A terror plot to strike Balochistan on Independence Day was thwarted as security forces arrested a university lecturer accused of aiding the banned BLA. Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, disclosed the details on Monday while presenting the suspect’s confessional video.
Attack foiled on Independence Day
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti paid rich tribute to Pakistan’s security forces for preventing a planned suicide bombing on August 14. He confirmed that the arrested facilitator, Professor Usman Qazi, had close links with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army. Bugti added that the same group was behind the Quetta Railway Station attack, calling the plot “a dangerous conspiracy” against Balochistan.
Confession of the arrested professor
In his video statement, Qazi confessed to several acts. He admitted transporting a terrorist to his target location on a motorcycle. He also revealed that he sheltered an attacker who was injured during a police encounter. Qazi said he maintained direct contact with exiled leader Harbyar Marri and used the Telegram app for coordination of militant activities.
“I was assigned targets by Harbyar Marri. The state gave me honour and dignity, and I am ashamed of betraying it,” Qazi said in his confession.
CM Bugti dismisses propaganda
Bugti rejected claims of deprivation and enforced disappearances in Balochistan, terming them “anti-state propaganda.” He warned that anyone assisting terrorists, whether in cities or in remote areas, would be brought to justice.
He also highlighted that Qazi and his wife were both employed by the government and that his mother received a state pension. According to Bugti, this reality disproves the false narrative of state neglect spread by hostile voices.
Conspiracy against Pakistan
The Chief Minister warned that a broader terror plot was being executed to destabilise Pakistan. He urged citizens to remain alert and avoid falling for propaganda spread by those working against the state.
“An organized conspiracy is underway to weaken Pakistan. But the truth is, our security forces are fully determined to defeat terrorism and protect Balochistan,” Bugti declared.