Her detention averted significant loss of life.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti Bugti stated that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting Baloch women for their operations. “Laiba’s story is before everyone. The BLA has eroded the respect and dignity of women and is pushing youth toward futile objectives,” he said.
He further revealed that citizens across Balochistan are actively sharing sensitive information with authorities, which has significantly strengthened counterterrorism efforts.
