Police convoy attacked near Sangjani toll plaza; PTI MPAs briefly escape from custody

On Friday, unidentified perpetrators attacked a police convoy transporting prisoners to Attock Prison.

The attackers managed to free several prisoners, including three members of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), although police later re-arrested the fugitives.

Inspector General (IG) Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi revealed that the convoy consisted of three vans carrying 82 prisoners. These individuals were transferred back to Attock Prison following their appearance in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC).

According to Rizvi, around 18-20 attackers intercepted delivery vehicles at the toll plaza, disabling them, shooting tires and throwing stones. Some prisoners, including three PTI parliamentarians, managed to escape in the chaos but were quickly detained.

According to reports, four cars were involved in the attack and the attackers were armed with firearms, stones and sticks. The attack led to significant damage, including broken windows and damaged vehicles.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers blocked the road, forcing the police convoy to stop, and then opened fire on the delivery vehicles. Initial police reports suggested that up to 150 prisoners were in transit, but IG Rizvi later clarified that there were 82.

Four policemen were injured as a result of the incident. After the attack, three suspects were detained, and law enforcement authorities initiated a search in the area to catch the remaining perpetrators.

Sources indicated that the attackers may have been motivated by the desire to release PTI-affiliated prisoners involved in ongoing court proceedings related to the recent protests.

One of the attackers is said to be the son of Malik Liaquat Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Special Assistant on Social Welfare, who, along with fellow PTI MPAs Anwar Zaib and Yasir Qureshi, was among those briefly released.

Islamabad Police Statement

Senior police officials reached the spot soon after the incident and IG Islamabad stated that “the full force of the law will be used to ensure justice.”

Police have now mobilized additional units and engaged with Punjab law enforcement agencies to assist with further investigations and secure the area.