On August 22, 2025, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested Mir Khan Lehri, a close associate of Dr. Usman Qazi, on charges of facilitating the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The arrest is part of Pakistan’s intensified efforts to dismantle networks supporting the BLA, a designated terrorist organisation involved in attacks across Balochistan.
Lehri, a law graduate from the International Islamic University Islamabad and former prosecutor in the Balochistan government, faces accusations of aiding BLA operatives. Preliminary investigations connect him to over a dozen criminal activities, prompting the CTD to launch a detailed probe into his role and links with the outlawed group, according to CTD sources.
🚨 فتنہ الہندوستان بی ایل اے کا سہولتکار قاضی عثمان کا قریبی ساتھی سی ٹی ڈی کی جانب سے گرفتار
ملزم نے اعلیٰ تعلیمی ادارے سے وکالت کی ڈگری حاصل کی ہوئی ہے۔
★ ملزم میر خان محمد نے انٹرنیشنل اسلامک یونیورسٹی سے وکالت کی ڈگری حاصل کی جس کے بعد وہ بلوچستان میں پراسیکیوٹر انسپکٹر… pic.twitter.com/THOPu3pagS
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) August 22, 2025
The CTD arrested Lehri following the detention of Dr. Usman Qazi, a professor at Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), for similar BLA-related activities. In a viral video confession, Qazi admitted that he joined the BLA under the alias “Amir” after Dr. Hebtan (alias Kalak) recruited him during an academic visit. He communicated with BLA leader Bashir Zeb via Telegram and carried out three tasks for the group, revealing that both he and his wife work for the government.
Read: Pakistan Army Eliminates 50 Terrorists in Zhob Anti-Terror Operation
The BLA, which seeks Balochistan’s secession and carried out attacks such as the March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking, faces ongoing operations under Pakistan’s Azm-e-Istehkam campaign. The arrests of Lehri and Qazi demonstrate intensified efforts to dismantle the group’s support networks within academic and government sectors amid rising violence in the province
میر خان لہڑی ضلع جعفرآباد بلوچستان کے ایک باعزت اور پُرامن شہری ہے، انٹرنیشنل اسلامک یونیورسٹی اسلام آباد سے قانون کی ڈگری حاصل کی اور بلوچستان بار کونسل کے ممبر رہ چکے ہے۔ انکو 13 اگست کو کوئٹہ سے CTD نے غیر قانونی طور پر حراست میں لے کر جھوٹے دہشت گردی کے مقدمے میں پھنسایا ہے۔… pic.twitter.com/foEDs8n2GF
— Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir (@ImaanZHazir) August 19, 2025
The CTD’s investigation into Lehri could uncover further BLA connections, strengthening counter-terrorism measures. The case underscores Pakistan’s resolve to combat militancy, with authorities urging public vigilance. As the inquiry progresses, it may impact regional security strategies and ongoing operations against terrorist groups.