Banned BLA, BLF accused of radicalising children through social media
KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies have foiled a major terrorist conspiracy in Karachi after rescuing a young Baloch girl who was allegedly being groomed by banned militant outfits to carry out a suicide attack, senior officials confirmed on Monday.
The development was disclosed during a joint press conference by Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and senior Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials, including Additional IG Muhammad Azad Khan.
Intelligence-Based Operation Averts Disaster
Officials said Karachi was saved from a potential catastrophe due to timely, intelligence-driven action. CTD revealed that the minor girl was safely taken into protective custody during a highly sensitive operation on the night of December 25.
According to investigators, the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) were planning to use the girl as a suicide bomber.
Social Media Used as a Weapon
Authorities said extremist handlers targeted the girl through Instagram and WhatsApp, gradually radicalising her with anti-state, extremist, and foreign-backed propaganda.
The handler initially approached her under the guise of emotional support before glorifying suicide attacks as acts of courage and sacrifice. Investigators said her private phone usage was systematically exploited to isolate and manipulate her.
CTD officials added that the girl was deceptively sent to Karachi while her family remained unaware in Balochistan. Heightened police checks at city entry points ultimately exposed the plot.
Network Exposed Through Debriefing
During debriefing, the girl provided critical details about the terrorist network, including recruitment tactics, communication methods, and operational planning, significantly aiding ongoing investigations.
Family Reunited, Identity Protected
Given the girl’s age, authorities immediately contacted her family. Her mother and siblings were brought to Karachi, where the girl was reunited with them under full state protection.
Sindh Home Minister Lanjar assured that the state remains the guarantor of the girl’s safety, dignity, and future, stressing that her identity would remain strictly confidential.
Victim’s Testimony Highlights Radicalisation Tactics
In an anonymised account, the girl described how extremist content repeatedly appeared on her social media feed, slowly making violent narratives seem credible.
She said she was targeted more aggressively after the handler learned her father had passed away.
“They portrayed BLA actions as heroism. I was made to believe sacrificing my life was the greatest purpose,” she said, adding that being stopped at a police checkpoint made her realise the devastation she was heading toward.
“I am a Baloch. Our traditions respect women. Sacrificing girls is not Balochism,” she said, warning others that those preaching sacrifice are “hunters, not helpers.”
Her mother said the family chose to speak publicly in the national interest.
“Like a mother, the state saved my daughter’s life and fully protected her honour,” she said.
Zero Tolerance Against Facilitators
CTD officials reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against facilitators, recruiters, and terrorist networks. They urged social media platforms to shut down extremist accounts and review algorithms that promote hateful content.
Parents were also advised to closely monitor children’s online activity, warning that unchecked digital exposure can place entire families at risk.
Government Response
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said the incident had exposed the “ugly face” of banned militant outfits. He confirmed that numerous terror-linked social media accounts had already been shut down, with further crackdowns underway.
He also announced the establishment of a National Cyber Crime Agency, adding that a regulatory framework for digital broadcasting and online journalism is under consideration.