Quetta university professor Usman Qazi exposed as key BLA operative

QUETTA: A university professor in Quetta, Dr. Muhammad Usman Qazi, has been exposed as a key operative and handler for the banned terrorist outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), as he was arrested by security forces for orchestrating terror attacks.

Earlier today, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti revealed that security agencies have foiled a major terror plot in Balochistan on the occasion of Independence Day and arrested an alleged suicide bomber.

Addressing a press conference in Quetta, he said that the arrested person was planning to target citizens during the Independence Day celebrations, but timely action saved Balochistan from a major disaster.

The suspect, Usman Qazi, has links with the outlawed Majeed Brigade, the suicide squad of the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), according to Bugti. He showed video footage with Qazi admitting to planning the thwarted attack as well as aiding militants in recent years.

Usman Qazi admitted that for the past 4–5 years, he wasn’t just a university professor, he was a key operative and handler for the banned BLA and Majeed Brigade.

Despite being funded by the state for his education, Qazi allegedly used his position at BUITEMS to radicalize and recruit students into violent extremism.

The government sources said that Qazi’s entire academic journey was funded by the state, including a fully sponsored HEC scholarship for his PhD.

He held a prestigious Grade-19 government job, and his wife held a Grade-17 post, and they lived comfortably, enjoying the protection of the state like any ordinary citizen.

Sources said that despite the privilege, Qazi chose to betray the state, aligning himself with violent groups, facilitating attacks, and supporting networks that have caused real harm to innocent people, including security officials.

During the investigation, the security forces learnt that the professor was acting on orders of senior BLA commanders like Bashir Zaib aka Kamash, Rehman Gul aka Mureed, and Dr. Haibatan Baloch aka Khaliq.

In a video, Qazi also admitted to handling the suicide bomber, Rafiq, who attacked Quetta Railway Station on November 9, 2024, killing 32 people, including 22 armed forces personnel.

He also gave shelter and medical aid to wanted terrorists like Sher Dil aka Bohair Marri and oversaw the recce of SF personnel through the ZIRAB Network for targeted attacks.

Several organisations and social media handles tried to rebrand him as an “intellectual voice of the people” after his arrest; however, it is evident that this is narrative warfare, trying to mask violent extremism behind academic credentials.