QUETTA – Security forces have rescued two teenage girls from an alleged militant recruitment network in southern Balochistan. Officials said the girls were allegedly being prepared for suicide attacks.
The girls were identified as 16-year-old Zainab and 12-year-old Fatima. Authorities said they were taken into protective custody during a security operation. The operation reportedly stopped a possible attack involving minors.
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau discussed the case during a press conference. He appeared alongside the two girls during the briefing. He described the alleged network as part of activities linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Officials said the case revealed how vulnerable young people can allegedly be targeted by militant recruiters. They claimed grief, family losses and calls for revenge were used to influence the girls.
According to officials, Zainab had suffered several losses within her family. They said her husband, Saif, was allegedly killed after refusing recruitment efforts by a local BLA commander.
The minister claimed that between eight and 10 members of Zainab’s extended family had been killed. He said the commander later remained in contact with Zainab.
According to Zainab’s account, the commander blamed state institutions for her husband’s death. She allegedly was encouraged to seek revenge for the loss.
Officials said Fatima is Zainab’s cousin and often stayed with her. They alleged that Fatima was also exposed to the same recruitment efforts.
Authorities further claimed that Fatima’s father was killed in a BLA attack. The allegations suggest that personal losses were allegedly used to influence both girls.
The girls reportedly told investigators that they eventually reached a BLA camp. They said they remained at an undisclosed location for more than a month.
According to officials, the girls also alleged that they faced violence while being held there. They further made allegations about inappropriate proposals from the militant commander.
The girls reportedly wanted to meet the commander. However, they were allegedly told that he was traveling in a neighboring country.
The security operation began after authorities received intelligence about the girls being moved. Security personnel reportedly intercepted the transfer and rescued them safely.
Officials said the action prevented a potential attack involving the two minors. The case has renewed concerns about the use of children in militant activities and suicide attacks.
The girls later thanked the security forces for rescuing them. They also appealed to the government and public for forgiveness.
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The incident highlights concerns about the alleged exploitation of vulnerable children. It also raises questions about how militant groups can use grief and anger for recruitment. Authorities said the investigation into the alleged recruitment network is continuing.
