Female suicide bomber arrested in Khuzdar, major attack foiled: CM Bugti

QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Wednesday announced that security forces had arrested a would-be female suicide bomber in Khuzdar, thwarting a potential major attack.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Bugti said the operation was carried out using human intelligence and thanked the public for their cooperation. He identified the suspect as Laiba and noted that her arrest had prevented significant loss of life.

The chief minister expressed concern over militant groups exploiting women, stating that a young woman had been radicalised and prepared for use in attacks against civilians. He added that such intelligence-led operations were rare in the past but indicated a positive shift as more citizens come forward with information.

Bugti emphasised that while the state respects the dignity of women, the use of women in militant activities forces security personnel to take precautionary measures, including checking vehicles carrying female passengers.

He assured that the arrested woman would be treated in accordance with the law, interrogated in the presence of female police officers, and protected from any physical or moral harm. “This is the difference between the state and terrorists,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding human dignity.

The chief minister also praised the efforts of security forces, police and law enforcement agencies, claiming that over 1,000 militants had been neutralised in the province over the past year.

According to officials, militant groups are increasingly using online platforms and organisations to recruit and radicalise individuals. The suspect reportedly told authorities she had been influenced by a commander of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who allegedly directed her to connect with facilitators and train other women for suicide missions.

She claimed she was en route to receive instructions for a potential attack when she was apprehended.

Separately, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry said that groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and the TTP often share objectives and, in some cases, collaborate operationally. He warned that militants are increasingly targeting women, children and educated youth through social media, exploiting cultural sensitivities to evade detection.

Chaudhry praised the provincial government’s counterterrorism efforts, noting improved capacity and stronger resolve among Balochistan’s political leadership to combat militancy.