Rawalpindi Police Launch Manhunt for Escaped Prisoners Following Prison Van Break

Rawalpindi police were hunting nearly a dozen inmates after they escaped from a prison van on Monday, the authorities said.

Pakistan’s prison transport vehicles often suffer from overcrowding, inadequate surveillance, and insufficient locking mechanisms, with limited security personnel escorting transfers.

Investigators identified a fierce fight among the prisoners shortly before the escape in the Sihala area of Islamabad as the trigger for the breakout.

Four of the fugitives were apprehended during the ensuing search, while local media reported that ten others remained at large, prompting an extensive manhunt.

“Special teams are conducting a search operation for the arrest of the remaining inmates,” the Rawalpindi police said on X. “An investigation has also been initiated under the supervision of senior officers. Strict departmental action will be taken against those responsible,” they added.

Recent years have seen a series of similar escapes in Pakistan, fuelling calls for upgrades to prison facilities, improved transport infrastructure, and stricter security protocols.

In June of last year, more than 200 inmates broke free from Malir prison in Karachi after being moved out of their cells during earthquake tremors.

A year earlier, 20 detainees, some accused of terrorism, staged a jail break in Azad Kashmir; at least one was killed in the crossfire.

Militant groups have also orchestrated mass jailbreaks, most notably the 2012 Bannu incident where 400 prisoners escaped.

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