At least 14 undertrial prisoners escaped from a prison van while authorities were transporting them to Adiala Jail in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Police officers managed to recapture four of the escapees, while the remaining 10 fled from the scene. Security agencies immediately launched a large-scale search operation to trace the absconding prisoners. The incident has raised serious concerns about prison security and the handling of inmates during transit. Officials are continuing efforts to locate those who remain at large.
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Massive Search Operation
The incident took place on Monday after 36 undertrial prisoners appeared before the Kahuta Tehsil Court near Rawalpindi. Authorities were taking them back to Adiala Jail when the prison van reached the Chakian area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sihala Police Station in Islamabad. During the journey, escort personnel heard loud shouting and a commotion coming from inside the prisoners’ compartment. They quickly stopped the vehicle to investigate the disturbance.
According to police, Sub-Inspector Imtiaz, who was leading the escort team, opened the prisoners’ compartment to restore order. As soon as the door opened, several inmates allegedly threw red chilli powder into the eyes of the police personnel. The unexpected attack temporarily blinded the officers and created an opportunity for the prisoners to flee. Police immediately chased the escapees and succeeded in recapturing four of them. However, 10 prisoners managed to escape in different directions.
Prison Van Escape
Following the incident, Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Hamdani took immediate notice of the security breach. He instructed senior police officials to reach the spot, submit a detailed report, and launch an extensive search operation. Police teams have intensified raids in nearby areas to locate the escaped prisoners. Authorities have also begun reviewing the circumstances that allowed the inmates to overpower the escort personnel. An internal inquiry is expected to determine whether any security lapses contributed to the escape.
Pakistan has witnessed several prison escape incidents in recent years. Last year, more than 200 prisoners escaped from a jail after officials evacuated inmates during an earthquake. According to Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah, authorities had moved over 600 prisoners out of their barracks as a precaution during the tremors. The confusion that followed allowed 216 inmates to flee. That incident, along with the latest prison van escape, has once again highlighted concerns over prison management and security arrangements in the country.
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