By Our Correspondent
RAWALPINDI –At least 14 under-trial prisoners escaped from a police prisoner van on Monday after overpowering security personnel while being transported from Kahuta to Adiala Jail, triggering a large-scale search operation by law enforcement agencies.
According to Rawalpindi Police, the incident occurred in the Sihala area when the prisoners allegedly created a disturbance inside the vehicle before attacking the security guards escorting them. Taking advantage of the chaos, 14 prisoners managed to flee from custody.
Following the incident, Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani immediately took notice and directed senior police officers to reach the scene, supervise the investigation and launch an extensive operation to arrest the escapees.
A police spokesperson confirmed that security forces quickly initiated search operations in the surrounding areas and successfully re-arrested four of the escaped prisoners. Efforts are continuing to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives.
“The escaped individuals are under-trial prisoners facing different criminal cases currently pending before the courts,” the spokesperson said, adding that law enforcement agencies were working jointly to ensure their swift arrest.
Police officials said the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Sihala Police Station in Islamabad, while Rawalpindi Police are coordinating closely with Islamabad Police and other security agencies during the ongoing search operation.
According to preliminary findings, a violent altercation erupted among the prisoners inside the van during transit. The situation quickly escalated, allowing the suspects to overpower the guards and escape from custody.
Authorities have assured the public that all available resources are being utilised to trace the fugitives. Police teams have established checkpoints, carried out raids at multiple locations and intensified surveillance across nearby districts.
An inquiry has also been ordered under the supervision of senior police officers to determine how the prisoners managed to escape despite being under armed escort. Officials said strict departmental action would be taken against any personnel found negligent or responsible for security lapses.
The latest incident has once again raised serious concerns over prisoner transport security in Pakistan.
Earlier this month, two police officials and two civilians were booked after an under-trial prisoner escaped from Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi while receiving medical treatment under police custody.
Pakistan has witnessed several high-profile jailbreaks in recent years. In 2025, more than 200 inmates escaped from District Prison Malir in Karachi in what Sindh authorities described as one of the country’s largest prison breaks. Following that incident, the Sindh government removed the provincial prisons chief, suspended the deputy inspector general of prisons and dismissed the prison superintendent over alleged administrative failures.
Security experts say repeated incidents involving escaped prisoners highlight the need for stronger escort procedures, better-trained prison staff, improved transport security and enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies to prevent similar breaches in the future.
