'PTI MPA's son among four arrested over attempt to free prisoners:' Tarar

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar says footage from toll plaza CCTV cameras to serve as evidence.

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Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar announced that four suspects, including the son of a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of Provincial Assembly, have been detained following an attack on prison vans aimed at facilitating inmate escapes, Express News reported.

The minister said the incident was a "planned assault" orchestrated by PTI supporters.

Speaking on the incident at the Sangjani Toll Plaza, Tarar confirmed that PTI members attacked the prison vehicles, attempting to free detainees.

Police, however, thwarted the escape attempt, capturing 19 inmates who had initially managed to flee.

The attack reportedly took place while the prisoners were being transferred to Attock Jail.

Among the detainees involved was the son of PTI legislator Liaqat, who was arrested alongside three other suspects. Two vehicles and two pistols were also seized during the police operation.

According to Tarar, the incident at Sangjani is part of a larger pattern of violence by PTI, recalling the 9 May attacks on the military and national memorials, as well as prior incidents involving state institutions like PTV and the Parliament.

Eighty-two prisoners were being transported when the attack took place, Tarar said, describing it as coordinated by criminal elements who ambushed the slowed vehicles near the toll plaza. All escapees have since been recaptured, and authorities are pursuing the remaining suspects.

Tarar strongly criticised PTI’s response, calling it “shameful” and accused the party of “lying” and fabricating details around the incident.

He added that footage from toll plaza CCTV cameras would serve as evidence, and he pledged that all suspects would face charges based on solid proof.

He also stated that if May 9 offenders had been duly punished, this assault would not have occurred. The government, he asserted, will make an example of those involved, ensuring no one challenges the state’s authority again.