KARACHI: An attempt to free around 100 militants from the Karachi Central Prison was foiled when Pakistan Rangers raided a house which was used by suspects to tunnel their way to their targeted barrack, said an officer of the paramilitary force on Monday.

The suspects were arrested when they had already dug up a 45-metre-long and 10-metre-deep tunnel leading from an underground water tank inside the house situated in Ghausia Colony, near the city’s largest jail.

Five other suspects were picked up following the leads obtained from initial interrogation.

A thorough search resulted in the recovery of radio sets, wires, jihadi literature, a ladder, flags and posters, scissors and knives.

Two inquiry committees have been set up by the provincial authorities to investigate the matter and ascertain if any ‘inside help’ was available to the suspects.

Published in Dawn, October 14th, 2014