ISLAMABAD: Security officials said on Saturday they had arrested a suspected female suicide bomber and uncovered evidence that militant groups are systematically recruiting and exploiting women.
At a press briefing, officials said the case showed that women are being used through social, psychological, and, in some instances, sexual exploitation.
They said recruiters target women, influence them ideologically, and prepare them for specific roles in militant operations.
Officials said one suspect used his wife’s identity to maintain contact with militant networks. They added that a female suicide attacker had also stayed at the same residence before being sent to Afghanistan for training.
Authorities said such cases challenge the perception that women are only victims of enforced disappearance. They said some women leave their homes and join these networks, which are later used to shape narratives against the state.
Officials said multiple groups operate within the network. One group focuses on propaganda and radicalization, while others handle recruitment, training, and execution.
They added that if a female attacker succeeds, groups use her as a symbol to attract more recruits. If she fails or is arrested, they distance themselves from her.
Officials said the use of women in such operations contradicts local cultural norms and religious principles.
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They said exposing these networks is essential for effective counterterrorism efforts and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
