PTI MPAs
A police convoy transporting prisoners to Attock Jail was attacked by unidentified assailants near the Sangjani Toll Plaza on Friday, leading to a brief but chaotic escape by several inmates, including three Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The police, however, swiftly regained control and re-arrested the escapees.
Inspector General (IG) Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi, stated that the convoy, consisting of three vans, was transporting 82 prisoners back to Attock Jail after their court appearance at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
According to Rizvi, around 18 to 20 attackers, armed with firearms, stones, and sticks, ambushed the convoy at the toll plaza.
The assailants disabled the vehicles by shooting at the tires and throwing stones, creating chaos that allowed some prisoners, including the PTI MPs, to flee.
Eyewitness reports suggest that the attackers arrived in four cars and blocked the road, forcing the police convoy to stop before they began firing at the vehicles.
The assault caused significant damage, including shattered windows and immobilized vans. Although early police reports indicated that up to 150 prisoners were in transit, IG Rizvi later confirmed that the exact number was 82.
The three PTI-affiliated MPs who briefly escaped were identified as Malik Liaquat Ali’s son, Special Assistant on Welfare for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and fellow MPAs Anwar Zaib and Yasir Qureshi. The police quickly responded, managing to re-arrest them within a short time.
During the attack, four police officers sustained injuries while attempting to regain control of the situation. In response, law enforcement agencies have detained three suspects involved in the attack and launched search operations in nearby areas to apprehend the remaining perpetrators.
Initial reports suggest that the attackers were motivated by the desire to free PTI-affiliated prisoners who are involved in legal proceedings related to recent protests. The assault on the police convoy adds to the growing tensions in the region, as political and legal battles continue.
Following the attack, senior police officials arrived at the scene to assess the situation. IG Islamabad, Ali Nasir Rizvi, assured the public that “the full force of the law will be deployed to ensure justice,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to holding the attackers accountable.
To strengthen security, additional police units have been mobilized, and Islamabad Police have coordinated with Punjab law enforcement agencies for further assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The bold nature of the attack, particularly its targeting of a convoy under police supervision, has raised concerns about security measures in place for high-profile prisoners.
It has also highlighted the extent to which certain elements may go to disrupt legal processes and challenge the state’s authority.
With tensions high, the authorities are expected to tighten security around prisoner transport and enhance coordination between provincial law enforcement agencies to prevent further incidents of this nature.
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