Authorities initiated a manhunt following the escape of 14 prisoners from a transport van in Kahuta, Rawalpindi. During the ongoing search operation, four of the fugitives have been apprehended, while efforts continue to locate the remaining ten.
Senior police officials have been directed to submit detailed reports on the incident, and an official inquiry is underway under the supervision of high-ranking officers. Initial findings indicate that a violent altercation erupted among the inmates inside the van prior to their escape.
The prisoners were being transferred to Adiala Jail after attending a court hearing when the incident occurred. The van was stopped for a routine check when one of the prisoners reportedly threw chili powder into the eyes of the police personnel, creating chaos that facilitated the breakout.
Following the escape, police sealed all entry and exit routes in Kahuta and deployed a substantial force to conduct the search. Special teams have been assigned to track down and arrest the remaining escapees.
In a related context, last year, more than 200 inmates escaped from Malir Jail in Karachi during an evacuation prompted by an earthquake. The jailbreak resulted in the death of one prisoner and injuries to several security officers. As of June 3, over 80 of those escapees had been recaptured, with operations ongoing to find the rest.
