By [Your Name], August 18th 2025
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Monday applauded security forces’ swift actions for foiling an attempted suicide attack during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations. Addressing reporters in Quetta, Bugti thanked Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), police, and intelligence agencies for stopping what could have been an even more deadly tragedy. The Express Tribune +10, Dawn + Daily Times both published articles extolling their work.
Bugti reported that Dr. Mohammad Usman Qazi of BUITEMS University had been arrested for facilitating the suicide plot. Qazi had admitted during a recorded confession played during a press briefing that he assisted militants, coordinated attacks, and contributed to the deadly Quetta railway station bombing on November 20,24 which claimed 32 lives and injured over 50 others – the Quetta bombing had claimed 32 lives while also injuring over 50 more people (Wikipedia +10; Dawn | Dunya News).
Bugti highlighted the significance of this arrest by noting it marked the first time security forces had successfully captured a senior member of Majeed Brigade – a notorious suicide wing of banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)- through intelligence-led operations. He noted that an August 14 attack aimed at innocent civilians celebrating independence had been foiled. Wong +11 for his excellent article! Wong has written extensively for Wikipedia +11 (AP News + 11) and Business Recorder (+ 11).
“The operation stopped massive destruction,” Bugti noted, applauding security agencies’ diligence and preparedness in their approach. WATCH THIS SPACE for updates! (BULLIAN RECIDER/BUSINESS RECRIBER).
Daily Times
The Chief Minister took advantage of this moment to challenge narratives which attribute regional deprivation as the source of militant violence. He detailed Qazi’s privileged background – earning his PhD on a Pakistani scholarship while having both parents working at government-employed facilities, plus his brother working on high-profile projects in Reko Diq – before rhetorically asking “where is the deprivation here?” Daily Times Dawn AND The Current
Bugti also warned that any form of terrorism would be met with “an iron hand”, emphasizing that those mislead youth or exploit ideological narratives for political gain will face legal repercussions. He advised parents to remain vigilant against propaganda while adding that collective punishment was not permitted but individuals engaging in terrorist activity would be held accountable. Business Recorder/Geo TV/Dunya News reported on his statements.
Security agencies have revealed that thousands of individuals–including civil servants–are being investigated under the Fourth Schedule, which provides government counterterrorism scrutiny measures. Some individuals have been cleared; others could face suspension or termination proceedings, according to Business Recorder.
Why It Matters
An intelligence-led breakthrough: The capture of a senior militant facilitator marks a shift in strategy toward proactive interventions rather than reactive responses.
Insider Threat Uncovered: The suspect’s elite academic and professional background raises doubts about assumptions about socioeconomic causes for radicalism, providing insights into radicalization pathways beyond poverty.
Security and sovereignty: Bugti’s firm stand affirms the government’s dedication to safeguarding citizens without recourse to collective reprisals, while maintaining civil rights while taking necessary anti-terror measures.
As investigations progress, this foiled plot highlights ongoing tensions in Balochistan where insurgent violence remains a persistent threat. But for now, security agencies’ decisive response and Bugti’s praise provide some measure of comfort during a time of increased vulnerability.