A daring prison break unfolded in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Sunday, leaving authorities scrambling to recapture 19 escaped detainees. The incident began at the Poonch district jail in Rawalakot, where 20 inmates, some facing terrorism charges, managed to escape after taking a sentry hostage.
According to Badar Munir, an official with the regional ministry of interior, the inmates used a revolver, the origin of which remains unclear, to seize control of the guard. The ensuing escape led to a confrontation with security forces, resulting in the death of one escapee in the crossfire.
The inspector general of Kashmir prisons, Waheed Ali Gillani, confirmed the escape of 20 prisoners, with 19 still at large. Local police, under the command of senior official Riaz Mughal, have implemented a lockdown in Rawalakot, sealing off entry and exit points while conducting a search operation to apprehend the remaining escapees.
This incident underscores the ongoing issues with Pakistan’s prison system, known for its severe overcrowding, poor conditions, corruption, and human rights violations. The slow pace of judicial processes often leads to extended stays for prisoners.
The escape also raises concerns about security breaches within the prison system. Notably, militant groups have orchestrated multiple mass jailbreaks in Pakistan’s history, including a 2012 incident in the northwestern town of Bannu that saw 400 prisoners escape.
