Authorities in Quetta on Tuesday presented a woman, previously reported missing from Khuzdar, as a suspected suicide bomber during a press conference, prompting competing narratives from government officials and Baloch political activists.
According to officials, the woman, identified as Farzana Baloch (also referred to as Farzana Zehri), daughter of Mohammad Bakhsh Zehri, was taken into custody during a recent operation. The Balochistan government alleged that she had been in contact with a commander of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and was being prepared for a suicide attack. Officials further claimed that she was to receive training following a meeting with Dr. Sabiha Baloch, a figure associated with the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC).
Farzana Zehri had earlier been reported missing since the night of December 1, 2025, when, according to family members and activists, she was allegedly detained by Pakistani security forces while returning home from a hospital in Khuzdar. Her case had been raised by rights groups at both national and international levels as an instance of enforced disappearance.
During the press conference, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti alleged that Baloch militant groups exploit and coerce women into carrying out attacks. He further claimed that Zehri had been directed by individuals linked to the BYC to conduct a suicide bombing.
These claims have been strongly rejected by Baloch political activists and rights organizations.
Dr. Sabiha Baloch, a leader associated with the BYC, stated that Zehri had been forcibly disappeared since December 2025 and described the press conference as a “media trial.” She argued that enforced disappearances are being used as a tool for coercion and pressure, and alleged that the case illustrates how individuals can be detained and later presented publicly under disputed circumstances.
She also denied any involvement in militant activities, describing herself as a peaceful political activist. Baloch claimed that the allegations against her were part of a broader effort to silence dissenting voices and undermine political activism in the region.
Separately, Dr. Naseem Baloch, chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), condemned the government’s actions, calling the presentation of a previously missing individual in such a context a violation of human rights. He alleged that individuals subjected to prolonged detention may be coerced into making statements, and characterized the incident as part of a wider pattern of pressure against Baloch activists.
Government officials have not publicly addressed these specific allegations regarding enforced disappearance or coercion.
The case has sparked significant debate on social media, with users expressing differing views. Some have echoed official concerns about militant recruitment, while others have questioned the legality and transparency of the process, particularly the absence of formal judicial proceedings prior to the public presentation.
As of now, no additional legal proceedings or evidence have been publicly disclosed.