QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed that security forces in Balochistan successfully thwarted a major terrorist attack that was planned for Independence Day, August 14.
In a press conference held here today, Additional Secretary Home Hamza Shafaqaat and CM Bugti shared that the plot was orchestrated by Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) operatives and aimed to target innocent civilians across the province. However, it was foiled due to the swift action of law enforcement agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
Also read: Security forces eliminate two Indian proxies in Balochistan
A BLA facilitator, identified as professor Usman Qazi, was also arrested from Quetta, the chief minister said, adding that he was instrumental in planning and executing terrorist activities. The accused also admitted to using the Telegram app to communicate with other terrorists and receive instructions from Hyrbyair Marri, a key figure within the terrorist network. “The intention of bringing the arrest of Usman Qazi to the media is to break the spirit of terrorism,” Bugti said.
“I was given specific targets for terrorism and played a facilitative role in carrying out these attacks,” the facilitator confessed during interrogation. He expressed regret, saying, “The state honored me, and I am now ashamed of betraying it.”
The suspect also revealed that he had previously sheltered an injured terrorist involved in a police encounter and provided logistical support for a deadly attack on Quetta Railway Station.
Chief Minister Bugti condemned the use of women by terrorists for carrying out sabotage and criminal activities, describing it as a tactic used to further their destructive agenda. “Terrorists use vulnerable individuals, including women, to carry out their heinous acts,” he said.
Bugti also dismissed claims about widespread deprivation in Balochistan, calling them false and part of a larger propaganda campaign aimed at destabilising the region. “There is a deliberate conspiracy against Pakistan, designed to create unrest and division,” he stated.
In a pointed message to those involved in terrorism, the Chief Minister emphasised that such individuals could not be considered ‘innocent’. He said, “People who engage in terrorist activities cannot escape the consequences.” He also revealed that the facilitator, along with his wife, both government employees, had been actively involved in aiding terrorism in the region.
Also read: Pakistan suspends mobile service in Balochistan amidst spike in terror attacks
A case has been registered against individuals who resisted security forces during the operation, and Bugti warned that misguided elements involved in the conspiracy would be brought to justice. “A systematic attempt is being made to break Pakistan, but we will not allow it,” he said.