A major terror attempt was foiled in Balochistan after security forces arrested a 19-year-old female suicide bomber in a timely operation.

Authorities say the intervention prevented a potentially devastating attack and saved many innocent lives.

According to officials, security forces conducted a successful operation based on human intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspected suicide bomber.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the timely action helped avert a major tragedy and saved numerous innocent lives. He praised security personnel for their efforts and thanked the people of Balochistan for sharing critical information.

Suspect reveals recruitment, radicalization

The arrested woman, identified as Laiba, said she belongs to Tehsil Zehri in Khuzdar district.

In her statement, she revealed that terrorists manipulated her mindset and prepared her for a suicide mission. She said she had been instructed to recruit more girls for similar activities.

Laiba added that she was arrested before carrying out the attack and urged other girls to stay away from such acts. She also stated that “Commander Ibrahim” played a role in influencing her.

Chief Minister Bugti said that terrorists are exploiting Baloch women and pushing society toward a “futile war” in the name of Balochism. He criticized Bashir Zeb and his associates, saying they had damaged the respect of women.

“Where are they trying to take society in the name of Balochism?” he questioned.

The CM emphasized that Balochistan is a responsible state with a responsible government and security apparatus, adding that Laiba was being used against Pakistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Bugti said security forces deserve congratulations for the successful operation. He stated that people of Balochistan no longer accept terrorism and are actively sharing sensitive information with authorities. He termed the revival of human intelligence as a “major success.”

Bugti also claimed that more than 1,000 terrorists have been trained against Pakistan and alleged that Afghanistan is serving as a safe haven for such elements. He said those involved in terrorism would be dealt with and refugees would be repatriated with dignity.

Social, domestic factors exploited

The chief minister revealed that Laiba had been married twice and that her domestic situation was exploited to influence her. He added that her cousin was also a member of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

“Terrorist organisations target youth in universities, educational institutions, and on the internet,” he said, warning that young minds are being misled.

Bugti confirmed that Laiba is willing to cooperate with authorities and assured that individuals who were radicalized would be brought back on the right path. He also stated that she was not subjected to any harassment during detention.

Bugti said the state knows how to establish its writ and is working on long-term solutions, including employment and education. He noted that over 12,000 teachers have been recruited and that merit-based hiring has been implemented in the Balochistan Constabulary. The government is also focusing on providing job opportunities to youth.

He emphasized that issues will be resolved through dialogue, adding that women-led initiatives, including special centers and lady police, will address women’s concerns.

Warning against consequences of violence

The chief minister cautioned that continued violence would only lead to loss of lives and disruption.

“If Laiba had carried out the suicide attack, how many families would have been destroyed?” he said, stressing that nothing can be gained from such conflict.

Federal govt reacts to operation

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar praised the security forces for the successful operation and confirmed that Laiba and her cousin were arrested. Speaking to Samaa TV, he alleged that BLA members themselves live comfortably abroad while exploiting poor girls in Balochistan.

Tarar said terrorist groups are targeting vulnerable women and using psychological manipulation, including exploitation, to recruit them. He added that the narrative of “missing persons” has been exposed and that militants are losing the narrative war.

Authorities reiterated that Baloch people are proud and do not support terrorism.

Both provincial and federal leaders stressed the need for awareness, cooperation, and unity to counter extremist narratives and ensure lasting peace in the region.