Balochistan briefing reveals alleged militant facilitation and Afghan training link

QUETTA: The Government of Balochistan on April 18, 2026, revealed a confessional statement during a press briefing in Quetta that allegedly exposed a wider militant facilitation and cross-border training network linked to Afghanistan.

Officials presented the statement of Ruhima Bibi, wife of Mansoor Ahmed from Dalbandin, who reportedly confirmed that her husband facilitated a female suicide attacker associated with the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF). The attacker is said to have later carried out an assault on a Frontier Corps (FC) camp in November 2025.

According to the statement, the female attacker, identified as Zareena Rafiq, stayed at the family residence for a period of time, suggesting that residential spaces were allegedly used as temporary shelters for individuals later involved in militant activities.

Ruhima Bibi further claimed that Zareena Rafiq was later moved to Afghanistan, where she received training before being deployed in a suicide attack inside Pakistan. This claim has been cited by officials as evidence of alleged cross-border facilitation and training networks.

The briefing also highlighted allegations that mobile communication devices, including Ruhima Bibi’s number, were used by her husband to coordinate with militant elements, pointing to possible misuse of personal identity for operational secrecy.

Security officials stated that such cases reflect a structured recruitment and support system involving multiple layers, including facilitators, trainers, and handlers, operating across regions.

Authorities further claimed that vulnerable individuals, including women, are being targeted through coercion and ideological influence by organized groups such as BLF and BLA, with operational links extending beyond national borders.

Officials also reiterated concerns about training and logistical support allegedly originating from across the border in Afghanistan, which continues to be a focal point in security assessments of militancy in the region.

The Government of Balochistan and security agencies said investigations and counter-terrorism operations are ongoing, including intelligence-based actions and legal proceedings aimed at dismantling such networks.