ISLAMABAD: The intelligence agencies have uncovered a terrorist group linked to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) operating inside several major universities.
The group, which security sources describe as ideologically driven and sophisticated in recruitment methods, is believed to be working covertly within hostels and classrooms to radicalise students.
Furthermore, the undercover surveillance and monitoring over recent months revealed weekly “ideological sessions” held under innocuous names, during which young attendees were exposed to material designed to foster resentment and separatist narratives.
In this regard, the investigators say the network employs a combination of face-to-face meetings and online coordination.
So far, the clandestine study that was used for the distribution of notebooks, closed-circuit cameras recorded faces on several university campuses matching images seen at a clandestine meeting near Turbat.
There are certain references allege the group channels substantial monthly funds to student organisers reported to be at least PKR 300,000 per unit purportedly to support recruitment operations and the production and dissemination of sectarian and ethnically charged literature.
Moreover, the government alleged in the past year, 71 students completed reconnaissance assignments for the group’s intelligence wing, including students of civil engineering, computer science and physiology.
In addition, some were tasked with producing 3D models of sensitive installations; investigators are reviewing whether those models facilitated recent drone incidents.
Additionally, a handmade clay wheel-like device recovered from a university hostel room has prompted concerns that it could inform new improvised explosive device (IED) designs, officials said. The name of the private university involved is being withheld pending inquiry.
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Meanwhile, several suspects connected to the cell have been detained, security sources confirmed, and further arrests are anticipated as investigations continue.
