From saving life to blowing it to bits

QUETTA:

She was promised a better life and shown a path to what she believed was prosperity, only to ultimately be sent down a spiral, at the end of which the best option left for her was to end her own life, and potentially that of dozens of others.

Had it not been for a major law enforcement agencies' breakthrough which managed to apprehend would-be suicide bomber Adeela Baloch from Turbat city in Kech district, the desperate woman may well have sent herself and many others to an early grave.

Adeela, working as a nurse at the Turbat Teaching Hospital, was arrested before carrying out a fatal attack. Sources credited active intelligence and tireless efforts of security forces for the arrest, which has been hailed as a significant achievement in Balochistan's ongoing fight against terrorism.

Talking to the media, Adeela Baloch narrated her harrowing ordeal, admitting that she had been misled by terrorist elements and expressed deep regret over her actions. The woman said she was a qualified nurse running a project for the World Health Organization (WHO), helping people and saving lives. However, it was her misfortune which led her astray and led to her involvement with certain elements.

Adeela described how she was seduced by promises of a better life, a tactic often employed by terrorist recruiters to manipulate vulnerable individuals. She realised later that the promises were false, leading her to a life of hardship.

Adeela further revealed that Baloch women are often coerced into suicide attacks, "not by choice, but through blackmail and emotional manipulation". She described how she was manipulated to the point of being ready to commit suicide without "considering the loss of innocent lives".

"Avoid making the same mistakes. Such actions only lead to personal loss," Adeela warned. "Anyone who encounters such influences should seek the help of their families."

Her arrest highlights the ongoing efforts of the Balochistan government and security agencies in combating militancy, while exposing the deceptive tactics used by terrorists to exploit individuals.

Pakistan experienced a significant surge in suicide bombings in 2023, reaching its highest level since 2014. There were 29 suicide attacks, leading to 329 deaths and 582 injuries. This was a stark increase compared to 2022, with a 93% rise in attacks and a 226% increase in fatalities. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) was the most affected region, suffering 23 of these attacks, resulting in 254 deaths and 512 injuries. Within K-P, the newly merged districts, including areas of the former FATA, were particularly impacted, with 13 attacks causing 85 deaths and 206 injuries. Balochistan and Sindh also witnessed deadly incidents, though on a smaller scale.

The data reflected an alarming rise in the proportion of suicide attacks among overall militant activities, with security forces being the primary target. Civilians were also heavily affected, with 48% of the deaths attributed to security personnel and the remainder largely affecting civilians. This marked increase in violence is a significant concern for the country's internal security.