Pakistani forces foil terror plot in Balochistan, arrest suspect

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces foiled a planned terrorist attack on Independence Day and arrested a suspected suicide bomber in the southwest Balochistan province, chief minister of the province Sarfraz Bugti said Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Bugti said the suspect, a university lecturer, was also involved in facilitating the November 2024 bombing at Quetta Railway Station that killed 32 people and injured more than 50.

He said the suspect had planned to strike citizens during Independence Day celebrations on Aug. 14, but was apprehended before he could carry out the attack.

The chief minister commended security forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department for the operation, calling it a major success against the banned Balochistan Liberation Army's affiliate Majeed Brigade.

Bugti rejected claims that militancy stemmed from deprivation, noting the suspect and his family held government jobs and scholarships. He warned that families shielding militants would face legal consequences. ■