Balochistan Minister says forces foiled child suicide attack

Quetta, Pakistan — Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langau announced on Saturday that security forces had thwarted a plot by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) to carry out suicide attacks involving two young girls, 16-year-old Zainab and her 12-year-old cousin Fatima. Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, the minister alleged that the girls had been recruited and prepared for these attacks after their families were targeted by the militant group.

Security operatives, acting on "sensitive intelligence," intercepted the girls in southern Balochistan as they were reportedly being moved between locations. Langau emphasized that the rescue operation not only averted potential terrorist acts but also showcased the effectiveness of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in thwarting terrorist plans.

According to Langau, BLA members had directly targeted the girls' families, exploiting their grief and anger to lure them into the militant ranks. Zainab's husband, Saif, allegedly fell victim to the BLA's recruitment tactics, with the militant group allegedly contacting Zainab herself to persuade her to carry out a suicide attack.

During the press conference, the girls recounted their alleged recruitment process, with Fatima claiming her father, Nisar, had been killed by terrorists and stating she was led to believe the state was responsible. Both girls expressed their desire to return home but were allegedly subjected to pressure and mistreatment when they refused.

Fatima's father was also reportedly killed in a BLA attack, and she, in turn, was reportedly emotionally manipulated into engaging with the militant organization. Zainab and Fatima thanked the security forces for their rescue efforts and appealed for forgiveness from the Pakistani government and people. A former BLA member had previously stated in January 2025 that the militant group brainwashed ordinary citizens, making them susceptible to terrorist activities.