ISLAMABAD — Fourteen high-risk Adiala Jail prisoners escaped from a jail van near Sihala on Tuesday evening. The dramatic breakout occurred within Islamabad limits after the inmates appeared before the Kahuta courts. Following the incident, investigators immediately started a forensic analysis of the detained guards’ mobile phones and call records to uncover potential collusion.
Key questions remain under active review by the high-level inquiry team. Specifically, detectives are verifying how many of the inmates wore handcuffs during their scheduled meetings at the Kahuta courts. Furthermore, the team is checking how many guards deployed with official weapons on the transport van. Investigators are closely scrutinizing the duty rosters to determine exactly how supervisors assigned personnel to the high-profile run. Additionally, the inquiry team is checking whether standard operating procedures for producing high-risk inmates in court were followed or actively violated.
The security lapse triggered immediate, severe administrative action within the regional police hierarchy. Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Karim took strict notice of the mass escape. Consequently, the provincial chief removed Superintendent of Police Headquarters Mudassar Iqbal from his post. The inspector general ordered Iqbal to report directly to Lahore. Simultaneously, authorities suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police Headquarters Imtiaz Ahmed with immediate effect.
Security forces have launched a massive manhunt across the capital territory to track down the fugitives. Local police have set up tight checkpoints at all exit routes. Therefore, the government expects further disciplinary actions as the forensic data reveals more details about the security failure.
