Two teenage girls rescued from alleged BLA plot

Security forces have reportedly prevented an alleged plan to use two teenage girls in a suicide attack in southern Balochistan, officials said.

The operation was carried out on the basis of intelligence and led to the safe recovery of two girls, identified by officials as 16-year-old Zainab and her 12-year-old cousin Fatima.

Balochistan Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau disclosed details of the operation during a press conference in Quetta, where the two girls were also present.

According to officials, the girls had allegedly been recruited and prepared for a suicide attack by militants associated with the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Authorities said the case highlighted the alleged use of vulnerable families and young people by militant networks. Officials claimed the girls had been influenced through emotional manipulation following the deaths of close family members.

During questioning, Zainab reportedly said her husband, Saif, was killed by a local militant commander after allegedly refusing to cooperate with the group. She further claimed that several other members of her family had also been killed.

Officials said the militant commander subsequently contacted Zainab and allegedly attempted to exploit her grief by blaming state institutions for her husband’s death and encouraging her to seek revenge.

Fatima was reportedly drawn into the network through her relationship with Zainab. The two girls were later taken to a concealed location, where officials said they remained for around 40 days.

Authorities alleged that the girls faced physical abuse during their stay and that Zainab was subjected to inappropriate behaviour by a militant commander. The girls were reportedly repeatedly told that the commander was outside the country whenever they asked to meet him.

The security operation was launched while the girls were allegedly being moved between concealed locations. Intelligence-based action resulted in their recovery before they could be used in any attack, according to officials.

Langau said the incident demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led operations in preventing militant attacks before they take place. He also condemned the alleged recruitment of minors for violent activities.

Officials said the girls were treated as victims of coercion and manipulation rather than hardened militants. Given their ages and circumstances, authorities decided against pursuing strict legal action and instead facilitated their return to their families.

The girls were subsequently reunited with their relatives and were given an opportunity to return to normal life.