Published on, Aug. 17 -- August 17, 2025 5:34 PM

Pakistan's intelligence agencies have dismantled a major terror network poised to unleash carnage during Independence Day celebrations, arresting Muhammad Usman-a state-educated scholar who turned bomber facilitator. The operation, codenamed Herof-II, thwarted plans by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) to deploy 32 suicide bombers and 4 vehicle-borne IEDs across Quetta and other cities.

Usman, a lecturer at Balochistan's BUITEMS University, exploited his position to radicalize students while orchestrating attacks, including the deadly Quetta Railway Station bombing (32 civilians killed) and the Jaffar Express hijacking (380 hostages). His cell included brother Jibran and Noman "Peerak"-a s...