Security forces have foiled a major terrorist plot in Karachi by rescuing a minor schoolgirl who had been prepared for a suicide attack by militants.
Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said on Friday that terrorists had contacted the girl through social media, gradually manipulating her through fabricated stories and extremist narratives before attempting to turn her into a suicide bomber.
Addressing a press conference alongside Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho and Additional Inspector General Counter Terrorism Department Azad Khan, the minister said authorities were deliberately keeping the girl’s identity and address confidential to ensure her and her family’s safety. He said protecting their lives and arranging rehabilitation and support for them was the government’s top priority.
Lanjar said terrorist propaganda was based on lies and was being spread through social media to incite hatred against the state. He urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity and called on the Baloch community to remain vigilant against banned militant organisations.
He said timely action had saved the girl’s life and prevented a major tragedy. The government, he added, wanted her to resume her education and fulfil her ambition of becoming a teacher so she could contribute positively to the country’s future.
Additional IG CTD Azad Khan said an operative of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army had contacted the girl via Instagram and later added her to a WhatsApp group. Initially, she was exposed to hate-filled material, followed by systematic indoctrination that turned her against the state.
He said the girl had been fully prepared to be used as a suicide bomber and was told she would be assigned a major task. She was taken outside Karachi but was intercepted during snap checking. Due to her age, authorities did not consider her an accused.
Azad Khan said the girl was recovered, her family was informed in detail, and the case was being kept outside the criminal justice system. He said the family would be provided protection and support to help the child safely reintegrate into normal life.
