Unidentified gunmen launched an attack, on Friday, on three prison vans carrying detainees at the Sangjani Toll Plaza in Pakistan, leading to a dramatic escape by several prisoners. Among those who fled were three Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), according to police sources.
Attack Targets Prison Vans Carrying Protest Detainees
The incident occurred as 187 detainees were en route to Attock Jail after attending court hearings. The detainees, apprehended during recent protests at D-Chowk, included prominent PTI MPAs Anwar Zeb, Liaquat, and Yasir Qureshi, along with other government employees and police officers, according to police.
“Armed assailants, seemingly lying in wait, opened fire as the prison vans reached Sangjani,” a police official stated. Witnesses report that the attackers specifically targeted the tyres of the vehicles, forcing them to stop. As a result, police officers on board suffered injuries, and emergency services promptly transported them to the hospital.
Coordinated Assault Aids High-Profile Escape
Law enforcement described the ambush as a well-coordinated assault, allegedly involving 25 to 30 armed men. The attackers reportedly shattered van windows and disabled police vehicles, effectively blocking officers from responding immediately. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police confirmed the assailants’ aim was to free detainees accused of terrorism and other charges related to recent PTI protests.
“This was a planned assault, intended to free individuals implicated in terrorism cases related to the PTI protests,” a police spokesperson stated. The incident points to the mounting challenges authorities face in handling high-profile detainees amid increasing political tensions.
Law Enforcement Responds with Reinforcements and Immediate Manhunt
Following the attack, police mobilized reinforcements to secure the area and launched a sweeping manhunt. Authorities have already recaptured some escapees, including the son of an MPA, but several others remain unaccounted for. Investigators believe that the attackers assisted the remaining prisoners in escaping.
According to Express News, while police managed to prevent many prisoners from fleeing, the attackers succeeded in freeing a portion of the detainees and causing significant damage to the prison vans and nearby police vehicles. Local sources report a heavy police presence in the aftermath, as officers worked to secure the area and assess the situation.
Authorities Vow to Pursue Attackers and Re-Apprehend Escapees
Law enforcement agencies are committed to tracking down those responsible for the audacious attack and recapturing the escaped prisoners. Authorities have increased security measures around other prison transports to prevent future incidents.
Police are actively investigating the origins of the assault and whether the attackers had inside information on the detainees’ movements. This ambush has heightened concerns over the security of high-profile political detainees, with officials warning that they will take all necessary measures to re-establish control over these individuals.
The Sangjani ambush marks a serious security breach, underscoring the risks involved in transporting detainees amidst political unrest. Authorities continue to pursue leads on the assailants’ whereabouts, vowing to bring them and any remaining escapees to justice.
