A search is underway for remaining prisoners while the probe investigates security breaches and planning
QUETTA:
Six of the 27 prisoners who escaped during a coordinated attack on Central Jail Mastung have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, according to prison sources.
On 31 January, armed groups, including the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army, carried out a series of large-scale coordinated attacks across different districts of Balochistan. Among the targets was the central prison in Mastung, where the attackers launched an attack on the facility.
The attackers attempted to seize control of the prison, took staff members hostage, broke locks and facilitated the escape of approximately 27 prisoners. During the attack, several officials, including the prison inspector, sustained injuries, while parts of the prison were set on fire.
Read: The specter of terror in Balochistan
Attacks were carried out almost simultaneously across several districts, including Nushki, Mastung, Quetta and other areas, targeting police stations, government offices, banks and security forces installations.
According to prison sources, the escaped prisoners included both under-trial and convicted individuals facing charges related to terrorism, murder, narcotics and other offences.
Six of the escaped prisoners contacted relevant authorities and volunteered. These prisoners have been detained by the Mastung prison administration.
Read more: Balochistan — leadership or solution?
Security agencies are continuing their investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the escape, possible assistance provided to the fugitives and other related details. Various aspects of the incident are under review, including lapses in prison security and analysis of the planning and execution of the attack.
Police and relevant institutions continue search operations for the remaining escaped prisoners. That’s what security people said Express Pakinomist that the other escaped prisoners will soon be arrested to ensure the rule of law.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the security situation in Balochistan, where an increase in such attacks has been observed in recent days.
