Balochistan Officials reveal Afghan links to terrorism, warn against use of women and children as shields

QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) Senior officials of the Balochistan Home Department have revealed that recent incidents of terrorism and cross-border infiltration in the province are linked to networks operating from Afghanistan.

Speaking at a press conference in Quetta, Additional Chief Secretary Home Hamza Shafqaat, DIG CTD Aitzaz Goraya, and Special Assistant to the Home Department Babar Yousafzai said that terrorists infiltrate from Afghanistan, carry out attacks in Pakistan, and then escape back across the border.

Officials warned that extremist groups are now exploiting women and children as human shields, a tactic described as both inhumane and contrary to Baloch traditions. Babar Yousafzai cited a recent case in which a woman was prepared for a suicide attack by her own husband, who took her to Afghanistan for training.

He stressed that hostile elements are exploiting sacred family relationships for their objectives, urging parents to thoroughly investigate family backgrounds before marriages and to remain vigilant against suspicious individuals in their surroundings.

Authorities also highlighted that anti-state actors abroad are attempting to mislead youth through social media propaganda.

Citizens were urged not to fall prey to such narratives and to cooperate with security institutions in defeating these conspiracies.

During the press conference, officials reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, vowing that every plot to destabilize Pakistan would be foiled. They emphasized that terrorist groups have no connection to any religion and are merely exploiting vulnerable communities to advance their agenda.

In a shocking disclosure, Rahima Bibi, the wife of a facilitator involved in the Naukundi suicide attack, revealed in her statement that her husband had used her mobile phone for terrorist purposes, hosted the female suicide bomber at their home, and later transported her to Afghanistan. Rahima, who is pregnant, said her husband has now abandoned her and their child.

Officials concluded by reaffirming that security agencies are fully committed to eliminating terrorism, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring lasting peace in Balochistan.