Prisoners' escape prompts fresh SOPs

Rawalpindi police have issued a stringent new standard operating procedure (SOP) governing the transportation of prisoners between Adiala Jail and courts following the escape of 14 undertrial prisoners while being brought back from Kahuta courts.

Two of the escaped suspects remain at large despite raids on their homes, relatives' residences and other hideouts.

The SP Headquarters has enforced a 20-point SOP covering every stage of transporting prisoners to and from courts.

Under the new rules, all prisoners appearing in court are prohibited from talking on mobile phones while at court premises or judicial lock-ups.

Taking prisoners to hotels or roadside eateries for tea or meals has also been declared an offence.

Recording videos of prisoners for TikTok or any other purpose has been banned.

Prison vans carrying prisoners will no longer be allowed to stop en route. If a stop becomes unavoidable, the vehicle must be parked only at the nearest police station or police post.

Police personnel and drivers assigned to prison vans will now be changed daily.

Prisoners must remain secured with double handcuffs attached to the lock-up system throughout transportation.

Drivers have been directed to ensure prison vehicles remain fully roadworthy.

Additional police guards will be deployed for prisoners involved in murder, robbery and kidnapping for ransom cases.