Pakistan brings arrested nurse on camera to answer questions about her alleged bomb plot

QUETTA, Pakistan — Pakistani authorities on Wednesday put a nurse who was reportedly arrested over the weekend before state media to answer questions about her alleged suicide attack attempt. The interview, organized by the government in Balochistan province, was broadcast on national and local television channels.

The southwestern province of Balochistan has been the scene of an ongoing insurgency for years. Several separatist groups have carried out attacks, mainly against security forces, in order to gain their independence. Numerous militant groups are also active in the province.

In addition, the Pakistani government has been battling militants and insurgents from various groups across the country for a long time. Hundreds of civilians and members of the security forces have been killed in the fighting.

The authorities are probably keen to show that they are gaining the upper hand in this fight.

Interviewed on Wednesday in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, the nurse identified herself as Adeela Baloch and said she had worked at a government hospital in Turbat district before being “misled by terrorists” and recruited for a suicide attack.

She said she was arrested before she could carry out the attack.

It is not clear whether she spoke under duress. She did not name the group that allegedly recruited her, nor did she describe the target of the planned attack.

The Associated Press could not confirm her identity or verify her claims. Officials contacted by the AP declined to provide details, saying only that she would not be prosecuted because she did not carry out the attack.

Last month, the banned separatist Balochistan Liberation Army said a woman was among fighters who killed more than 50 people in the restive province.

According to local authorities, 12 people were injured on Wednesday by a roadside bomb targeting police in Quetta.