ISLAMABAD: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed on Monday that security agencies had successfully thwarted a planned suicide attack on Independence Day, with a suspected bomber arrested in connection with the plot.
Bugti disclosed that the would-be attacker was allegedly facilitated by a lecturer at Balochistan University, marking a significant operation against terrorism in the region.
During a press conference in Quetta, Bugti revealed that the arrested individual, a highly educated government employee with a PhD, had been part of the “sophisticated” tier of the Balochistan Liberation Army’s (BLA) Majeed Brigade, a militant group known for targeting Pakistani security forces.
The suspect reportedly provided shelter to the suicide bomber, helped him with transportation, and organized weapons for the attack. Bugti stated that this was the first time security agencies had captured a high-ranking member of the Majeed Brigade’s network, which has been increasingly involved in terrorist activities.
The CM denounced the argument that Baloch insurgency was driven by deprivation, pointing to the suspect’s well-off background. “The accused individual’s family includes government employees, and he himself was a highly educated individual, benefitting from a scholarship,” Bugti said. This statement directly contradicted the notion that socio-economic deprivation fueled militancy in the region.
Bugti also took aim at the recent multi-party conference (MPC) held in Islamabad, which had tried to portray the Baloch insurgency in a different light. “The narrative presented by the MPC, which differentiated between terrorism in Balochistan and KP, is an attempt to justify these violent acts,” he stated.
The chief minister underscored that the terrorism in Balochistan was not a result of economic hardship but the work of external forces and terrorist organizations like the BLA, which operate with foreign support.
Highlighting the efforts of the Provincial Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Bugti disclosed that, during the arrest operation, local residents attempted to resist the authorities.
He condemned these actions, asserting that any individuals harboring militants would face legal consequences. “We will take action against everyone involved in supporting terrorists, regardless of their affiliations,” Bugti declared.
The CM further emphasized that, in collaboration with law enforcement, the provincial government had been investigating a large number of individuals, including government employees, to prevent further threats. Bugti noted that this investigation was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the intelligence network and improve counterterrorism measures.
In his final remarks, Bugti stressed the importance of a unified approach in tackling terrorism, urging political parties to set aside differences and work together for national security. He called for full recognition of the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s security forces in the fight against militancy.
“This is a fight we will continue through both legal means and direct action,” Bugti affirmed, reinforcing the government’s determination to protect Balochistan and Pakistan from terrorism.
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