ISLAMABAD: A search operation was continuing on Tuesday after 10 undertrial prisoners escaped from a prison van while being transported from Kahuta Tehsil Court to Adiala Jail, with authorities recapturing four of the fugitives.
Meanwhile, five officials, including the guard in-charge of Adiala Central Jail, present on duty at the time of the escape, have been arrested.
The arrested personnel were on duty at the time of the escape. Investigators have also begun examining their mobile phone data and call records as part of the probe.
Police said an initial investigation indicated that a violent altercation broke out among the inmates shortly before the escape in Islamabad’s Sihala area on Monday.
Four escapees have since been arrested, while 10 inmates remain at large, prompting an intensive manhunt.
“Special teams are conducting a search operation for the arrest of the remaining inmates,” Rawalpindi Police said in a statement on X.
Authorities said an inquiry has been launched under the supervision of senior officers, adding that strict departmental action would be taken against those found responsible for the security lapse.
Prison vans in Pakistan are frequently criticized for overcrowding, outdated locking systems, limited surveillance, and inadequate security escorts during inmate transfers.
Pakistan has witnessed several high-profile jailbreaks in recent years, fueling calls for prison reforms and stronger transport security.
In June last year, more than 200 inmates escaped from Malir Jail in Karachi after prisoners were moved out of their cells following earthquake tremors. Many were later recaptured.
In 2024, 20 detainees, including terrorism suspects, escaped from a prison in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. At least one prisoner was killed during an exchange of fire.
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Pakistan has also experienced major militant-led jailbreaks, including the 2012 attack on Bannu Central Jail, in which around 400 prisoners were freed.
