Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has disclosed that Islamabad has been saved from a major disaster as intelligence agencies have arrested a would-be girl suicide-bomber, who wanted to wreak havoc in the federal capital, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a news conference in Quetta on Monday, CM Bugti said “Timely action by the law-enforcement agencies has thwarted the suicide bombing plot. The young woman was recruited and prepared for the mission by militant elements linked to banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).”
Bugti said the would-be bomber girl was threatened that if she did not carry out the suicide attack, her father will be killed. “The girl is now being handed over to her father with dignity,” he added.
The chief minister maintained that the terrorists have no connection with Baloch traditions. “We want to educate girls, but terrorists are making them wear suicide jackets,” he added.
The chief minister said the girl, who was presented before the media alongside government officials, had allegedly been assigned a target in the federal capital. Bugti said timely intelligence-based action prevented the attack from taking place.
Bugti accused militant groups of exploiting and manipulating young women for acts of violence, saying such organisations were working against Baloch traditions and values. He said the government wanted girls to receive education and build successful futures, while extremist elements were instead pushing them towards militancy and suicide attacks.
“The girl sitting with us today was being prepared for a suicide mission,” Bugti said, adding authorities had ensured her safety and dignity after taking her into custody. He also stated that she would be reunited with her family respectfully.
Speaking during the news conference, the girl student said she was currently enrolled in second-year studies and claimed she had been pressured and threatened by a cousin to work for the BLA. She alleged that she had been psychologically manipulated and convinced to carry out a suicide attack.
The student further said law enforcement officials treated her respectfully following her arrest and provided her protection. She added that she now wanted to continue her education and pursue a positive future, expressing hopes of becoming either a doctor or a teacher.