Security forces have foiled a major terrorist attack that was planned for August 14 allegedly by the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), implicating a university professor as facilitator.
“This was not just an attack—it was part of a larger plan to break Pakistan and destabilize Balochistan. Our agencies acted swiftly and crushed their conspiracy," said Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, addressing a press conderence in Quetta on Monday.
BLA's Majeed Brigade employs multiple tactics, said Bugti, adding that the group has claimed responsibility for previous terrorist attacks as well.
The arrested suspect, identified as Professor Usman Qazi, holds a PhD in Pakistan Studies and was a government employee, Bugti told the media. Qazi, who is currently under interrogation, allegedly admitted to his involvement with the BLA on video and shared details of how he became associated with the proscribed group.
Read: Jaffar Express attack: 16 terrorists killed, 104 hostages rescued by security forces
According to Bugti, Qazi met three individuals linked to BLA while on a to Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad. He was then contacted by Hebtan alias Kalak and Bugti who recruited him for BLA and subsequently introduced him to Basheer Zaib.
Dr Habetan and Bugti alleged that Kazi had previously acted as a facilitator in the November 2024 Quetta Railway Station bombing, which killed 32 people and injured more than 50 others. According to Bugti, the lecturer transported the bomber on a motorcycle to a location near the station before handing him over to another handler.
Qazi was allegedly in communication with Dil via encrypted messaging app Telegram. On video, Qazi said that his first assignment was to provide medical assistance to Dil. He further said that he gave shelter to the man who carried out a suicide bombing on Quetta Railway Station.
Around 2,000 to 2,500 government employees have come under investigation as part of counterterrorism measures in the province, said Bugti, addding that a dedicated cell has been established to deal specifically with matters related to terrorism.
'Deprived how?'
Addressing the media, Bugti rejected the notion that Balochistan is deprived in any way. "To those who insist Balochistan is deprived, I ask - in what way was this professor deprived?"
The CM negated such sentiments as "propaganda".
He warned the people of Balochistan against joining organisations like the BLA, asking parents to keep an eye on their children.
Bugti further said that the government of Balochistan was taking all measures to eliminate terrorism from the province in coordination with the security forces. "We are the state, not terrorists," he said.
The CM further asserted that the government would not be intimidated by extremist elements. Those who commit terrorism in the name of Baloch identity must also be included within the ambit of the National Action Plan along with extremist militants.
Balochistan has long been plagued by terrorism, with attacks escalating in both frequency and intensity. Just last month, a passenger bus was ambushed when a gunman opened fire, killing at least three people. In addition, railway stations across the province have been repeatedly targeted in recent months, further underscoring the persistent threat of violence.
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