Law enforcement authorities say they have foiled a potential suicide attack in Islamabad after arresting a woman allegedly being prepared for the operation by militant elements.
Officials said the suspect, identified as Khairun Nisa, is a resident of Turbat and was taken into custody before any attack could be carried out. Authorities described the arrest as a major security success that helped avert a possible tragedy in the federal capital.
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According to preliminary statements attributed to the woman, she claimed she had been coerced, threatened and psychologically manipulated into participating in the planned attack.
Khairun Nisa alleged that members linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army pressured her into assisting their activities. She claimed her cousin initially involved her in the network and threatened to kill her father if she refused to cooperate.
In her account, she said she was first asked to deliver food and mobile cards before being gradually drawn deeper into the group’s operations.
She further alleged that she was taken on two occasions to meet armed militants in mountainous areas while blindfolded. During these meetings, she was reportedly shown examples of other female suicide attackers as part of efforts to influence and prepare her for a similar role.
Khairun Nisa also claimed that even while receiving treatment in Hub, she continued to receive instructions related to the planned attack.
After learning of her cousin’s arrest, she said she became fearful and destroyed her mobile phone. The suspect stated that police placed her in protective custody after detention and treated her respectfully.
She maintained that she never wanted to carry out a suicide attack and had been acting under pressure and blackmail.
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In an appeal reportedly made after her arrest, Khairun Nisa urged young women not to join such groups, calling it the wrong path.
She said her ambition was to become a doctor or teacher and continue her education.
Authorities have not yet released further operational details as investigations into the alleged network and recruitment methods continue.