A search is underway for the remaining inmates as the investigation examines security and planning failures.
QUETA:
Six of the 27 prisoners who escaped during a coordinated attack on Mastung central prison voluntarily surrendered to authorities, according to prison sources.
On January 31, armed groups, including the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, carried out a series of large-scale coordinated attacks in several districts of Balochistan. Among the targets was Mastung central prison, where attackers launched an assault on the facility.
The attackers attempted to take control of the jail, taking staff members hostage, breaking locks, and facilitating the escape of approximately 27 inmates. During the attack, several officials, including the jail superintendent, were injured, while parts of the jail were set on fire.
Read: The specter of terror in Balochistan
The attacks were carried out almost simultaneously in several districts, including Nushki, Mastung, Quetta and other areas, targeting police stations, government offices, banks and security forces facilities.
According to prison sources, the escaped prisoners included both people on trial and convicted people facing charges related to terrorism, murder, narcotics and other crimes.
Six of the escaped prisoners contacted the relevant authorities and voluntarily presented themselves. These prisoners have been detained again by the Mastung prison administration.
Read more: Balochistan: management or resolution?
Security agencies are continuing their investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the escape, possible assistance provided to the fugitives and other related details. Several aspects of the incident are being reviewed, including failures in jail security and analysis of the planning and execution of the attack.
Police and relevant institutions continue search operations for the remaining escaped prisoners. Security officials said The express PAkGazette that the other escaped prisoners will be arrested soon to ensure the rule of law.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragility of the security situation in Balochistan, which has seen an increase in such attacks in recent days.
