Two terrorists, including the alleged mastermind of the Dasu hydropower project attack, were killed during an exchange of fire between their accomplices and law enforcement on Thursday.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the incident occurred near Sahiwal's Samundri Road when five terrorists, including the key figure behind the Dasu attack, were being transferred from Sahiwal Jail due to a security threat alert.
The terrorists' accomplices launched an assault to rescue the prisoners during the transfer. However, the CTD swiftly responded, resulting in a gunfight that led to the deaths of two terrorists, Muhammad Hussain and Ayaz, who were identified as key figures involved in the attack.
The remaining three terrorists were unharmed as they were being transported in separate jail vans, according to CTD officials.
The court had earlier sentenced the terrorists involved in the Dasu attack to death. The Dasu attack, which took place in July 2021, claimed the lives of 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, and left more than 20 others injured.
The CTD emphasized that strict security measures were in place during the transfer of the prisoners, but the attempt to free the masterminds was thwarted by the timely response of law enforcement.