Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti revealed that security forces foiled a major terror attempt targeting Independence Day celebrations, arresting a suicide bomber tied to the BLA’s Majeed Brigade.
Speaking at a press conference in Quetta alongside senior officials, he said the attackers aimed to strike crowds on Independence Day, but timely action by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), police, and security agencies prevented a disaster.
Bugti confirmed the arrested militant was a Pakistan Studies lecturer linked to the group, warning that he may have influenced many students. He added that the suspect had even provided medical care to injured terrorists at his home. The CM urged families to remain alert, stressing that failing to report militant ties within households would be treated as complicity.
Authorities identified the suspect as Usman Qazi, a Grade-18 lecturer holding a PhD from Peshawar University and a Master’s from Quaid-e-Azam University, whose wife is also a government employee.
In a video confession, Qazi admitted to harboring militants, facilitating their activities, and purchasing weapons. He said he was recruited via Telegram in 2020 and later assisted in operations. Bugti warned that anti-state groups continue to recruit and groom individuals to destabilize Pakistan.
In Anti-terrorism operation by forces, Pak‑Afghan border suicide bombers arrested
