All prisoners who escaped, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, were recaptured after unidentified gunmen attacked a police prison van in Islamabad, as confirmed by the city’s police chief on Friday.
“All escapees have been apprehended and are now being transferred back to Islamabad,” stated Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi.
The attack occurred when armed assailants targeted three police vans transporting inmates involved in terrorism-related cases associated with PTI. There were initial reports indicating that the vans were carrying over 150 detainees, but the IGP clarified that 82 inmates were present and were en route to Attock Jail following a court appearance.
The gunmen attacked the prison vans at Sangjani Toll Plaza, breaking windows and causing chaos. During the incident, some prisoners managed to escape, creating a serious security breach.
There were concerns that three PTI provincial assembly members (MPAs) were among those who fled amidst the commotion.
“The police successfully prevented further attempts to aid the prisoners’ escape,” said IGP Rizvi. Two provincial assembly members who fled were among those later recaptured.
The IGP reported that the attackers consisted of 18 to 20 individuals, one of whom was the son of an MPA. Four assailants, including the MPA’s son, a police officer, and two other suspects, were detained.
Police Response Praised According to a police statement, about 20 suspects in four vehicles launched the assault on the prisoner vans near Sangjani Toll Plaza, wielding weapons, sticks, and stones.
Four police officers were injured in the attack, while four of the assailants were captured at the scene. Authorities confiscated two vehicles and weapons from the suspects. Police teams have been deployed for search operations, and all escaped prisoners have been re-arrested.
“The police displayed commendable bravery in handling the situation,” the statement added.
Minister Blames PTI for Attack Information Minister Attaullah Tarar claimed the PTI organized the attack to facilitate the detainees’ escape, warning that those involved would face consequences.
“This was a planned attack,” Tarar said, adding that KP MPA Liaquat Sahibzada and four other suspects were arrested. Two vehicles and weapons used in the attack were also recovered.
Tarar alleged that the attackers fired at police to aid the escape. He cited past incidents, like the May 9 riots, as evidence of PTI’s violent tactics.
As the prison van slowed near Sangjani Toll Plaza, assailants in four vehicles launched an attempt to free the 82 prisoners, he added. The minister pledged strict legal action against those involved.
PTI Alleges Police Staged Incident PTI accused the police of orchestrating the escape, claiming that police officers encouraged PTI leaders to flee. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram described the assault as a “drama” staged by the police.
In a video message, Akram said 82 PTI leaders were granted bail in court, adding that all involved were later detained at the secretariat following the Sangjani incident.
He asserted that PTI leaders faced attacks in the Tarnol area, alleging government-led “plots” against PTI. “Our members will stand firm and will not flee,” Akram stated.
