Pakistani security forces foil planned terrorist attack on Independence Day

Pakistani security forces thwarted a planned terrorist attack on Independence Day and arrested a suspected suicide bomber in the southwestern province of Balochistan, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti. Speaking at a press conference, Bugti said the suspect, a university lecturer, was also involved in the November 2024 bombing at Quetta railway station that left 32 people dead and more than 50 wounded. He said the suspect was planning to attack civilians during Independence Day celebrations on August 14, but was arrested before he could proceed with his plan. The chief minister thanked the security forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department for the operation, calling it a major success in the fight against the banned Majid Brigade, which is part of the Balochistan Liberation Army. Bugti rejected claims that deprivation was the cause of the militancy, noting that the suspect and his family held government positions and received scholarships. He warned that families harboring militants would face legal consequences.