Search underway for remaining detainees as investigation examines security lapses and planning
QUETTA:
According to prison sources, six of the 27 prisoners who escaped during a coordinated attack on Mastung Central Prison voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
On January 31, armed groups, including the banned Baloch Liberation Army, carried out a series of large-scale coordinated attacks in various districts of Balochistan. Among the targets was Mastung Central Prison, where the attackers launched an assault on the facility.
The attackers attempted to take control of the prison, taking staff hostage, breaking locks and facilitating the escape of around 27 prisoners. During the attack, several officials, including the prison director, were injured, while parts of the prison were set on fire.
Read: The specter of terror in Balochistan
Attacks were carried out almost simultaneously in several districts, including Nushki, Mastung, Quetta and other areas, targeting police stations, government offices, banks and security force installations.
According to prison sources, the escaped prisoners included both undertrials and convicted individuals facing charges related to terrorism, murder, narcotics and other offenses.
Six of the escaped prisoners contacted the relevant authorities and came forward voluntarily. These prisoners were returned to custody by the Mastung Prison Administration.
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Security agencies are continuing their investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the escape, possible assistance provided to the escapees and other related details. Various aspects of the incident are being investigated, including flaws in prison security and analysis of the planning and execution of the attack.
The police and relevant institutions continue their search operations for the remaining escaped prisoners. Security officials said The Express PK Press Club that the other escaped prisoners will soon be arrested to guarantee the rule of law.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the security situation in Balochistan, where an increase in these types of attacks has been observed in recent days.
