A police convoy transporting prisoners to Attock Jail came under attack by unidentified assailants near Sangjani Toll Plaza on Friday.
The attackers managed to free several prisoners, including three Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), though police later re-arrested the escapees.
Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi disclosed that the convoy comprised three vans carrying 82 prisoners. These individuals were being transferred back to Attock Jail following their appearance at the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).
According to Rizvi, around 18 to 20 attackers intercepted the vans at the toll plaza, disabling them by firing at the tires and hurling stones. Some prisoners, including the three PTI MPs, managed to flee in the chaos but were quickly apprehended.
The assault reportedly involved four cars, with the attackers armed with firearms, stones, and sticks. The attack led to significant damage, including shattered windows and disabled vehicles.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers blocked the road, forcing the police convoy to a standstill before opening fire on the vans. Initial police reports suggested up to 150 prisoners were in transit, but IG Rizvi later clarified the count at 82.
Four police officers sustained injuries during the incident. Following the attack, three suspects were detained, and law enforcement initiated search operations in surrounding areas to apprehend the remaining perpetrators.
Sources indicated that the attackers may have been motivated by intentions to free PTI-affiliated prisoners involved in ongoing legal proceedings related to recent protests.
Allegedly, one of the assailants is the son of Malik Liaquat Ali, Special Assistant on Welfare for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who, along with fellow PTI MPAs Anwar Zaib and Yasir Qureshi, was among those briefly freed.
Islamabad Police statement
Senior police officials reached the site shortly after the incident, with IG Islamabad stating that “the full force of the law will be deployed to ensure justice.”
Police have now mobilised additional units and have liaised with Punjab law enforcement agencies to assist in further investigations and secure the area.
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